Trail Shoes

Recent Trail Shoe Reviews

Merrell Outpulse Leather

Low cost trail shoe. I wanted a comfortable around town shoe and found these on sale, just two pairs left, I was told, they have just flown from the shelves. The 10 was not quite right, but the 10.5 was perfect. I might have had my winter slippers on!  Now I have had them for nearly a month and can say that they are now my go-to shoes for all my outdoor activities: going to town, daily walk, and the weekend trips on the local hill tracks. One of these tracks is gravel at an average 30-degree slope… Full review

Merrell Men's Moab 2 Ventilator

Loved prior versions. Latest version (shoe has 10/18 date on tongue) is uncomfortable. Had this latest incarnation for about a month and I cannot get them comfortable. I have tried lacing them in different ways and nothing works. I finally put a different insole in and that has helped. But, overall something has changed in manufacturing and I would give this latest bunch a pass. Tried on in store and they seemed fine, but stiff. I had hoped they would break in, but they are not getting any more… Full review

Lowa Men's Renegade II LL Lo

Long lasting shoes build Lowa quality! I typically use my shoes for approach and hikes. So I need a great support when carrying climbing gear. The Lowa Renegade have a polyurethane mid sole, which is heavier but will not collapse over time or under heavy load. They are made of nubuck (is top-grain cattle leather that has been sanded or buffed on the grain side, or outside, to give a slight nap of short protein fibers, producing a velvet-like), so they are warm. I even walk with them during winter… Full review

Oboz Women's Sawtooth Low Waterproof

Very comfortable. No break-in necessary. Size was true. Other hiking shoes I have tried seem to be too big at the ankle. Full review

Merrell Men's Continuum

High arch and comfortable, that's the only good. I've had them a month. The eyelets catch on each of the other boot's when doing anything but walking in a straight line. They've tripped me up multiple times. If sitting with feet crossed they will tangle. I've broken one plastic open eyelet and bent two metal ones from catching on each other. I have yet to wear them and not have them catch on each other or something else. To compare, I wear work boots everyday for 30 years in all kinds of positions. Full review

Oboz Men's Sawtooth Low

Not happy with the shoe being slick on wet concrete and wood. Dangerous on a sidewalk or pavement with a little bit of ice. Comfortable and warm, but if rainy or icy I have to wear different shoes, therefore rate 3 stars and will not buy again. Full review

Ecco Terracruise II

Ecco cheaped out on the redesign. They cheaped out. The original Terracruise was a much better shoe. Better materials and design. The original shoe was a favorite for light and mid-range hikes, 2-10 miles. The big issue for me is the now non-elastic ankle padding. It slips back and forth, instead of hugging the ankle, rubbing your ankle raw after just a few miles. You can tell the shoe is cheaply made, compared to its predecessor.  Full review

Adidas Men's AX 2

Very versatile on or off pavement. They are extremely light compared to other trail shoe brands. Fitment is comfortable and the footbeds are sufficient and provide necessary padding while running on uneven terrain. I've used these shoes for hard surface, all-day walking, and backcountry hikes on dry and wet terrain and they have performed well enough to warrant buying another set again. Full review

Merrell Men's Continuum

I bought them for a trip to Toronto. Huge blisters on my ankles—even without tying them tight. I have a 15-year-old Nike pair that I’m back to wearing. Blisters threes weeks old this weekend. I pissed $100 away. They are very uncomfortable. I have three-week-old blisters on my ankles. I will not wear them again. I will not buy Merrell again. I’m back to wearing my 15-year-old Nike boots. Full review