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 Waterproof
Pros
- Effective waterproofing
- Abundant cushioning and impact protection
- Lively and responsive ride
- Amazingly light for its stack and waterproofing
- Great as a city-to-trail shoe
- Good stability for moderate terrain
- Comfortable in-shoe feel
- True to size and fit
Cons
- Not for serious hiking
- Lacks durabiity for the price
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 Waterproof is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a reliable winter hiking shoe, particularly for city-to-trail adventures. It features a winterproof woven textile that effectively retains warmth and provides substantial cushioning, enhancing overall comfort during treks.
This model is designed to minimize breathability, which is beneficial in colder conditions. It effectively traps body heat inside while preventing cold air from entering, as indicated by its low ventilation score of 1/5.
The midsole incorporates generous cushioning and the unique CloudTec technology, which helps absorb ground impact. We recorded a significant stack height of 39.4/29.2 mm, with rear shock absorption measured at 126 SA, ensuring leg fatigue is minimized even after extended pavement use.
The Cloudhorizon Waterproof's construction weighs just 12.0 oz (339g), making it 10.8% lighter than the average hiking shoe, which contributes to a more comfortable experience. However, its price point of $190 is notably above average, being 33.8% higher than typical hiking footwear.
This higher cost may deter budget-conscious consumers who might want to consider more affordable alternatives.
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.
Merrell Moab 3 GTX
Pros
- Superb day-one comfort
- Brilliant surface adhesion
- Supportive like a work shoe
- Remarkably durable
- A-grade waterproofing
- Sheds mud quite well
- Protective toe box
- Incredible overall quality
Cons
- Heavy for a low-top
- Subpar breathability
- Its shoelaces unravel often
- Minimal shock absorption
Key Features
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane for exceptional breathability and waterproof performance
- Pigskin leather and mesh upper for durability and comfort
- 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining promoting sustainability
- Bellows tongue effectively keeps out debris
- Protective toe cap shields against rocks and obstacles
- Vibram TC5+ rubber sole offers superior traction on varied terrains
Specifications
- Fabric type: 100% Synthetic
- Sole material: Rubber
- Shaft height: Ankle
- Outer material: Suede
The Merrell Moab 3 GTX is recognized as an excellent choice for winter hiking, particularly suited for those seeking comfort and durability in cold conditions.
This model upholds the comfort expected from the Moab range, providing a snug fit straight out of the box. In our lab tests, we recorded the tongue’s thickness at 14.6 mm, significantly more cushioned than the average of 10.2 mm, ensuring comfortable hikes without any rubbing or blisters, eliminating the need for break-in periods.
The Merrell Moab 3 GTX incorporates several key features to enhance winter hiking performance. Its watertight upper effectively passed our wet test, remaining impermeable even when submerged in a stream. The fully gusseted tongue aids in keeping water from entering around the instep, complemented by the reliable Gore-Tex membrane.
With sticky 4.8 mm lugs in the Vibram outsole, these shoes provide strong traction on muddy, snowy, or rocky trails, instilling confidence during hikes. However, it is important to note that the Merrell Moab 3 GTX emphasizes ground feel; therefore, individuals seeking maximum impact protection may want to consider more cushioned hiking options.
Merrell Agility Peak 5
Pros
- Easily handles tough trails
- Performs well on both downhills and uphills
- Extremely durable upper with numerous TPU reinforcements
- Suitable for year-round use
- Loads of recycled, eco-friendly stuff
- Wonderful for heel strikers
- Excellent all-terrain shoe
Cons
- Grips worse than expected
- Actual drop deviates significantly from what's stated
- Feels flat underfoot
- Narrow toebox
Key Features
- Upper Material: The sneakers boast a durable textile and synthetic upper that offers breathability and support.
- Comfort: Equipped with a textile lining and a removable textile insole, these shoes ensure your feet stay fresh and comfortable throughout the day.
- Design: The round toe and lace closure provide a secure fit, while the padded collar adds extra comfort.
- Midsole: The FloatPro Foam midsole delivers a lightweight ride that maintains energy return over long distances.
- Traction: Featuring Vibram MegaGrip technology, the outsole provides excellent traction and durability on both wet and dry surfaces.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Synthetic
- Inner Material: Textile
The Merrell Agility Peak 5 is an ideal stability shoe for Spartan races, providing reliable grip and controlled movements through its Vibram outsole and rigid construction. This footwear offers the support and comfort essential for navigating obstacle courses effectively.
Designed for safety, the shoe's strong foothold allows for unrestricted movement. It demonstrates resistance to lateral shifts, maintaining a centered position inside the shoe, as evidenced by its high ratings of 5/5 for torsional rigidity and 4/5 for heel counter stiffness.
The grippy Vibram Megagrip outsole enhances outdoor performance with deep 4.5 mm rubber lugs that provide traction on slick surfaces. This feature enables users to climb walls and traverse muddy terrain with confidence.
Impact protection is offered by the thick 39.2 mm heel, while the moderate 25.8 mm forefoot height ensures adequate ground feel for agility. Testing revealed a high 125 SA rating in shock absorption, indicating effective joint protection during strenuous activities.
However, it is important to note that the Agility Peak 5 received a score of 3/5 for breathability, indicating limited ventilation, which may not be suitable for tropical weather conditions.
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.