Merrell Moab Speed 2
Pros
- One of the lightest hiking shoes
- Plush and abundant cushioning
- Great support and stability
- Perfect grip for moderate terrain
- Excellent durability
- Breathable for summer
- Cozy step-in feel
- Two loops for easy on-off
Cons
- Frail inner lining
- Small debris gets inside
Key Features
- Responsible Collection: Incorporates recycled and repurposed materials to lessen environmental impact.
- Upper Material: Constructed with durable nylon ripstop and TPU for enhanced resilience.
- Lining: Features a breathable mesh made from recycled materials to keep your feet cool and comfortable.
- Closure: Uses a lace system crafted from recycled materials for a secure fit.
- Footbed: Made of EVA that contains 50% recycled content and treated with Cleansport NXT for anti-odor protection.
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA or imported, ensuring quality craftsmanship.
- Sole Material: Durable rubber that offers excellent grip and longevity.
- Outer Material: Leather exterior for durability and support.
- Inner Material: Recycled mesh lining for breathability and comfort.
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 is designed for women seeking a lightweight yet supportive hiking shoe. It excels in performance, making it a top choice in the lab for women's hiking footwear.
Weighing only 11.6 oz (329g), the Moab Speed 2 is 13.4% lighter than the average hiking shoe. Its stack height of 38.8/23.8 mm surpasses the average of 32.8/22.0 mm, contributing to its impressive design. The full-length FloatPro Foam offers significant impact protection, evidenced by a high 125 SA score.
During testing, we found the shoe provided excellent traction and stability. The midfoot features a FlexPlate that extends to the heel, enhancing controlled movements. Additionally, the firm Vibram TC5+ rubber outsole, equipped with 3.7 mm lugs, ensures reliable grip on various terrains.
A potential drawback is the absence of a fully gusseted tongue, which could allow small debris to enter. Women who prioritize this feature may wish to explore alternative options. Overall, the Merrell Moab Speed 2 combines lightness with durability, suited for diverse hiking conditions.
Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX
Pros
- Fantastic balanced cushioning for long hikes
- Excellent protection from impact, rocks, and trail debris
- Excepitional side-to-side containment and wide platform
- Perfect grip on various terrain
- Durable Vibram rubber
- Effective but lighter-feeling Gore-Tex waterproofing
- High-quality nubuck panels
- True to size
Cons
- Upper mesh is not very durable
- Loses midsole softness in cold
Key Features
- Jacquard Knit Upper: Offers both flexibility and support, ensuring comfort during long hikes.
- GORE-TEX Invisible Fit Technology: Provides waterproof protection without adding bulk.
- 30% Sugarcane EVA Midsole: A sustainable cushioning solution that offers excellent shock absorption.
- Vibram Megagrip Outsole: Ensures superior traction on wet and dry surfaces, enhancing stability.
- Abrasion Resistant Toe Cap: Protects against rocks and other trail debris, increasing the shoe's longevity.
- Metal Eyelets: Enhance durability while maintaining a classic look.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
- Outer material: Polyester
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX is a reliable choice for day hiking, particularly suited for those seeking comfort and support during medium-length, moderately challenging hikes.
This shoe offers abundant cushioning and a substantial platform, helping to minimize fatigue over extended periods. Users will appreciate its ability to provide stability and traction on various surfaces, enhancing confidence while navigating different terrains.
However, the Anacapa 2 Low GTX has limitations in handling technical terrain, which may impact performance in more demanding conditions. Despite this drawback, it remains one of our top recommendations for casual hiking adventures.
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.