Salomon Outpulse
Pros
- Grippy and durable lugs
- Extremely breathable
- Lighter than average
- Protective and bouncy midsole
- Great for long hikes
- Speedy and tenacious
- Comfortable and high-quality upper construction
- Secure lockdown
- No break-in required
- Performs consistently in the cold
Cons
- Not ideal for wide feet
- Tongue slippage
Key Features
- Waterproof Gore-Tex Membrane: Keeps your feet dry while ensuring breathability, making it suitable for various weather conditions.
- Smooth Stride: The reverse camber rubber sole geometry allows for smoother transitions, reducing fatigue.
- Versatile Grip: Equipped with an all-terrain Contagrip rubber outsole for excellent traction on diverse surfaces.
- Cushioned Midsole: Features Fuze Foam technology providing responsive cushioning and durability without sacrificing energy return.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Nylon
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Salomon Outpulse is designed for light hiking enthusiasts seeking a combination of comfort and performance. This ultra-lightweight shoe weighs just 11.6 oz (329g), making it one of the lightest options available, and offers significant stability and grip during outdoor activities.
With a springy midsole that registers at 22.6 HA on the durometer, the Salomon Outpulse provides an energetic underfoot feel that enhances agility. This feature contributes to a lively hiking experience, allowing users to maintain energy levels throughout their excursions.
These shoes excel in traction across various terrains, from smooth rock to wet or dry ground. The lugs, measuring 4.1 mm deep, combined with their multidirectional design, deliver impressive grip, while scoring a middling 3/5 in torsional flexibility tests ensures adaptability on uneven surfaces.
The toe box features moderate durability, earning a 3/5 in our Dremel test. While this level of toughness is sufficient for light hiking, those engaging in more intense activities may require a sturdier option for better protection.
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.
On Cloudhorizon
Pros
- Excellent cushioning and impact protection
- One of the lightest hiking shoes
- Transitions from city to trails seamlessly
- Nice and smooth heel-to-toes
- Breathable for mild weather
- Comfortable in-shoe feel
- True to size and fit
- Great grip on smooth and wet surfaces
Cons
- Not a real hiking shoe
- Lacks durability for the price
- Not very stable
- Not for soft terrain or mud
Key Features
- Waterproof Construction: Keeps your feet dry in wet conditions.
- CloudTec Phase® Technology: Provides exceptional cushioning for all-day comfort.
- Lightweight Engineered Mesh Upper: Made from recycled polyester, offering flexibility and breathability.
- Helion Superfoam Midsole: Enhances responsiveness and energy return during hikes.
- Missiongrip Rubber Outsole: Ensures superior traction on various terrains.
- Sustainable Design: Approximately 32% of the shoe's materials are recycled content, including 85% recycled polyester.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Rubber
- Inner Material: Polyester
The On Cloudhorizon is an impressive option in the light hiking category, best suited for individuals seeking superior shock absorption without added weight. This cushioned and springy shoe provides prolonged comfort, making it a stylish choice for outdoor activities.
Its primary feature is the Helion midsole, which measures 35.5/26.4 mm, creating significant cushioning between the feet and the ground. Utilizing On’s CloudTec technology, the shoe delivers exceptional shock absorption and enhances each stride, offering a 26.7% better impact protection than average with a 133 SA rating. This contributes to its notably softer feel, reflected in its 26.3 HA durometer reading.
During testing, we appreciated the shoe's lightweight design, which was confirmed by a measurement of 11.0 oz (312g), making it the lightest shoe in our lab. It is 2.2 oz (62g) lighter than the average hiking shoe, supported by a rocker structure that promotes smooth transitions and helps maintain momentum with reduced effort.
However, the 2.5 mm lugs are minimal, which may limit its effectiveness on rocky, muddy, or technical terrains. Therefore, while the On Cloudhorizon excels in comfort and weight, it may not be suitable for all hiking conditions.
Teva Grandview GTX Low
Pros
- Excellent waterproofing
- Softer than average cushioning
- Great impact protection
- Remains soft and flexible in low temps
- Very stable and supportive
- Deep lugs with top-notch grip
- Comfortable in-shoe feel
- Good wear resistance
- A dream for wide feet
Cons
- Heavier than average
- Not for narrow feet
- Heel lock is fiddly
Key Features
- Premium Upper: Crafted from rich, supple leather combined with quick-dry mesh made from recycled plastic, these shoes not only look good but are also environmentally conscious.
- GORE-TEX Bootie: The integrated Gore-Tex bootie features a 71% post-consumer recycled textile backer, ensuring your feet stay dry without sacrificing comfort.
- Universal Heel Lock System: This innovative lacing system provides a secure and supportive fit, reducing the risk of blisters during long hikes.
- EVA-Foam Midsole: For cushioning and support, the EVA-foam midsole is lightweight, making each step more comfortable.
- TPU Shank: The thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) shank stabilizes and supports your foot on uneven terrain, enhancing your overall stability.
- Sustainable Materials: Approximately 40% of the upper materials are made from recycled polyester, reflecting Teva's commitment to sustainability.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Leather
- Inner Material: Recycled Polyester, Mesh
- Rating: 4.0 (based on 41 reviews)
The Teva Grandview GTX Low is a low-topped shoe designed for light hiking, particularly suitable for those who appreciate a wide toe box. Our lab trials and test hikes demonstrated its significant advantages in toe wiggle room, midsole comfort, and stability.
Teva’s reputation for roomy toe boxes is confirmed with this model, offering ample space for the toes to splay and grip during hikes. Lab measurements indicate that the widest part of the shoe is 3.2 mm wider than average, while the area around the big toe measures an impressive 87 mm, providing a full 5.4 mm of extra space compared to our lab average—beneficial for hikers with wider feet.
Upon initial wear, the midsole delivers an exceptionally plush underfoot sensation. Our lab tests revealed a durometer reading of 15.3 HA, which is 100% softer than average, complemented by an additional 3 mm of cushioning in both the heel and forefoot. This combination offers a comfortable experience ideal for enjoyable light hikes.
The Teva Grandview GTX Low strikes a balance between comfort and stability. During hikes, we experienced consistent support, even on uneven terrain, without the risk of rolling an ankle. The midsole width measurements show it exceeds average specs, measuring 6.6 mm wider at the forefoot and 3.1 mm wider at the heel, contributing to a steady feel on landings.
A notable drawback of this shoe is its weight; at 15.6 oz (441g), it is 2.2 oz (62g) heavier than the average light hiking shoe. Those seeking lightweight footwear may want to consider other options.
Adidas Terrex AX4
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Feels like a trail running shoe
- Breathable
- Water-repellent
- Excellent grip
- Durable for the price
- Stable platform
- Contains recycled materials
Cons
- Lacks toe protection
- Flimsy insole
- Aggressively tapered toebox
Key Features
- Continental Rubber outsole for superior traction on wet and dry surfaces.
- Dual density EVA midsole provides cushioning and support during long hikes.
- Lining: GORE-TEX Extended Comfort Footwear ensures breathability while keeping your feet dry.
- Sockliner: Molded sockliner enhances comfort and fit, adapting to your foot's shape.
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported.
- Sole material: Rubber for enhanced durability.
- Outer material: Leather constructed for rugged use.
- Closure type: Lace-Up for a secure fit.
The Adidas Terrex AX4 is a stable and affordable hiking shoe, best suited for hikers seeking reliable support on the trail. Priced at just $90, it offers notable value as it is $22 less than the average cost of summer hiking shoes.
This shoe features an ample midsole that effectively prevents ankle rolls, with measurements of 111.5 mm at the forefoot and 87.9 mm at the heel, placing it around the average width for hiking footwear. The stiff heel counter secures the heel during steep climbs and rough terrain, contributing to its overall stability; in lab tests, it received a stiff rating of 5/5.
Despite a slightly lower stack height, the Terrex AX4 enhances midsole performance. Lab testing showed the midsole registering 39 HA, which is 27% firmer than average, providing both firmness and protection while walking on trails.
However, it should be noted that the Adidas Terrex AX4 lacks flexibility for winter hiking. After simulating winter conditions in a controlled environment, we observed a 66% increase in stiffness compared to room temperature. For those needing a more winter-ready option, consider the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX.