LIghtweight hiker or trail shoe opinions

[7mmfan]

I have always just worn my hunting boots as my hiking boots, but scouting this last weekend in Idaho in 85+ degrees has made me decide that a pair of nice lightweight/breathable hikers or trail shoes are in my future. There are infinite choices out there so I'm opening the can of worms here for peoples experiences and opinions.

Main important features:
- Lightweight
- Highly breathable
- low/mid ankle
- sturdy enough for use on rocky terrain

and..... go.

[vandeman17]

tag. Been watching for similar

[trophyhunt]

Tag!

[7mmfan]

Dangit guys I'm looking for info not moral support! 

[Stein]

Check out Altra Lone Peak, they have both a gore and non gore boot the non gore ones breathe well and are relatively light.


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[smithkl42]

I've had pretty good luck with Merrell's for that sort of use. They're worthless in the wet, but very comfortable in the dry. They've never given me blisters, and I can't count the pairs I've worn out.

https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-2-mid-gore-tex-wide-width/27836M.html?dwvar_27836M_color=J06057W#cgid=men-footwear-hiking&start=1

Since I started hunting, which involves a lot more rain than my summer trail hiking, I've been running Lowa's, and those have worked pretty well. (My feet did get wet last time out, but my current theory is that it was soaking down from my pants, which were sopping.)

[Eric M]

If youre looking for trail shoes, check out some youtube and see the reviews by hikers. A lot of people thru hiking the AT, PCT, or CDT wear trail runners for large sections of these hikes. Altra, as mentioned in a previous post, is one of the popular brands. REI can help too.

[Fl0und3rz]

Vasque Juxt receives good reviews, and my experience so far confirms comfort in all-day use in hot weather.  I was surprised.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006Z62A5G


I have had good durability with Garmont low hikers, but my experience is with a fall/wet season Goretex low hiker.

[Whitpirate]

I'm a big guy and haven't blown a pair of Merrell Moab 2's out yet.

[trophyhunt]

I've had pretty good luck with Merrell's for that sort of use. They're worthless in the wet, but very comfortable in the dry. They've never given me blisters, and I can't count the pairs I've worn out.

https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-2-mid-gore-tex-wide-width/27836M.html?dwvar_27836M_color=J06057W#cgid=men-footwear-hiking&start=1

Since I started hunting, which involves a lot more rain than my summer trail hiking, I've been running Lowa's, and those have worked pretty well. (My feet did get wet last time out, but my current theory is that it was soaking down from my pants, which were sopping.)

Hows the fit? if you normally wear an 8 1/2, stick with that size with this boot?  And is wide, really wide or not?  My foot is really wide.    @smithkl42    or   #smithkl42   

[KFhunter]

Im using UA speed freaks, meh...keep shopping

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[WapitiTalk1]

Give these a look; really good lightweight hunting and hiking boots.

https://www.moosejaw.com/product/salomon-men-s-quest-4d-3-gtx-boot_10366924?avad=46631_e1627aae9&clickid=3Ai123RUKxyJRcqwUx0Mo34VUklU-B2DEXQqRI0&irgwc=1&utm_campaign=34947&cm_mmc=Affiliate-_-AvantLink-_-na-_-34947&ad_id=Avant&avad=46631_e1627aae9

[Alchase]

I am also a Merrills fan.

[cbond3318]

I had a pair of Salomon’s a few years ago that we’re good for me. Been meaning to get another pair.

[Wanttohuntmore]

Not a Merrills fan though I've owned quite a few of their models.   I love my Vasque Breeze non- waterproof for hot weather hikes and early archery elk.   More support in the footbed with them.  Not sure they make them anymore.  Mid-October I switch to Meindl or my Kennetreks.

[Billy74]

Keens make a few that i like.


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[7mmfan]

Give these a look; really good lightweight hunting and hiking boots.

https://www.moosejaw.com/product/salomon-men-s-quest-4d-3-gtx-boot_10366924?avad=46631_e1627aae9&clickid=3Ai123RUKxyJRcqwUx0Mo34VUklU-B2DEXQqRI0&irgwc=1&utm_campaign=34947&cm_mmc=Affiliate-_-AvantLink-_-na-_-34947&ad_id=Avant&avad=46631_e1627aae9

These are the boot I keep seeing in reviews as #1, along with it's short ankle cousin. I will be trying these on this week.

A lot of good input so far guys I appreciate it.

[bornhunter]

I am on pair 6 of Merrells. I usually get a couple if seasons out of them. Nothing better for early season elk. Fit like a glove, quiet and great ankle support if you get the mid hikers. IMO of course.

[scotsman]

Another vote for Merrill Moab. They are my go to shoe / boot for hiking and daily wear. Low top for daily, medium height for hiker. Merrill's have a nice wide toe box and good heel cup that I can wear all day and still feel good.

[wadu1]

My podiatrists recommends Keens or Merrill for the over the counter type foot gear. The booth come in wide I'm a 9.5 EEE.

[SWHUNTER]

I've been using the Salomon GTX 3D trail runner since March and it has has held up good so far. I really like the quick lace up feature. I have used them for about everything so far. Casual wear, jogging, and many trips were I hike several miles then transition to snowboard boots. My feet haven't got wet yet.
I fully expected them to break down by now but they havent.

[Jason]

Give these a look; really good lightweight hunting and hiking boots.

https://www.moosejaw.com/product/salomon-men-s-quest-4d-3-gtx-boot_10366924?avad=46631_e1627aae9&clickid=3Ai123RUKxyJRcqwUx0Mo34VUklU-B2DEXQqRI0&irgwc=1&utm_campaign=34947&cm_mmc=Affiliate-_-AvantLink-_-na-_-34947&ad_id=Avant&avad=46631_e1627aae9

I bought these last year to replace my Merrils for hiking and more importantly the high hunt. They have been awesome, they fit my feet well and are very comfortable and they kept my feet dry.

[huntnnw]

I have owned several Keens and by far one of the most comfortable hiking boots I have worn. I wore solomon speed freaks on a hunt and they were super comfy

[7mmfan]

I'm going to make a trip to REI this week to get measured and try on as many of these as possible. It seems the top three are Merrill, Salomon, and Keens from the sounds of things here.

[cbond3318]

I have owned several Keens and by far one of the most comfortable hiking boots I have worn. I wore solomon speed freaks on a hunt and they were super comfy

Curious to what Keen hiker you have had luck with? The 3 pair of mid hikers I’ve used for work have deteriorated at lightning speed. They are comfortable and I keep buying them though. 

[cougforester]

Give these a look; really good lightweight hunting and hiking boots.

https://www.moosejaw.com/product/salomon-men-s-quest-4d-3-gtx-boot_10366924?avad=46631_e1627aae9&clickid=3Ai123RUKxyJRcqwUx0Mo34VUklU-B2DEXQqRI0&irgwc=1&utm_campaign=34947&cm_mmc=Affiliate-_-AvantLink-_-na-_-34947&ad_id=Avant&avad=46631_e1627aae9

These are the boot I keep seeing in reviews as #1, along with it's short ankle cousin. I will be trying these on this week.

A lot of good input so far guys I appreciate it.

Tag for later. Good info.

[HikerHunter]

Salomon Ultras. They are available in low or mid and with or without goretex. Lightweight and very breathable. Sole is stiff enough for me, but that is a user specific quality. I like more flex than some.

[Shaqdiesel]

I have some altra lone peak 4s that are pretty awesome

[Odell]

I've been using the Salomon GTX 3D trail runner since March and it has has held up good so far. I really like the quick lace up feature. I have used them for about everything so far. Casual wear, jogging, and many trips were I hike several miles then transition to snowboard boots. My feet haven't got wet yet.
I fully expected them to break down by now but they havent.

I've got a pair of the Salomon Speedcross 4 trail runners. Never had a hiker cup my heel so well. I originally got them for playing softball and ended up using them for a september elk hunt in the Steens. Worked great in hot weather, only problem is they let in a ton of dust. Feet are black with dirt at the end of the day

[Odell]

I've also heard good things about lasportiva

[Lincoln4]

I've moved to Alta Lone Peak 4's.  Zero drop didn't cause me any issues, and the toe box is very roomy. 

[Stein]

I've moved to Alta Lone Peak 4's.  Zero drop didn't cause me any issues, and the toe box is very roomy.

Do you have the Gore Tex version?  I have the regular ones and was thinking about picking up the Gore version for when the grass is really wet in the morning, heavy rain or light snow before it's time to break out the insulated boots.

[Shaqdiesel]

I have them and if you had gaiters you would be good to go

[7mmfan]

Picked up two pairs of footwear today. A pair of the Altra Lone Peak 4s, and a pair of the Salomon 4D 3Gtx. I tried on lots of boots and different sizes. The Salomon Ultras were a close second but just didnt fit quite right. Tried Lasportivas, way to narrow. The 4d's seemed to cup my heal exceptionally well and not slip at all on me. Took a 3 mile hill walk with the wife and kiddo this evening in the Altras and was impressed. Very comfortable. I was worried about the zero rise but I think it will be a good thing.

One interesting tidbit. I've worn the same size boots for the last 15 years, no issues. The last year and a half or so I've had pretty major toe issues. Got measured and found out my feet are a half size+ bigger than they used to be. Didnt know that was a thing.

[KFhunter]

I just got some Merril moab 2, due to this thread, I like them.

much better than my UA speed freaks 





Now I gotta see if I can wear them out!

[Alchase]

I love Merrells,
My Moab II waterproofs have been relegated to yard work. They just wont die!
I use the Thermal Adventure 6 in. Ice and snow, for most of my hiking and hunting. Backup pair of Asolo GTXs.
And the Ascent Ride (goretex) for tennis shoes.
And Jungle Mocs slip-ons probably my favorite shoe, for anything requiring a outside job or in Hunting camp.