Keen Voyageur Low

Reviews recommend these low-cut hiking shoes for day hikes in hot weather, since they're well ventilated, light weight and cool. They're also light; an average men's pair weighs less than 2 pounds. They're not waterproof, but drain water and dry fast. Some users say they're fine for backpacking with reasonably light loads. They come in gender-specific sizes and earn mostly positive ratings from both men and women. The main drawbacks are that, like all low-cut light hiking shoes, the Keen Voyageur Low offer minimal ankle support and don't last as long as heavy leather boots. Also, some reviewers report poor traction on wet rocks. For more ankle support and traction in this same price range, reviews recommend the Hi-Tec Altitude IV (*Est. $85).

We found the most user-written reviews at the websites of two big retailers, Zappos and REI. The owner-written reviews at several other sites are also useful. The other professional review is at Camping Life, a magazine aimed at family campers rather than hikers, but we rank this review lower because no testing is documented.