Top Five Hiking Shoes – Review
Hello guys welcome to our blog Wiseman Idea. In this article, we’re going to look at the top five Hiking Shoes available on the market today. We made this list based on our own opinion, research and customer reviews. We’ve considered their quality, features and values when narrowing down the best choices possible. If you want more information and updated pricing on the products mentioned, be sure to subscribe our blog Wiseman Idea. So, here are the top five Best Hiking Shoes.
1. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 GTX
Our top Hiking Shoes are the Merrell Men’s Moab 2 GTX. If you are a fan of long day hikes but require traction for all kinds of trail conditions, this is the shoe for you. These are not quite like other long-distance or ultra-rugged hiking shoes, they perform more efficiently, giving you every reason to consider them when you need new hiking footwear. The top part of these shoes is made from suede leather and mesh, which provides optimum breathability and durability on the trail. In addition to being water-resistant, we found that these trekking shoes keep your feet warm in cold weather and somewhat more comfortable in warm weather, thanks to the high-quality materials used. The high-performance Vibram sole has a lug depth of Just under 3/4 of an Inch for traction in all weather, thus making it stable and slip-resistant, ensuring that you can walk with confidence over any and all-terrain. There is also a removable insole with extra padding in the heel for cushioning, shock absorption and underfoot protection. We like that the targeted heel cushioning improves overall comfort by reducing stress on your foot with each step. The Merrell Moab 2 vent has a closed-cell foam tongue that seems to do a great job of keeping moisture and debris out. However, there is no waterproof liner, so you don’t want to fully submerge your feet in a river if possible. Additionally, with these shoes, there is enough space in the protective rubber toe box to keep your feet relaxed and protected on long trails. Even better, thanks to its excellent lace-up closure, you can customize the fit for your comfort and convenience. We really think this is the ideal footwear for anyone serious about hiking through a range of different environments.
Pros :
- They have a contoured foot bed with a zonal arch and heel support.
- They provide versatile traction.
- They are comfortable to wear all day.
- They offer excellent durability.
Cons :
- They are not suitable for use on very wet terrain.
The Merrell Men’s Moab 2 GTX Hiking Shoes are ideal for those looking for comfortable footwear that they can use for intermediate day or overnight hikes.
2. Timberland White Ledge
The second product on our list is the Timberland White Ledge. If you want some no-frills, all-leather hiking boots, then these Timberlands should be top of your list. They’re a long-time manufacturer of comfy, affordable work boots but these White Ledge Mids are also designed to excel at hiking. They’re pretty light for a full leather boot, this is one of the reasons Timberlands are the footwear of choice for tradesmen who work outdoors but don’t require steel toe caps. We think these White Ledge hiking shoes are a great option for those who want a versatile boot for occasional hikes. They’re well-padded around the ankle and comfy to wear all day out on the trails or around the yard. What’s more, despite this product lacking a liner, it actually breathes pretty well for a full leather boot. Even better, the wide sole at the forefoot provides a stable base. Meanwhile, the comfy padded collar not only feels great but also helps stabilize the ankle. We found that excellent traction on wet terrain is one of the strong points of this hiking boot. However, the rubber used by Timberland tends to be softer than most Vibram soles, so it can wear faster. Considering it doesn’t have a waterproof membrane lining, the Timberland White Ledge Mid keeps feet surprisingly dry. We noticed that the leather upper with their sealed seams do a good job of keeping water out. They will certainly keep your feet dry while hiking through wet grass and splashing in puddles on trails. We reckon these are an excellent choice for those who enjoy hiking and want a comfy leather boot that’s versatile enough for work or gardening.
Pros :
- They’re lightweight despite being entirely made of leather.
- They are comfortable enough to wear all day.
- They provide great traction over wet surfaces.
Cons :
- Their softer rubber soles wear pretty quick the Timberland White Ledge hiking shoes are affordable and well designed; they would be ideal for anyone wanting something suitable for both hiking and everyday wear.
3. Columbia Men’s Woodburn Ii
The third product on our list is the Columbia Men’s Woodburn Ii. There is a growing catalog of hiking shoes on the market today that don’t actually look like hiking shoes. These Columbia Woodburn II Hiking Shoes are a great example of that trend and how viable it can be for even serious outdoors people. This sneaker-style shoe has a simple shape and low-rise design that usually goes against the idea of the rugged hiking boot, yet we found it to have excellent performance in many areas. A hidden element inside these walking shoes is the secret weapon when it comes to the comfort and protection on offer. There is a bootie within the shoe that is an Omni-tech membrane that provides both breathability and waterproofing. We found that this is excellent at keeping the wearer’s feet cooler in the summer months and pretty dry in the wetter seasons. A lot of the comfort also comes from its lightweight leather upper, which allows you to walk for longer without fatiguing like you would with a heavier-designed hiking shoe. Additionally, there is some brilliant cushioning in the midsole that supports your arches while minimising shock. We like that there is also a lot of strength and grip on the outsole. It seems more than capable of handling most wet conditions and rough terrain with relative ease while being hard-wearing enough for long-term use. Speaking of which, those customers who have used this walking shoe model for over two years applaud their durability and build quality, which is a great recommendation to have for any footwear that is going to get a lot of use. Overall we found this to be an outdoor casual shoe that performs as well on light trails as it does on the city streets.
Pros :
- The Omni-tech membrane that provides both breathability and water resistance.
- It has excellent midsole cushioning.
- It’s rated by long-term testers as being durable.
Cons :
- The laces are made of a shiny material so seem to come undone very easily.
The Columbia Men’s Woodburn Ii are surprisingly adept hiking shoes both on and off-road, they are sure to last well for most activities.
4. Vasque Men’s Breeze
Up next in fourth place is the Vasque Men’s Breeze. For those worried about rolling their ankle, the Vasque Breeze may be for you. It is a well-designed mid weight hiking shoe that maximises breathability and excellent grip over varied trail terrain. One of the lighter mid weight on this list, the Breeze is very comfortable on foot, especially narrow and low arched feet, and is an excellent choice for day hikes with light loads. As its name suggests, this boot is made to be light and airy. We found that comfort, breathability, and a feather lightweight on the foot are the Vasque Breeze’s main benefits, and thanks to its more boot-like design, it provides more ankle stability than the Crossfibian. There is a good blend of leather and mesh in the upper that feels supple and hugs your foot and ankle right out of the box, and the dual-density insole is one of the best for shock absorption over rocky terrain. Even better, we noticed that after a few days on the trails, the ankle collar and tongue becomes even comfier as it molds to your foot. This footwear does have a waterproof and breathable Gore Tex liner, which works great at preventing your feet from getting damp when slogging through wet grass or muddy puddles. However, it’s worth noting that it does not extend all the way into the upper, so fully submerging your foot still results in wet feet. We think the Vasque Breeze are well suited to hikers and light backpackers that value the lightest footwear but still want a full coverage ankle collar. The Breeze fits in a good niche between super comfy lightweight hiking shoes and more stable mid weight boots.
Pros :
- They are very comfortable.
- They have excellent ankle support.
- Their shock absorption is excellent.
Cons :
- There are a lot of seams and mesh on the upper of this boot which may decrease long-term durability.
The Vasque Men’s Breeze are an excellent choice for hikers wanting a balance of support, comfort and lightweight out on the trails.
5. Salomon Crossamphibian Swift 2
The fifth product on our list is the Salomon Crossamphibian Swift 2. If you’re looking for footwear that’s light enough to wear anywhere but rugged enough for the great outdoors, you should consider these Salomon Crossfibian hiking shoes. They’re made using a generous amount of recycled and natural materials; this super comfortable performance shoe; breaths, drains well, and fits great for every outdoor summer adventure. With the Crossamphibian hiking shoe, you find a sturdy, well-made product that provides optimal protection on any trail. It offers motion control that gives you excellent stability on alternating surfaces. The additional support built into the arch is prominent and welcome for those who tend to roll their ankles a lot while walking or running. We think that getting out on the trails and back to nature is essential in this day and age of stress and office work; with this lightweight product, you gain a range of protective features to aid your hikes in the country. So if you’re the type of person that feels that they need a more formidable shoe than the average manufacturer has to offer, this may be the one for you. We found that the midsole gives excellent underfoot protection, while the upper is quick-drying thanks to its recyclable mesh textile construction. Plainly put, you’re unlikely to encounter another shoe that will protect your foot while giving you all the flexibility you need for every terrain. What’s more, it is designed to let water evacuate the shoe while keeping debris out, and this makes it perfect for use in and out of the water and along poorly maintained back road trails. The combination of rugged, wear-resistant materials, thick, shockproof innersole and great arch and ankle support make the Salomon excellent for cross running or hiking. Additionally, the easy lace-free system does a brilliant job of letting you slip them on and off quickly while still tightening the shoe comfortably over the foot’s top and sides, holding the foot securely in place. Finally, if you’re concerned about them matching your other gear, this unit has three different styles to choose from, so whatever you’re doing and wherever you’re going, this hiking shoe will be perfect.
Pros :
- Its unique construction makes it breathable while allowing water to drain out easily.
- It has a tough construction that lasts.
- It provides excellent foot support in all kinds of environment.
Cons :
- It can be slippery wearing them on wet rocks due to the hard rubber tread.
The Salomon Crossamphibian Swift 2 is a great hiking shoe for warmer climates, it’s excellent for anyone hiking in places they’re likely to get wet feet.