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.
Nike Wildhorse 10
Pros
- Cushion-packed midsole
- Modernized upper
- Ideal for heel strikers
- Better build quality
- Bold new look with better finish
- Versatile
- Improved energy return
- Forefoot rock plate
Cons
- Still too heavy
- Mesh upper is fragile
- Brutal price hike
- Less agile than predecessors
Key Features
- Engineered mesh upper: Combines breathability with open holes for improved airflow.
- ReactX foam midsole: Offers lightweight energy return, ensuring a comfortable ride.
- Nike Trail ATC outsole: Made from an all-terrain compound suitable for various weather conditions, including wet surfaces.
- Ankle collar: Designed to prevent debris from entering the shoe while you’re on the move.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: A blend of mesh and textile, featuring a rubber outsole.
- Inner material: Engineered mesh for added comfort and breathability.
The Nike Wildhorse 10 is well-suited for hikers seeking strong shock absorption, energy return, and stability during outdoor adventures. Our lab tests confirm its effective cushioning and wide platform, making it one of the best options in the category of Nike hiking shoes.
With ample cushioning providing comfort on long trails, the shoe boasts a stack height of 38.3/27.4 mm, which contributes to gentle landings. During our shock absorption tests, it demonstrated superior impact reduction, recording 144/105 SA compared to the average of 120/97 SA.
The bouncy cushion enhances each step with notable energy return, as evidenced by an impressive score of 61.3% in our tests. Additionally, the Wildhorse 10 features a wide platform measuring 120.6/93.8 mm, which provides more stability than the average 112.4/89.5 mm width.
Its roomy toebox accommodates various foot shapes; however, it may not be suitable for individuals with narrow feet who prefer a more secure fit. Overall, while the cushioning and stability are significant advantages, potential users should consider their foot shape when choosing this model.
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.
KEEN Seek
Pros
- High shock absorption
- Remarkable overall durability
- High-quality knit upper
- Super-comfy sock-like tongue
- Advanced outsole design
- Works well for hiking too
- Handles well cold temperatures
- Flexible despite high-stack build
Cons
- Price may be high for some
- Heavier than competitors
- Not ideal for narrow-footed individuals
- Limited heel stability
Key Features
- Materials: Ultra abrasion-resistant performance textile uppers for long-lasting durability and breathability during warm weather runs.
- Comfort: High-rebound foam cushioning enhances your comfort and movement, complemented by a padded tongue and collar for added protection around pressure points.
- Traction: Non-marking rubber outsoles with 4mm multi-directional lugs provide excellent grip on rugged terrain, ensuring that you stay stable on your hikes.
- Support: Features a removable responsive footbed for lasting comfort that won't compress quickly, along with a speed-lace webbing system for a snug fit.
- Fit & Care Tips: KEEN's Contoured Fit adapts to the natural shape of your foot, while maintenance is simple—just brush with a damp sponge and air dry away from heat.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Mesh
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The KEEN Seek is a highly durable mud running shoe, ideal for those who require robust construction and reliable traction on challenging trails. Its design effectively balances durability with the necessary adaptability for various terrains.
This shoe features an “abrasion-resistant” knit upper, achieving an impressive 4/5 toebox durability score in our Dremel test. It also maintains good ventilation, earning a notable 4/5 rating in breathability.
Equipped with 4.2 mm lugs, the KEEN Seek excels in muddy conditions, featuring grippy butterfly-shaped and trapezoid designs that enhance its performance on technical terrain. The outsole demonstrated its strength with only a minor 0.6 mm dent during our abrasion test, compared to an average of 0.9 mm, reinforcing its longevity.
Despite its robust construction, the midsole offers flexibility, showing 22.6% greater malleability than average in our bend test. This characteristic contributes to its comfort and versatility, making it suitable even for hiking.
However, runners focused on speed and agility may want to consider alternatives. With a weight of 10.8 oz (305g), the shoe is 5.5% heavier than the average, which may impact performance for some users.
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.
Inov8 Trailfly Zero
Pros
- True zero-drop shoe
- Great shock absorption for a low stack
- Very grounded and trail-connected
- Roomy foot-shaped fit (+ wide option)
- Excellent grip on mixed terrain
- Lighter than the average trail shoe
- Extremely flexible design
- Durable Graphene Grip outsole
- Thick and responsive Boomerang insole
Cons
- Lacks a secure heel hold
- Upper could be more durable
Key Features
- Replaces the award-winning TrailFly G270 shoe
- Flexible rock plate for enhanced underfoot protection
- Zero Drop design promotes a natural foot position
- Equipped with a Boomerang premium insole for added comfort
- Anatomical design with a wide toebox for better fit
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Nylon
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Inov8 Trailfly Zero is an ideal choice for those seeking a natural-feeling trail shoe, particularly outside of the minimalist category. Our lab measurements verified its **zero-drop** offset, a foot-shaped toebox, and a high degree of flexibility. Notably, the nitrogen-infused **Flyspeed Pro midsole** provides enhanced impact protection per millimeter of stack compared to other foams while maintaining a competitive weight.
This shoe excels in stability and cushioning, making it suitable for various outdoor activities. Users may appreciate its ability to accommodate aggressive movement on uneven terrain. However, a potential drawback is that some may find the overall fit may require adjustment when transitioning from more traditional footwear.