Merrell Moab 3
Pros
- Supremely comfy
- Zero break-in
- Boss-level support
- Solid grip on mixed terrain
- Stable platform
- Responsive cushioning
- Fits various foot shapes
- Cheaper than average
- Recycled materials
Cons
- Heavier than average
- Not quite sleek-looking
Key Features
- Waterproof membrane that seals out water while allowing moisture to escape.
- Upper made of pigskin leather and mesh for breathability and support.
- 100% recycled laces and webbing contribute to sustainability.
- Bellows tongue designed to keep out debris.
- Protective toe cap for added safety in rugged terrains.
- 100% recycled mesh lining for improved comfort.
- Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable contoured insole with reinforced heel cushioning offers medium support.
- Molded nylon arch shank enhances stability.
- Lightweight EVA foam midsole provides additional comfort and stability.
- Vibram TC5+ rubber sole delivers superior traction.
- Block heel and rubber sole material ensures reliability and grip.
- Lace-up closure allows for a secure fit.
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported.
- Sole material: Rubber.
- Shaft height: Ankle.
- Shaft circumference: 4 inches.
The Merrell Moab 3 is an excellent choice for summer hiking, particularly suited for those seeking comfort and durability in challenging conditions. Its design features a workhorse appearance but delivers extraordinary comfort from the first wear.
This shoe excels in breathability, effectively keeping feet cool and sweat-free during warm hikes. The upper consists of tightly-woven mesh with ample ventilation pores, which also aids in drainage during damp conditions. Our lab test confirmed its breathability rating at 4/5, indicating efficient airflow through the material.
Comfort is a standout feature of the Moab 3, attributed to its 14.5 mm-thick padded tongue and additional padding around the heel, allowing immediate use without a break-in period. During testing, the shoe demonstrated significant flexibility, bending to 30° with a force measurement of 12.9N, indicating it is more flexible than many competitors.
However, hikers looking for a lightweight option for covering long distances may find this shoe less suitable. Weighing in at 16.2 oz (460g), the Merrell Moab 3 is 0.7 oz (20g) heavier than the average hiking shoe, which may impact performance for speed-focused hiking.
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.
Altra Olympus 6
Pros
- Outstanding durability
- Superior build quality
- Grippy Vibram outsole
- Exceptionally comfortable
- Real 0-mm drop
- Ready for the toughest adventures
- Spacious, foot-shaped toebox
- Premium quality materials
Cons
- Extremely heavy
- Slight price increase
- Lacks energy return
Key Features
- FootShape Fit: Offers a spacious toe box for enhanced comfort and natural foot movement.
- Vibram Megagrip: Provides exceptional grip on both wet and dry surfaces, ensuring stability on various trails.
- GaiterTrap: A unique hook-and-loop tab for easy attachment of gaiters, keeping trail debris out without the hassle of fasteners or bungees.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Mesh
- Inner Material: Mesh
The Olympus 6 is an ideal choice for hikers seeking a shoe that offers a genuine zero drop and an anatomically shaped toebox. Lab tests verify its significant toe splay, complemented by a well-ventilated yet protective upper that reflects the shoe’s high-quality build. Among summer hiking shoes, it stands out with a wide toebox.
Concerns about black toenails or pressure on the pinky toes are alleviated due to the toebox being less pointy than other models. Measurements taken with our gel mold indicate that the big toe area is notably **81.1 mm**, which is **8.7%** wider than average, providing ample space for wide or swollen feet. This design contributes to overall comfort during extended hikes.
The upper of the Olympus 6 is both durable and breathable, a combination rarely found in footwear as these attributes often perform inversely. It achieves a perfect **5/5** rating for both breathability and durability in lab tests, allowing moisture to escape while demonstrating strong resistance to wear. This dual performance enhances the shoe's longevity and comfort in warm conditions.
With a forefoot cushioning of **31.5 mm**, this shoe ranks among the most protective trail options available. Paired with a **32.2 mm** heel, it features a minimal offset of **0.7 mm**, which promotes stability and ground sensitivity. However, if this setup feels unnatural for hiking, it may be advisable to consider a shoe with a higher drop.
A potential drawback to note is that the unique fit and cushioning may not suit all users, particularly those accustomed to different drop levels. Overall, the Olympus 6 is a reliable option for those prioritizing comfort and space in their hiking footwear.
On Cloudultra 2
Pros
- Exceptionally breathable
- Long-lasting Missiongrip outsole
- Handy lace tab
- Can handle faster paces if needed
- Versatile for hiking or walking
- Consistently stable ride
- Made with high-quality materials
- Smooth transitions
Cons
- A bit heavy for its use
- Not ideal for winter conditions
- Price might be steep for some
- Low forefoot cushioning
Key Features
- Speedboard: Made from nylon for speed and protection on the trail.
- Midsole: Ultrasoft Helion superfoam provides exceptional comfort.
- Outsole: Enhanced Missiongrip offers 50% more traction compared to previous models.
- Vamp: Constructed with 100% recycled polyester double layer mesh for breathability.
- Sock: Engineered knit made from 100% recycled polyester for a snug fit.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber for durability and grip
- Outer material: Polyester for lightweight breathability
- Inner material: Recycled Polyester promoting sustainability
The On Cloudultra 2 is designed for trail enthusiasts who seek a reliable shoe for running, hiking, and walking. Its notable build quality includes an incredibly breathable upper that enhances comfort during activities.
While the shoe delivers a satisfactory experience, particularly in terms of durability and support, it is priced at $180. This price point suggests a need for improved cushioning, reduced weight, and enhanced energy return to meet higher expectations.
Although the Cloudultra 2 has several significant features, there remains potential for On to refine this model further. The main drawback is that it may not provide the level of cushioning some users seek, which could affect overall performance on longer trails.
Hoka Skyline-Float X
Pros
- Extremely well-cushioned
- Devilishly comfortable
- Responsive, rockered midsole
- Works for light trail running
- Excellent multi-terrain traction
- Highly breathable upper
- Feels surprisingly stable
- Performs consistently in the cold
- Made of sustainable and plant-based materials
Cons
- Questionable durability
- Narrow toebox
- Upper dries slowly
Key Features
- Best for hiking with unparalleled comfort
- One-piece engineered knit upper providing a snug fit
- Dual-density midsole made from 30% sugarcane EVA for lightweight cushioning
- 89% castor oil-based Pebax® plate for enhanced propulsion
- SwallowTail heel design for improved stability
- Vibram® XS Trek rubber outsole for superior grip
- Soybean-based sockliner containing 50% soy content
- 24% recycled content in the vamp/quarter jacquard engineered mesh
- 100% recycled polyester lace/webbing (excluding aglet)
- 87% recycled polyester insole for added comfort
- Top cloth of the sockliner made from 100% recycled polyester
Specifications
- Sole material: Rubber for durability and traction
- Outer material: Canvas, offering breathability
- Closure type: Lace-Up for a secure fit
- Water resistance level: Not Water Resistant, best used in dry conditions
The Hoka Skyline-Float X is an excellent choice for summer hiking enthusiasts seeking a cushioned, stable, and energetic experience on trails. This shoe excels in both lab tests and real-world conditions, providing significant comfort even in hot weather.
The upper features extensive padding that enhances comfort while allowing for ample airflow, as validated by our lab with a flawless breathability rating. Ventilation holes throughout the design contribute to a luxurious feel without compromising on ventilation.
In terms of cushioning, the midsole provides exceptional protection against landing impacts, showcasing a stack height of 39.0/31.0 mm. The ride remains steady due to the supportive Pebax plate, broad landing base, and dual-density foams, which are measured at a plush 22.0 HA for the top layer and 27.9 HA for the bottom layer, enhancing both comfort and stability.
The Vibram outsole significantly boosts confidence in traction, equipped with 3.7 mm lugs that provide reliable grip across various terrains, including loose ground, wet rocks, and muddy paths. This feature ensures improved performance in diverse outdoor conditions.
A notable drawback is the plush upper, which tends to absorb water and does not drain effectively. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid wearing this model in wet conditions to maintain its integrity.
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.