Trail Shoes

Featured review by Andrew F.

A sturdy general purpose low hiking shoe. Surprisingly wearable considering their firmness. Great support, deep and durable treads, and reliable waterproofness make this a consistent favorite for all kinds of trails. Might be my all-time favorite low hiker.

INTRODUCTION The Bridger Low is the most sturdy and heavy low hiking shoe that Oboz sells. My size 12 pair weighs 2 pounds 6 ounces. They come in two muted color schemes—tan/brown that they call "walnut" and darker/lighter gray that they call "dark shadow." My pair is gray. The upper part is all leather—a soft, smooth, nubuck leather that doesn't need much if any time to break in; the tongue is a combination of leather and mesh/synthetic. The shoes have Oboz's standard and above-average insole, which I replace with custom orthotics.

Read more: Oboz Bridger Low Waterproof reviews (3)

Featured review by Maria

As a children how many of us did not need any shoes and were happy running around barefoot even if it meant to get some blisters here and there? Later on, when we had to put shoes on and go to school and then work and so on, things changed and it would be considered inappropriate to one day show up without any shoes on. I wonder how many of us feel happy with what they are wearing on day to day basis on their feet and how many of us is actually comfortable?The Vibram soles is revolutionary innovation as far as comfortable shoes can be, which is based on the age old methodology that being barefoot helps your balance and will make you feel aware of the nature around and ground beneath your feet.

Read more: Vibram FiveFingers KSO reviews (18)

Reviewed by Sean Van Cleve

The Lowa Innox Pro Lo is a high quality hiking shoe that has a padded upper that feels like a sneaker, yet still provides under-foot feel when hiking on unstable terrain. This highly breathable and lightweight low-top (GTX/waterproof version also available) is stylish enough for everyday use, and therefore is ideal for both trail as well as town use. This trail shoe suits the fast packer/speed hiker/trail runner, as well as a backpacker carrying a substantial load.

Photo Credit: D. Jankovic Lowa’s new Innox range of footwear is an exciting hybrid shoe that covers several categories. This shoe can suit as a quiver-of-one for day-in/day-out use as a street shoe, as a trail runner, or can be capable of off-trail duties while carrying a loaded backpack. Although best for lightweight/ultralight backpacking, the Innox Pro Lo comfortably handled a day hike with approximately 30 pounds. These Lowa sneakers could work well for the long distance hiker, as well as someone scrambling to the crag.

Read more: Lowa Innox Pro Lo review (1)

Reviewed by Andrew F.

This is a review of the non-Gore-Tex version of the X Ultra 4 low men's shoe. I’ve worn the Gore-Tex version and will review those too. They’re similar shoes—firm fit, supportive for a lighter, low shoe, great soles. These breathe better and have somewhat more forgiving fabric panels, fit-wise. A great shoe for day hikes and for longer hikes where you’re going light.

INTRODUCTION Top view Instep view I have worn at least three pair of Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX and X Ultra 4 GTX shoes; these are my first pair that aren’t Gore-Tex. The men’s version weighs (average) about 1 pound, 10 oz. per pair. Men’s sizes run 7-14, womens 5-11 in both GTX and non-GTX versions; the mens GTX low also has wide sizing.  Macro takeaways are that this offers a more firm, supportive fit than many low hiking shoes, and they are a nice all-around shoe for hiking with some scrambling thrown in.

Read more: Salomon X Ultra 4 review (1)

Reviewed by KiwiKlimber

The Danner Trail 2650s are a great all-purpose trail shoe that handles a variety of trails and terrain with ease, are comfortable enough to wear all day, and get plenty of positive comments for their good looks. With tons of options available in both men’s and women’s sizes, as well as different leather options, there is a color and configuration for just about everyone.

Conditions: For the past two months in the warm and wet spring and early summer, I’ve worn the Danner Trail 2650’s (named for the 2,650-mile-long Pacific Crest Trail) for a variety of activities, including hiking (day trips and overnight trips), casual bike riding, evening walks around the neighborhood, and scouting for hunting locations...roughly 75-100 miles so far, with the most at one time being 11 miles. The shoes have crossed streams, descended soggy trails, battled grassy fields, ran quickly away from upset rattlesnakes, and scrambled the rock-laden ridge-top trails that epitomize hiking in Pennsylvania.

Read more: Danner Trail 2650 review (1)

Reviewed by Ianw

These shoes score well on most points including comfort and traction but the soles wore out fast.

Overall I walk a lot, typically 2,000 to 2,500 km a year so it is important to have shoes that work well in all sorts of conditions. After my fifth pair of North Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX shoes failed to come up to the standard of the earlier ones I decided to look for a replacement and chose these Merrell Moab Speed GTX. For the most part I am very happy with the change. They are noticeably lighter than the North Face shoes and very comfortable to walk long distances with the original insoles (I had to replace the North Face insoles because they lost their cushioning effect.) Appearance It is a matter of taste but I like the generally subdued black with grey highlights.

Read more: Merrell Moab Speed GTX review (1)

Featured review by Gary Leatham

Comfortable, highly stable, burly, durable outing foot support in a three-season shoe. Warm so that they are wonderful to wear on cooler temperature outings. Might be a bit hot on warmer weather outings. Nice gusset, so can walk through shallow streams and puddles. Waterproof and breathe well.

My daughter on the way to Comet Falls in Oboz Firebrand II hiking shoes. (see Comet Falls photo below) Pre-Test Visual Impression: I do not want to like these shoes! (for one key use envisioned) Post Test Impression:  If you research and test functionality carefully ... you get what you pay for, and sometimes more. Beauty is more than skin deep. What does 'Oboz' mean anyway?  Hobo?  Branded by an Obsessive Great Oz like person?  I had to ask!   Turns out that a working clan of highly experienced, dedicated outdoor loving folk are providing great gear for us for Outside use made or designed in Bozeman, Montana (get it?).

Read more: Oboz Firebrand II BDry reviews (2)

Reviewed by John Barber

I prefer the MQM Flex trail runners for three-season hiking, I have several different styles of Merrell shoes. I find the MQM Flex very comfortable and light. They are my go-to hiking shoe. I also wear them daily throughout the day everywhere. My granddaughter is a big MQM fan too and wears them while playing soccer and other sports. MQM Flex shoes are trail magic to my feet. I don't wear the Gore-tex model or have a pair as I don't hike in snow and prefer the breathability of the MQM Flex shoe.

I don't wear the Gore-tex MQM Flex shoe. I do wear the MQM Flex, and they are my go-to hiking shoe. They fit well while providing the comfort and protection needed for extended hiking. They are low cut and lightweight, durable and have excellent traction. They are trail magic to my feet.

Read more: Merrell MQM Flex 2 review (1)

Reviewed by Shane

If you're looking for a somewhat minimalistic zero-drop trail shoe, you may want to check out the Merrell Wrapt. The Wrapts are almost like barefoot trail shoes that are comfortable, grippy, and lightweight. They also have a wider-than-average toebox.

   I'm a big fan of good trail shoes. I typically use trail running shoes like Altras or Topos, but I recently needed some trail shoes for colder and possibly snowy weather. So I decided upon the Merrell Wrapt mids - waterproof (men's).  Immediately after putting them on, I knew I'd like them!  After a few months of almost daily wear, I still like these trail shoes. Note: I'd call them shoes, not boots, because they are lighter and not so bulky. They're like hi-top basketball shoes, only trail shoes.  I purchased these shoes because I wanted a zero-drop shoe.

Read more: Merrell Wrapt Mid Waterproof review (1)

Featured review by Jeff Redding

I have had two pairs of these shoes and they are great. These are shoes that work well with khakis or jeans for casual attire, but these shoes can also take some serious abuse. I used my first pair when I worked up in Alaska and used them with gaiters when the snow got deep. The rubber is pretty tacky and predictable on wet and snowy slick surfaces and the shoes really do a nice job of protecting your feet when walking in rough terrain. The rubber is also extremely durable and after 4 years on my current pair, they are still looking good!! The only fly in the ointment with these shoes is that the seams where the rubber wraps around towards the sides in the flex zone end-up popping threads over a long period of use.

Read more: Lowa Renegade GTX Lo reviews (6)