Hoka used to be a niche brand for runners, but that has changed dramatically over the past few years and the brand is now a go-to option for hikers. What we don’t: New uppers lack structure not as durable as a dedicated hiking shoe. What we like: Plush cushioning offers all-day comfort grippy outsole. See the Men's Merrell Moab 3 See the Women's Merrell Moab 3īest Ultralight and Cushioned Hiking Shoe 3. Keep in mind that we included the non-waterproof version here, but Merrell also makes a waterproof model that costs $135 and weighs slightly more at 2 pounds 2 ounces per pair. But these are reasonable tradeoffs for casual hikers, and it’s hard to deny the price, which checks in a full $80 less than the Danner above. And at 2 pounds 1 ounce for a pair, it feels a little slow and cumbersome compared with some lighter and nimbler alternatives. In terms of downsides, on rocky and muddy trails, we’ve found that the Moab’s traction and stability fall short of a performance shoe like the La Sportiva Spire below. For day hikers sticking to established trails, the Moab 3 is a great value. Merrell recently updated the Moab, including recycled materials, a new insole, and modest updates to cushioning and traction, but the formula largely remains the same. What has made this shoe so popular over the years? Most notably, it's the lightweight but planted feel, comfortable and well-padded fit, excellent durability, and attractive price point. These may not be your long-distance or fast-and-light hiking shoes, but there is a lot to like about Merrell’s flagship Moab 3. What we don’t: Not built for technical terrain. What we like: Very comfortable and a great price. See the Men's Danner Trail 2650 See the Women's Danner Trail 2650 Best Budget Hiking Shoe 2. Finally, Danner also makes the Trail 2650 in a waterproof version ($210), a more breathable mesh design ($190), and a supportive mid-height boot ($220). But these are small complaints about an otherwise comfortable, capable, and modern lightweight hiking shoe. What’s more, we’re not quite sure what to make of the rather massive piece of rubber on the heel, which seems to go above and beyond the necessary levels of protection. On the other hand, it’s far from the most stable design here-with a low collar and less of a locked-down feel than shoes like the La Sportiva Spire or Salomon X Ultra 4, it will show its weakness on tricky terrain or while hauling a heavy load. Added up, the Trail 2650 is a versatile and high-performance option, ideal for day hikes, quick summits, and even lightweight backpacking.ĭespite its lightweight build, the Danner offers a step up in protection compared to the trail runners below, with generous heel and toe protection and a fairly stiff rubber sole. And the Danner also manages to do what most hiking shoes don’t: look good in the process. Its leather upper is long-lasting and conforms to the contours of your foot, while a mesh liner and textile collar add a nice dose of breathability. The Trail 2650 is comfortable right out of the box, grippy with a Vibram outsole, and impressively light at 1 pound 8 ounces per pair. And with the mileage of the Pacific Crest Trail in its name, it’s also designed to tackle some serious ground. The Danner Trail 2650 is our top hiking shoe for 2022, combining a feathery feel with impressive on-trail performance. What we don’t: Not particularly stable and might overheat in warm conditions. What we like: The full package in a lightweight hiker. Best Hiking Shoe for Off-Trail Scrambling: La Sportiva TX4īest Overall Hiking Shoe 1.Best Shoe for Backpacking and Technical Trails: La Sportiva Spire GTX.
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