Hiking shoes are more fashionable now, making it challenging to find a balance between functionality and style. While there is nothing wrong with buying a less functional pair of boots for city strolls, finding the right trail shoes can be crucial. Scott Wilkinson, the Pacific Crest Trail Association communications director, emphasizes the importance of maintaining circulation in your feet when selecting trail shoes. His advice is to choose footwear that is at least one size bigger than your normal size to allow your toes to spread out and move comfortably. This recommendation is especially important for serious backpackers and thru-hikers who often experience foot swelling after covering long distances. However, even for the average day hiker, it is better to opt for a slightly bigger size. Keep in mind that thicker socks can occupy additional space inside the shoe. It is always wise to try on shoes in person before purchasing them, and remember to wear moisture-wicking wool socks to prevent blisters.
Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex
The Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex is still our preferred option for various reasons. It is well-suited for extended journeys on challenging and demanding paths. It is of high quality, providing a superb combination of stability and comfort, making it suitable for traversing various types of terrains. Its robust treads ensure good grip on all surfaces, enabling traction on both slippery, steep trails and rocky river crossings. If you are searching for a versatile boot that guarantees comfort and stability while carrying a substantial load, this leading candidate is the best choice.
Although the Quest 4 offers stability and protection, it is relatively heavy for a hiker and lacks breathability and heat dissipation. While it can be used as a casual daily hiker, it excels on technical surfaces and challenging terrain. If you are looking for a top-notch traditional hiking boot, this is our preferred choice. Alternatively, if you want a lighter alternative, the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is slightly lower in score but significantly lighter.
Altra Lone Peak Hiking Boots 2
Altra, the Utah brand, is recognized for its trail runners. However, it also produces ankle boots utilizing the same lightweight technology. These ankle boots, equipped with a Gore-Tex-like membrane known as eVent, are remarkably waterproof and long-lasting. According to James Lynch, a contributing writer for Strategist, they are created specifically for fast, lightweight hiking, even during thru-hiking, particularly in unfavorable weather conditions. These boots feature a waterproof upper, an aggressive tread pattern, and a wide and comfortable toe box.
Merrell Moab 3
The Merrell Moab is a well-known and widely available hiking shoe that is both waterproof and durable. According to hiking guide Melissa Goodwin, they are easy to find and consistently in stock. They also require minimal breaking-in time due to their flexibility. Because of these qualities, they are often chosen as a person’s first hiking shoe and can be worn for a lifetime if not engaging in technical hiking activities. Strategist style columnist Chris Black is a fan of the Moab, referring to them as the “mother of all boots” and comparing them to the Air Force 1 in the world of hiking shoes. Additionally, those with wider feet can find comfort in knowing that Moabs are available in two different widths for optimal sizing options.
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX combines the comfort and agility of a trail running shoe with the durability and capability of a boot. If you require versatility across different terrains, this lightweight boot is worth considering. Whether you are strolling on easy trails or overcoming cross-country obstacles, the Raptor is prepared to handle and adapt.
In addition to costing more, the main problem we have with the Ultra Raptor II Mid is that it has a small fit. Therefore, it would be wise to try them on in person or make sure to order from a seller with a favorable return policy. However, it is worth noting that the Raptor is available in wide sizes, which we appreciate considering that the regular version, like many La Sportiva shoes, tends to be narrow. If you are looking for a boot that can handle everything while keeping your feet comfortable and agile, this remarkable boot is worth considering.
Hoka Speedgoat 5 Trail-Running Shoe
Bacordo, who used them for most of his thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, recommends the super-cushioned Speedgoats. He initially wore Speedgoat 4’s but switched to Speedgoat 5’s after about 300 miles. Bacordo explains that he didn’t want to risk an early on-trail injury by abruptly transitioning from non-zero-drop shoes like Lone Peaks. Instead, he chose non-zero-drop shoes that prioritize comfort and cushioning, leading him to the Speedgoats. According to Bacordo, these shoes were extremely beneficial not only for him but for other hikers he encountered on the trail. The Speedgoats feature a four-millimeter heel-to-toe drop and a breathable mesh upper.
Brooks Cascadia 16 Trail-Running Shoes
Ben Gibbard, the lead singer of Death Cab for Cutie, has been participating in trail running for over ten years. During this time, he has successfully completed five 100-mile races. As a dedicated fan of Brooks running shoes, Gibbard believes that the original cult-favorite model offers the best value for its price. He acknowledges that other brands have made advancements throughout the years, causing the Cascadias to lose popularity for a considerable amount of time. However, in recent years, these shoes have undergone a redesign, which Gibbard considers to be a significant improvement. He now regards them as being flawless, providing excellent stability and a mid-level of cushioning. In addition to their performance qualities, the Cascadias are also more reasonably priced compared to other options.
La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX
If you live in a wet climate or prefer a steep hike to dry conditions, the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX is worth considering. In terms of performance in wet conditions, this waterproof boot surpasses the competition. We verified this by testing it in the rain and walking through rivers. The gusseted tongue and Nubuck leather construction effectively keep water out, ensuring your socks stay dry. Additionally, it provides exceptional comfort and support. The deep lugs have excellent traction on both muddy and dry surfaces. Despite its substantial features, this boot is relatively lightweight, making it suitable for all types of adventures in wet or dry conditions.
That being said, we desire for this boot to provide greater stability. The upper cuff surrounding the ankle lacks rigidity, resulting in decreased stability on uneven terrains. Moreover, the process of inserting the lace into the eyelets of the boot is not effortless, requiring additional time for both lacing up and removing. If you are in search of an extremely durable boot for water or snow activities, this is the one you must consider.
