Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2
Pros
- Extremely well-cushioned
- Exceptionally lively and bouncy underfoot
- Luxuriously padded interior
- Grippy and durable lugs
- Tackles wet surfaces confidently
- Very flexible and forgiving
- Excellent airflow
- Feels incredibly stable underfoot
- Supportive heel collar
- Rockered midsole
- Relatively lightweight
- High-quality construction
- Eye-catching design
Cons
- Needs breaking in
- Tricky to put on
- Expensive
Key Features
- BOOST midsole for long-lasting cushioning and energy return
- Mesh upper with seamless overlays for a sock-like fit
- Stretchy adaptive knit collar to keep out dirt and debris
- Continental Rubber outsole for confident traction on wet and dry terrains
- Upper made with at least 50% Parley Ocean Plastic
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Rubber
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 is a highly rated hiking boot, ideal for those seeking energy return and comfort during their outdoor activities.
Following rigorous lab tests and field evaluations, this lightweight boot demonstrates notable rebound without compromising flexibility or comfort. The midsole provides exceptional cushioning throughout the hike, featuring a generous stack height of 38.4/24.0 mm, along with an impressive 121 SA shock absorption score in the heel.
The rockered geometry and bouncy foam contribute to a smooth ride, propelling users forward with ease. In our energy return test, it achieved a remarkable 66.0%, surpassing competitors by a significant margin of 30.7%.
With a weight of only 15.0 oz (425g), this boot offers a light and natural feel that enables agile movement. Its adaptable midsole allows for unrestricted motion, evidenced by a flexibility measure that is 49.7% greater than average.
Equipped with 3.7 mm multi-directional lugs, the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 excels on both wet and dry surfaces while efficiently shedding mud and debris. However, its price of $200 may be a consideration for budget-conscious consumers seeking alternatives.
Merrell Moab Speed Mid GTX
Pros
- Instant comfort
- Extremely light
- Unrelenting collar
- Mighty ankle support
- Grippy outsole
- Propelling boot
- Watertight
- Comfy all year round
Cons
- Not ideal for backpacking
- Unruly laces
Key Features
- FLOATPRO FOAM MIDSOLE: This technology ensures exceptional cushioning and support, reducing fatigue during your hikes.
- GORE-TEX TECHNOLOGY: Provides durable weatherproof protection, keeping your feet dry in various wet conditions.
- MESH AND TPU UPPER: Enhances breathability and flexibility, allowing your feet to stay cool during intense activities.
- REMOVABLE PU FOOTBED: Offers additional cushioning and support, with an environmentally friendly design using recycled materials.
- VIBRAM ECOSTEP OUTSOLE: Made with 30% recycled rubber, this outsole ensures superior grip and traction on varying terrains.
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Mesh with TPU components
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Merrell Moab Speed Mid GTX is a lightweight summer hiking boot designed for those seeking speed and agility on rugged terrains. Its combination of a plush, propulsive midsole and a waterproof yet breathable upper provides comfort and protection during outdoor activities.
This boot impresses with its light weight, coming in at just 11.7 oz (332g), which makes it 34.6% lighter than the average hiking boot. This significant reduction in weight enhances agility and speed without compromising comfort.
Equipped with a Gore-Tex upper, the boot effectively shields feet from moisture while maintaining breathability, achieving a score of 3/5 on our breathability test—a notable performance for waterproof footwear.
The midsole offers luxurious comfort and propulsive energy, featuring a substantial 38.1 mm heel and an ultra-plush 18.6 HA cushion. Its lightweight design does not compromise stability, thanks to an ankle-bolstering collar and grippy 3.5 mm lugs in the outsole.
However, it is important to note that while the shoe provides stability, it may lack the firm cushioning needed for extended backpacking trips. For longer hikes, a sturdier boot is recommended.
KEEN Voyageur Mid
Pros
- Accommodating fit
- No need to break in
- Excellent traction
- Lightweight
- Sufficient ankle support
- Laudable breathability
- Quick drying
- Versatile
Cons
- Sole started peeling off
- Questionable construction quality
- Too wide for narrow feet
Key Features
- UPPER: Water-resistant leather material keeps your feet dry; performance mesh increases airflow.
- TRACTION & PROTECTION: Equipped with 4mm multi-directional lugs for enhanced traction on various surfaces; KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole provides superior grip.
- SUPPORT: Stability support shank aids in navigating uneven terrain; injected heel capture system secures the heel for added stability.
- FIT: Mid-profile upper design ensures comfort and secure fit with a padded tongue and collar.
- COMFORT: Features a removable metatomical footbed that offers excellent arch support and conforms to the natural contours of your foot.
Specifications
- Fabric Type: 100% Textile and Synthetic
- Origin: Made in the USA
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Shaft Height: Ankle
The KEEN Voyageur Mid is a top choice for those seeking wide hiking boots suitable for summer conditions. Designed specifically for desert hiking, these boots offer exceptional breathability and ample space for wide feet, including those that may swell in heat, all while providing reliable traction.
With summer hiking in mind, the KEEN Voyageur Mid proves to be an effective option. The upper features moisture-wicking materials that facilitate quick drying after exposure to water, preventing excessive sweating and odors. In our lab tests, it received a score of 4/5 for breathability based on our smoke test, indicating its suitability for warm-weather hiking.
In terms of width, our caliper indicated a measurement of 6.5 mm greater than average at the widest point of the toebox, confirming that the Voyageur Mid meets expectations for spaciousness. This design allows for comfortable toe movement, significantly reducing the risk of hotspots or blisters. Furthermore, the durable rubber toe cap enhances the protective qualities of the boot.
The multidirectional lugs provide excellent grip on dirt and gravel, contributing to a secure footing during test hikes. Measuring at 4.6 mm, these lugs are 0.5 mm deeper than average, which aids in traction on sandy terrains, making them well-suited for the KEEN Voyageur Mid's intended use.
Lab measurements indicate that the cushioning of the KEEN Voyageur Mid is notable, but potentially excessive for some users. The heel-to-toe drop measures 20.9 mm, which is 7.3 mm higher than average. While this drop benefits hikers navigating deep sand, it may be too pronounced for those tackling standard trails, particularly forefoot strikers who might consider alternative footwear options.