EmailBest Reviewed
Hiking Boots
- Summer hiking shoes Keen Voyageur Low *Est. $100
- Waterproof hiking shoes Keen Targhee II Mid *Est. $130
- Budget light hiking boots Hi-Tec Altitude IV *Est. $90
- Lightweight hiking boots Kayland Zephyr *Est. $190
- Heavy-duty leather backpacking boots Asolo PowerMatic 200 GV *Est. $275
- Women's hiking boots Asolo Stynger Gtx *Est. $200
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- Breathable eVent waterproofing
- Memory-foam insole
- Gender-specific athletic lasts
- Lightweight
- Maximum pack load only 25 lbs.
- Available only in medium width
- Not as durable as leather boots
Reviews recommend the low-cut, lightweight Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar II hiking shoe for hiking on smooth trails. The eVent membrane provides excellent breathability as well as waterproofing, sailing through extensive field tests at Backpacker magazine and earning the editors' recommendation as the best 2008 buy in a light-duty hiking shoe. Tests there find the Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar hiking shoes supportive for backpacking loads up to 25 pounds, as well as comfortable in both light snow and summer heat. If you prefer a shoe that's not waterproof but drains water and dries fast, reviews recommend the Montrail Flow (*Est. $90), another hiking shoe suitable for day hikes and light backpacking.
A review in Backpacker magazine compares dozens of new hiking shoes and boots, based on the field testing of each pair by several testers in a variety of rugged conditions. (The Hi-Tec Radar II shoes were tested on snow, mud and rock.) We found only a light sprinkling of owner-written reviews of the Hi-Tec Radar II, but these highlight the versatility of this hiking shoe. It's interesting to see that retailers bill these as cross-training, trail-running and athletic shoes, as well as hiking shoes.
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Our Sources
1. Backpacker MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Based on extensive field tests that compare dozens of new hiking boots, Backpacker magazine's 2008 Gear Guide issue recommends the Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar II Event Low as the best buy among hiking shoes for loads up to about 25 pounds.
Review: 2008 Gear Guide, Editors of Backpacker magazine, March 2008
2. RunningTimes.comDetails/Subscribe
This expert review finds the shoe more a hiking than a trail-running shoe, though it's good for both. One tester reports satisfaction using it for a three-day backpacking trip, with special praise for the waterproofing.
Review: Trail Shoe: Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar II eVent Low, Adam W. Chase, Dec. 2008
The handful of owners reviewing the V-Lite Radar II shoe here are all enthusiastic, praising the memory-foam insole, the waterproofing and the great traction.
Review: Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar II Event Low, Contributors to OnlineShoes.com
4. Cabelas.com
The sole owner-written review here reports that the author wears them for fishing trips, since they're waterproof even when fully submerged.
Review: Hi-Tec Men's V-Lite Radar eVENT Low Hiker, Contributors to Cabelas.com
5. Zappos.com
This owner-written review gives the Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar II perfect scores for appearance, comfort and overall value. The author says it took a few days to break them in, but now they're comfortable for 10-mile hikes.
Review: Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar II Low, April 2009
This brief owner-written review praises the Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar hiking shoes for their comfort and traction, finding them comfortable enough for everyday wear.
Review: Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar Event Low Reviews, Contributors to Buzzillions.com
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