Hiking Shoes

Light, low-cut hiking shoes are comfy, but wear out fast

Unless otherwise noted, hiking shoes discussed here come in both men's and women's sizes.

If you're mainly hiking on easier trails and don't need extra ankle protection, low-cut hiking shoes are lightweight and relatively inexpensive -- though not necessarily durable. Experts say they're fine for ultralight backpacking with loads of 25 pounds or less, but they're really best for day hikes. Quite a few day hikers and ultralight backpackers prefer trail-running shoes, but if you hike on rocky trails, hiking shoes will give you a beefier sole.

There's not much consensus among reviewers about the best low-cut hiking shoe. As with running shoes, fit varies enormously from person to person. Like running shoes, low-cut hiking shoes aren't constructed to last for years, which explains why we read so many complaints about long-term durability for this class of hiking shoes.

Two low-cut hiking shoes by Keen earn the most recommendations in reviews -- albeit by a slender margin and with some drawbacks noted. The Keen Voyageur (*Est. $100) is designed for hiking in hot weather, while the waterproof Keen Targhee II (*Est. $120) is better for spring and summer day hikes. Of the two, the Targhee II earns better reviews for traction, except on snow where you'd usually wear a higher-cut boot anyway.

The Keen Voyageur was recommended in the 2008 Outside magazine buyer's guide issue for its comfort and sturdiness, though testers say the sole slips on wet rock. The Voyageur hiking shoe has lots of mesh for ventilation, plus a rubber toe guard. Owner-written reviews at three big retailer sites -- Backcountry.com, Cabelas.com and Zappos.com -- award it especially high marks. Quite a few owners disagree with the Outside testers about the shoe's sturdiness, however, reporting fast wear and tear. The Keen Voyageur's main advantage is its ventilation in hot weather. There's no waterproof lining, so it's designed to drain water well if feet get wet in a stream crossing or rainstorm. An average men's pair weighs 1 pound, 14 ounces. Women's sizes are also available.

The Keen Targhee II (*Est. $120) is sturdier, with less nylon mesh plus a waterproof lining, and it's heavier at 2 pounds, 3 ounces. The original Targhee II used eVent for the lining, but the 2009 models use a proprietary Keen lining called "Keen.Dry" -- guaranteed by Keen to be fully waterproof for two years. This hiking shoe was one of the top picks in the 2008 gear guide at Backpacker magazine, and is the top-rated women's low hiking show at Moosejaw.com. The Keen Targhee II has also accumulated high ratings from owners at several sites, including Zappos.com and Altrec.com.

The Lafuma XLight OT (*Est. $125) earns top ranking in Backpacker magazine's 2009 gear guide as the "best all-around" low-cut hiking shoe. Editors like the adjustable lacing and the way it's cut a little higher than most low-cut shoes, so it keeps out debris. Instead of a waterproof lining, the Lafuma hiking shoe uses the Outdry membrane that's actually part of the shoe fabric itself. This means that the shoe's upper doesn't get heavy from absorbing water. Despite the 2009 award, we find this hiking shoe on closeout at some retailers, so it may become hard to find.

As a budget waterproof low-cut hiking shoe, Backpacker's editors recommend the Ahnu Lodi WB (*Est. $95), though they're not sure of its durability. It has plenty of mesh for ventilation, but testers found its proprietary waterproof lining very effective and "reasonably breathable." At Zappos.com, in fact, several owners praise this hiking shoe for its breathability. It's heavier, though, at 2 pounds 2 ounces, and uses an odd lacing system that not all owners like. The handful of owners reviewing it at REI.com reports that this shoe is comfortable, but they also express doubts about its durability.

Durability is also an issue with another 2009 Backpacker pick, the Montrail Hardrock 09 (*Est. $100). Despite the Hardrock's light weight (1 pound 10 ounces), Backpacker editors say it has "unparalleled rigidity for its weight." Like other Montrail shoes and boots, the last is based on analysis of over 800,000 foot scans; Montrail has an excellent reputation for good fit. This is the latest version of a shoe designed to drain water quickly, rather than keep it out. This type is a favorite among reviewers at BackpackingLight.com, and the Montrail Hardrock 09 is a top-rated hiking shoe among reader-written reviews there.

A top pick from 2008, the Hi-Tec V-Lite Radar II eVent Low (*Est. $105), is also worth considering if you prefer a waterproof hiking shoe. It was Backpacker magazine's Best Buy for day hikes on easier trails -- supporting loads up to 25 pounds. Tests there found these hiking shoes both waterproof and breathable in all kinds of conditions, from snow to 80-degree summer heat. The memory foam insole adds comfort, and the shoe comes in gender-specific lasts. An average men's pair weighs less than 2 pounds. Owner-written reviews praise the shoe's comfort, waterproofing and traction.

Mid-cut hiking shoes for more ankle support

Mid-cut hiking shoes offer some ankle support. The line between hiking shoes and hiking boots gets blurred at this point. Cut higher than low-cut hiking shoes, but not completely covering the ankle, mid-cut hiking shoes are just as often called hiking boots by some reviewers. The trend is toward this lower cut even for backpacking -- except with very heavy loads or on especially rugged terrain.

This year's Outside magazine gives a mid-cut hiking shoe, the Kayland Vertigo Light (*Est. $175), a Gear of the Year award for hiking shoes. Editors note that at 1 pound 4 ounces, a pair weighs less than many low-cut hiking shoes, yet gives excellent support and fit. They rate it for backpacking loads up to 30 pounds and praise its waterproof, yet breathable, eVent lining. Tests also find it durable. The main drawback is that traction could be better on wet rock.

The Keen Voyageur and Keen Targhee II hiking shoes discussed above also come in mid-cut versions. Both models weigh around 2 pounds -- quite a bit more than the Kayland Vertigo Light. However, they cost about $70 less.

The Keen Voyageur Mid (*Est. $110) is a top pick in owner-written reviews by both men and women at Backcountry.com, and a winner among male reviewers at Cabelas.com. As with the low-cut version, many owners find the Voyageur Mid comfortable out of the box, but not very durable. Traction gets mixed reviews. An average men's pair weighs 2 pounds.

The waterproof Keen Targhee II Mid (*Est. $130) was picked in 2008 by Backpacker magazine editors as a Best Buy for backpacking with loads up to 35 pounds. It's accumulated mixed reviews from owners, mostly for problems with durability. Reviews also say it's not good for hiking in snow, where it lacks traction and can soak through. An average men's pair weighs 2 pounds 1 ounce.