Trail shoes are a must-have for any hiker who wants to enjoy their time on the trails. But why choose trail shoes for hiking when there are so many traditional hiking boots available? We take a look at the advantages of a decent pair of trail shoes for hiking:
- Lightweight: Trail shoes are typically much lighter than hiking boots, which can make a big difference on long hikes.
- Flexible: Trail shoes are designed to be flexible, which allows you to move more naturally on uneven terrain.
- Grippy: Trail shoes have aggressive treads that provide excellent traction on wet, muddy, and rocky trails.
- Breathable: Trail shoes are made with breathable materials that help to keep your feet cool and dry.
But with so many different brands and models of trail shoes available, how do you know which ones to choose? We take a look at some of the top-rated trail shoes for hiking and the benefits of each shoe. :
Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
You will see this popular trail shoe listed in many different articles about trail shoes for hiking. The Salomon X Ultra is a waterproof shoe. This is denoted by the GTX after the name. Gore-Tex is a type of material used by many shoe manufacturers in their waterproof shoes. The big advantage of this is you can go through puddles, streams etc without getting your feet wet. On the downside, they can make your feet hot.
Pros:
- Lightweight and flexible
- Excellent traction
- Durable and well-made
- Comfortable and supportive
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Narrow fit
- Not as cushioned as some other trail shoes
- Pricey
Overall, the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX is a great trail shoe that offers a great balance of performance and comfort. It’s lightweight, flexible, and has excellent traction. It’s also durable and well-made, and it comes with a Gore-Tex lining that keeps your feet dry. However, it does have a narrow fit, and it’s not as cushioned as some other trail shoes.
The Salomon X Ultra is a top-rated trail shoe that offers a great balance of performance and comfort. It’s lightweight, flexible, and has excellent traction.
Merrell Moab 3
For those on a budget, the Merrell Moab 3 is an extremely popular choice. The budget-friendly trail shoe that’s perfect for everyday use. It’s durable, comfortable, and has good traction. Like the Salomon listed above, the Merrell Moab 3 is a Gore-Tex shoe which makes it waterproof.
Pros:
- Durable and well-made
- Comfortable and supportive
- Good traction
- Affordable
- Wide range of sizes and widths available
Cons:
- Not as lightweight as some other trail shoes
- Not as breathable as some other trail shoes
- Can be a bit stiff for some people
Overall, the Merrell Moab 3 is a great trail shoe that offers a good balance of performance and value. It’s durable, comfortable, and has good traction. It’s also affordable and available in a wide range of sizes and widths. However, it’s not as lightweight or breathable as some other trail shoes, and it can be a bit stiff for some people.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
This is one of our favourite trail shoes for running however, it is also billed as a favourite hiking shoe for longer hikes. The max-cushioning of the Hoka Speedgoat 5 is what makes it an ideal candidate. It’s comfortable, responsive, and has excellent traction.
Pros:
- Maximum cushioning
- Excellent traction
- Durable and well-made
- Wide toe box
Cons:
- Not as breathable as some other trail shoes
- Heavy
- Pricey
Overall, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 is a great trail shoe for hikers who are looking for maximum cushioning and excellent traction. It’s not the lightest or most breathable trail shoe on the market, but it’s a great choice for those who want a comfortable and durable shoe that can handle any terrain.
La Sportiva Bushido II
The La Sportiva Bushido II is a lightweight trail shoe that’s perfect for technical terrain. It’s aggressive, stable, and has excellent traction.
Pros:
- The aggressive outsole provides excellent traction
- Lightweight and flexible
- Secure fit
- Durable
Cons:
- Narrow fit
- Not as cushioned as some other trail shoes
- Pricey
If you’re looking for a lightweight, flexible, and secure-fitting trail shoe for hiking with excellent traction, the La Sportiva Bushido II is a great option. However, if you’re looking for a more cushioned trail shoe, you may want to consider other options.
Tips for choosing hiking trail shoes
When choosing a pair of hiking trail shoes, it’s important to consider the type of terrain you’ll be hiking on. If you’ll be hiking on mostly smooth trails, you can get away with a less aggressive shoe. However, if you’ll be hiking on technical terrain, you’ll need a shoe with more aggressive treads.
It’s also important to consider your own personal preferences. Some hikers prefer a more cushioned shoe, while others prefer a more minimalist shoe. Ultimately, the best trail shoe for you is the one that feels the most comfortable and provides the best traction for the type of terrain you’ll be hiking on.
Here are a few additional tips for choosing trail shoes:
- Try on shoes in the afternoon: Your feet tend to swell throughout the day, so it’s best to try on shoes in the afternoon when your feet are at their largest.
- Walk around in the shoes: Don’t just stand in the shoes, make sure to walk around in them to make sure they’re comfortable and provide good support.
- Consider your gait: If you have a pronated or supinated gait, you’ll need to choose a shoe that’s designed to accommodate your gait.
With so many great trail shoes on the market, you’re sure to find the perfect pair for your next hike. So get out there and explore!
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