Merrell Moab 3 GTX
Pros
- Superb day-one comfort
- Brilliant surface adhesion
- Supportive like a work shoe
- Remarkably durable
- A-grade waterproofing
- Sheds mud quite well
- Protective toe box
- Incredible overall quality
Cons
- Heavy for a low-top
- Subpar breathability
- Its shoelaces unravel often
- Minimal shock absorption
Key Features
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane for exceptional breathability and waterproof performance
- Pigskin leather and mesh upper for durability and comfort
- 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining promoting sustainability
- Bellows tongue effectively keeps out debris
- Protective toe cap shields against rocks and obstacles
- Vibram TC5+ rubber sole offers superior traction on varied terrains
Specifications
- Fabric type: 100% Synthetic
- Sole material: Rubber
- Shaft height: Ankle
- Outer material: Suede
The Merrell Moab 3 GTX is recognized as an excellent choice for winter hiking, particularly suited for those seeking comfort and durability in cold conditions.
This model upholds the comfort expected from the Moab range, providing a snug fit straight out of the box. In our lab tests, we recorded the tongue’s thickness at 14.6 mm, significantly more cushioned than the average of 10.2 mm, ensuring comfortable hikes without any rubbing or blisters, eliminating the need for break-in periods.
The Merrell Moab 3 GTX incorporates several key features to enhance winter hiking performance. Its watertight upper effectively passed our wet test, remaining impermeable even when submerged in a stream. The fully gusseted tongue aids in keeping water from entering around the instep, complemented by the reliable Gore-Tex membrane.
With sticky 4.8 mm lugs in the Vibram outsole, these shoes provide strong traction on muddy, snowy, or rocky trails, instilling confidence during hikes. However, it is important to note that the Merrell Moab 3 GTX emphasizes ground feel; therefore, individuals seeking maximum impact protection may want to consider more cushioned hiking options.
La Sportiva Spire GTX
Pros
- Feels like a backpacking boot with low collar
- Unparalleled stability and support
- Superb waterproofness with some breathabilty
- Mutes out rocks and debris like no other
- Excellent grip and braking
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Greater range of sizes allows to fine tune the fit
Cons
- Can feel tippy on rocky and hilly terrain
- Frail inner lining
- Gets even firmer in cold
Key Features
- 360-Degree Breathability: Incorporates ePE Gore-Tex® Surround™ and Nano Cell 2.0 technologies for superior ventilation.
- Lightweight Construction: Designed to be lightweight yet durable, offering ease of movement on trails.
- Cushioned Midsole: Provides excellent shock absorption for long hikes, helping reduce fatigue.
- Durable Materials: Made with high-quality rubber and mesh that withstands regular wear and tear.
- Excellent Traction: The rugged sole ensures grip on various surfaces, enhancing stability during your adventures.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Mesh
- Inner Material: Mesh
The La Sportiva Spire GTX is an ideal backpacking shoe for winter hikes, providing warmth, protection, and stability for snowy and unpredictable conditions. Our testing, both in the lab and on the trail, confirmed its effectiveness during various outdoor adventures.
With a heel foam thickness of 39.1 mm, one of the tallest measurements we've encountered, the shoe offers significant isolation from ground impact and debris. The heel features a steep incline of 16.0 mm, which helps reduce stress on the Achilles tendon, allowing for longer treks while carrying heavy loads.
The cushion measures a firm 32.6 HA on our durometer, enhancing overall stability. Additionally, the STB control system includes tall sidewalls that cradle the feet securely, while the Vibram outsole, equipped with 4.3 mm deep lugs, ensures reliable traction on various surfaces.
Designed to withstand cold weather, the upper provides excellent protection against harsh winds, achieving a low score of 1/5 in breathability tests, which is beneficial for winter footwear. However, it’s important to note that the already firm midsole becomes even firmer in colder temperatures, making this shoe less suitable for those who prefer softer cushioning.
Altra Olympus 6 Hike Low GTX
Pros
- Excellent shock absorption
- Comfortably soft cushioning
- Ultra padded and cozy step-in feel
- Exceptionally wide fit and footshaped toebox
- Extra wide and stable platform
- Highly durable leather and outsole
- Excellent grip on smooth and wet rocks
- Solid waterproofing
Cons
- Not a true zero-drop (1.5 mm)
- Midsole gets notably firmer in cold
- Frail inner lining
Key Features
- GORE-TEX Invisible Fit: This lightweight upper guarantees waterproof, windproof, and breathable performance, keeping your feet dry in wet conditions.
- Vibram Megagrip: Known for its sticky rubber, this sole provides exceptional grip on both dry and wet surfaces, perfect for unpredictable terrain.
- FootShape Fit: Altra's signature design offers a roomy toe box, allowing your toes to move freely while maintaining ample support through the midfoot.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Polyester
- Inner material: Polyester
The Altra Olympus 6 Hike Low GTX is an excellent choice for winter hikers seeking a comfortable and spacious fit. This shoe prioritizes comfort, providing a plush sensation that has been notably appreciated during snowy mountain excursions. Among the winter hiking shoes we tested, its wide toebox stands out, accommodating even broader feet effectively.
This model features the Original FootShape Fit, which measures 80.5 mm in the toebox, significantly wider than the average of 72.5 mm. This design allows for ample room without sacrificing support. Additionally, the impermeable upper material ensures warmth in sub-zero temperatures, constructed from nubuck leather and the Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane.
In our lab tests, the shoe demonstrated excellent impact protection, offering above-average shock absorption rated at 118 SA, which enhances comfort during prolonged trekking sessions. Although the platform height is moderate, it provides sufficient cushioning for demanding hikes.
However, the shoe's stiff construction may be excessive for lighter trails. For casual walks or easy park strolls, a more flexible shoe would be advisable. Overall, the Altra Olympus 6 Hike Low GTX excels in stability and durability for serious winter hikes but may not suit all types of outdoor activities.
Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX
Pros
- Boot-like stability
- Highly durable and protective
- Lightweight for what it offers
- Excellent waterproofing
- Breathable for a GTX shoe
- Responsive ride
- Very secure foothold
- Great grip and deep lugs for mixed terrain
Cons
- Stuffy for summer
- Can be too stiff (even stiffer in cold)
- Break-in needed
Key Features
- EVA midsole for cushioning and comfort
- External heel clip for added stability
- Continental Rubber outsole for superior grip in all conditions
- GORE-TEX membrane for waterproof and breathable performance
- Made with at least 50% recycled materials
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
- Sole material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, Rubber
- Outer material: Rubber
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX is designed for hikers seeking stability and comfort during winter conditions. This shoe excels in preventing ankle twists and provides excellent grip on icy or frosty surfaces.
During our testing of the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX on both trails and in lab environments, we noted its significant stability. The embedded Pro-Moderator technology in the midsole effectively prevents ankle rolling, contributing to a firm heel counter rating of 4/5 and a rigid structure rated at 5/5. This combination ensures a secure fit that protects against twists and sprains, giving it an exceptionally solid feel akin to that of a boot while maintaining the freedom of a hiking shoe.
This shoe performs well on snowy or muddy terrains, featuring lugs that measure 4.4 mm, slightly deeper than the average of 4.3 mm. These provide notable traction across various surfaces, such as soft, muddy trails, snow, slippery rocks, and asphalt. The rugged Continental outsole stands out with its chevron design, allowing for efficient mud shedding and enhanced grip on loose descents.
The Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX also offers exceptional comfort, with a heel stack height that is 9% higher than average. Our measurements show the plush midsole at 26 HA, which is 18% softer than typical options. Remarkably, after being frozen for 20 minutes and retested, the midsole only increased in firmness by 17%, reaching 30.5 HA, comparable to most hiking shoes at room temperature. This feature ensures a comfortable ride in diverse weather conditions.
However, this shoe may not be suitable for hikers who prefer a low heel-to-toe drop and a more natural walking experience. With a heel stack height of 36.6 mm and a forefoot stack height of 20.7 mm, the total drop measures 15.9 mm, which exceeds the average drop of 12 mm in hiking shoes.
Merrell Agility Peak 5 GTX
Pros
- True waterproof protection
- Grippy, trail-ready Vibram outsole
- Perfect for cold, wet climates
- Can handle some challenging conditions
- Stable yet cushioned heel
- Improved for hiking and walking
- Well-designed outsole lugs
- Great build quality
- Keeps feet warm
- Rock plate
Cons
- Narrow toebox
- Heel padding durability concerns
- No reflective elements
- Drop differs too much from stated
Key Features
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane provides exceptional breathability and waterproof performance.
- Breathable engineered mesh and TPU upper for enhanced comfort.
- 100% recycled laces support sustainability efforts.
- Zipper closure for easy on and off access.
Specifications
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Engineered Mesh, TPU
- Inner material: Mesh
- Closure type: Pull-On
Merrell’s Agility Peak 5 GTX is designed for winter running enthusiasts seeking protection and comfort against icy conditions. Our lab tests confirmed that this shoe effectively safeguards against typical elements encountered during cold-weather runs, including slippery surfaces and discomfort. It features a notable Vibram outsole that provides excellent grip among snow running shoes.
The Vibram outsole demonstrated reliable traction during testing, equipped with deep 4.4 mm chevron lugs that enhance grip on slick ice. These lugs are thoughtfully spaced to manage both soft ground and more challenging terrains. This design instills confidence while navigating difficult winter conditions.
The upper is constructed with a waterproof GTX membrane, effectively blocking moisture and cold winds. Testing revealed minimal airflow in the dense upper, resulting in a ventilation score of 1/5, making it ideal for winter. As a result, we experienced no cold feet during our sub-zero temperature runs.
In terms of cushioning, the midsole is generously padded, particularly the 37.3 mm heel that absorbs landing impact well. Our durometer test indicated a near-average 21.3 HA, ensuring a balanced and comfortable running experience. Additionally, the shoe includes a rock plate that protects against underfoot hazards.
However, the Agility Peak 5 GTX may not be suitable for individuals with wide feet, as the tapered toebox can feel constricting. This aspect may limit its appeal for those who prefer a more spacious fit.