Altra Lone Peak 4.0The Lone Peak 4 is the perfect combination of weight and comfort. This shoe is very light and has a substantial 25 mm EVA cushioning that provides a bouncy and responsive feel. It is fairly tough, provides a solid traction and the thick padding helps in insulating the foot from rough impact. The downside is that the shoe does not keep the foot in place which can be unstable making it very uncomfortable. These shoes are a good choice for trail running and hiking.
Salomon X Ultra 3 GTXThe Salomon X Ultra 3 shoes are lightweight and quite flexible. They are well padded in the neck and tongue, are sufficiently cushioned and supported by a carved insole. The underfoot of the shoe is slimmer than the traditional hiker shoe and it has a perforated ortholite insole which boost ventilation especially under high activity. It is nimble and has a good grip on different surfaces. These shoes have a quicklace system whereby the laces are easily adjustable and equalize in tightness as you walk. This pair is a great option for hikers.
Merrell Moab 2 VentThe Merrell Moab 2 is an amazing alternative for brief, moderate day hikes. The reliable outsole has shown to have a long lifespan and it offers a good grip especially over rock and mud. It has a broad forefoot which is combined with a flexible forefoot to boost the stability when you power off your forefoot.The shoe has a good grip on most surfaces however, it does not have a water membrane so it may not be ideal for hikes that entail water and it is also quite heavy which make them cumbersome compared to other hiking shoes.
Saucony Peregrine ISOThe Saucony Peregrine ISO are a great choice as they are comfortable, light, have impeccable traction and a quick dry time. They are trail runners that keep your feet satisfied all day. They are equipped with the ISOFIT system which is basically a sock-like top that conforms to your foot as you tie your laces giving you a personalized and relaxed fit. They may not be the most durable shoes but they have a really good grip and can handle different terrains.
Keen Targhee III WPThis shoe is a good choice for people with wide feet. It was definitely designed with its long lasting ability in mind and although it may not be the heaviest shoe on the list, it is also not the lightest. The outer is soft and flexible thanks to the nuback leather. It has a 4-inch water resistance height which is an average height for hiking shoes. The traditional lacing system on this shoe uses a supplementary strap that keeps the heel in place for a comfortable fit around the ankle as the rest of the foot moves freely in the shoe.
La Sportiva Spire GTXThis is a great pick for long distance hiking due to its light weight. It is designed like a running shoe but is very steady. It has extra padding and EVA sole. It has surround technology which allows your foot to discharge sweat through the ortholite footbed. This allows your foot to remain dry in all kinds of climate. This shoe utilizes Vibram XS Trek rubber compound on the outsole which gives it very good traction on wet and dry terrain. Sportiva Spire GTX is a versatile pair that can be worn and used for hiking, in town, or in the country side.
North Face Ultra 110 GTXThese shoes combine comfort with performance.They have waterproof Gore-Tex and are ventilated making them the perfect choice for wet and muddy day hikes. The leather and tight mesh make the North Face Ultra GTX 110 a more sustainable choice. They have a strong and diverse lug pattern that provides a good grip on different terrain. The soles are very rigid and one may need to walk in them for some days before properly breaking into them.