Approach shoes online shopping right now: For day hikers and lightweight backpackers who stick mostly to maintained trails, our top value pick is the Merrell Moab 3. What makes this boot so popular is its foot-friendly, comfortable feel and reliable trail chops at such a reasonable price. For $145, you get great cushioning underfoot and around the collar, trusty Vibram outsoles, and Merrell’s in-house waterproof membrane (an upgraded Gore-Tex model is available for $165). The Moab was updated to the “3” last year, but they didn’t fuss much with the proven design. Notable changes include greater use of recycled fabrics—including the mesh lining and laces—and slightly more aggressive traction. What are the downsides of the Moab 3 Mid WP? Compared to some of the pricier models on this list, the boot is lacking in support for carrying a heavy load or scrambling on rocky or rough trails. Second, it feels heavier than its actual weight: All the cushioning and thick materials make the boot feel clunky and dated when compared to a nimble and modern alternative like the X Ultra 4 above or Hoka’s Anacapa below. But for a significant discount, the Moab offers the right mix of comfort and performance for many day and weekend adventures. Find additional info at walking boots.
Standing out as a wide, minimalist hiking boot, the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid is a top choice for those seeking a wider toe box for long days in the backcountry. The foot box shape, unique to the Altra shoe brand, is wide enough to allow your toes to splay out with lots of room to wiggle around. Its high ankle cuff offers stability so you can move with confidence over technical terrain. If you’re looking for a lightweight hiking boot suited for a wide foot that’s an excellent pick for fast and light backpacking, this is our top recommendation. While this boot is flexible and lightweight, it’s not the most durable or stable option we’ve tested. The lighter materials have proven to wear down more quickly than other boots with a leather construction. Another consideration is the zero-drop design, which takes some time to get used to. If you’re in search of a lightweight, flexible, and comfortable hiking boot suited for wide feet, this is our favorite choice.
If your favorite maximalist trail-running shoe had ankle support, it’d probably look a lot like the HOKA Anacapa Mid GTX. And that formula should be just about perfect for hikers looking to go far and fast. As one of the lightest midcut boots in our roundup, the fleet-footed Anacapas use the marshmallow stack height that HOKA is known for, with a gloriously thick EVA cushion under the heel and a 6 millimeter heel-to-toe drop. Taking a cue from the brand’s running shoes, HOKA put in a meta-rocker (a sole slightly curved upward like a smile) to help propel forward motion. “They just encourage you to go,” says our California crew. End result: a smooth and speedy gait with lots of cushioning for joint support.
Where the Nucleo truly differentiates itself from other 2-pound models is durability: The boot has large swaths of leather rather than mesh for scrambling and hiking over rough terrain. You get moderate flexibility from its mid-height design, so it doesn’t require an extensive break-in, and traction is excellent over rock and mud. All told, the Nucleo a nice upgrade in performance and build quality from a boot like the Merrell Moab 3 above, albeit at a higher price. Keep in mind that this boot has a slightly narrow fit, although the good news is that wide sizes are available for both men and women.
Not only does the bouncy midsole feel supremely comfortable, but it also offers enough support for hefty weekend loads. Our testers carried up to 50 pounds of pack weight without stressing about their feet. A snug heel cup and spacious toe box make most hikers happy, especially on longer backpacking trips when feet can change size due to swelling. Traction isn’t shabby, either. Lowa uses a Vibram® outsole that combines softer (read: stickier) rubber with a multidirectional lug pattern, which makes the Renegade at home on rocky and dusty trails. A waterproof membrane seals out water, but—paired with a burly leather upper—comes with a trade-off: breathability. Leather doesn’t vent as well as synthetic materials, so keep these kicks to adventures where pruny feet won’t cause too many issues.
The popularity of trail running shoes for hiking and backpacking has spawned a new variation in this lightweight category of over-the-ankle trail runners. The basic concept is to take a popular running shoe like Hoka’s Speedgoat or Altra’s Lone Peak and bring the collar and lacing system up a few inches. This provides a light boost in protection and support from a low-top trail runner but retains the lightweight, cushy, and fast feel of that footwear category. As we’ve found, however, there are a number of compromises, including durability, toe and foot protection from the thin materials, and support in technical terrain or when carrying a heavy load. But those that like to move fast and light and even mix in some running during their adventures may find that the pros of a nimble boot like Altra’s Lone Peak Hiker 2 outweigh the cons. Discover extra details at https://www.trekkit.in/.
For ladies seeking a hiking boot that does well in wet environments, the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX – Women’s features some of the best waterproofing on the market. Built with a Nubuck leather exterior, waterproof ventilation, and a gusseted tongue, it has proven to keep feet dry in the wettest conditions. The construction is incredibly durable, showing little wear and tear after our testing period. It offers a comfortable fit and a short break-in period. It’s a wonderful option for any adventure in wet (or dry) conditions. While this boot is waterproof, it’s not very breathable. In addition, its waterproofing elements make it heavier in comparison to other lightweight options on the market. If your primary interest is withstanding wet conditions, we recommend the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GEX.