Comparison Review: Fastpacking Shoes for Going a Little Faster and Further Than Usual

What people look for in trekking shoes varies from person to person, but at the end of the day, they're tools for walking, so the main things to consider are: are they easy to walk in? Are they comfortable to wear for long periods of time? What support do they provide? Do they not tire you out? Can they withstand heavy loads? So, what about shoes to wear when fastpacking? What is required and necessary? Some people use trail running shoes, but they require a lot of stamina and are difficult to wear unless you're used to them, so your options are quite limited

So this time, we've picked out a few shoes that have been released for fastpacking, and have actually tried them on to compare and review them. We've carefully examined the features of each shoe and the type of users they are suitable for. We hope this will help you understand what kind of shoes are available and help you make your purchase. Please take the time to read on

table of contents

• About the items tested this time
• Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
• Impressions of each model
• Detailed review of each item
• summary

About the fastpacking shoes we compared this time

Below are the five fastpacking shoe models we chose this time. All of them are mid-cut and lightweight, weighing less than 400g. Some of them are trekking shoes, while others are mid-cut models based on trail running shoes

• adidas: Terrex Freehiker Terrex Freehiker
• Hoka one one: Speedgoat MID WP 
• inov8: ROCLITE G 345 GTX
• ALTRA: Lone Peak 4.0 Mid RSM
• The North Face: Shaved Hiker Mid GORE-TEX

Test environment

The following five points were set as indicators for the evaluation items and the review was conducted

1. Comfort: The fit and breathability of the upper, overall flexibility, etc., mean that there is no pressure or stress when wearing the shoes, and they are comfortable and unlikely to cause injury even if you wear them all day
2. Weight: We paid attention not only to the actual weight, but also to the feeling when walking or running
3. Grip: Non-slip when landing on various trails, grip when pushing off, etc
4. Cushioning: Fastpacking involves running and walking long distances at high speeds. Resisting the impact of landing is a crucial factor in reducing fatigue and continuing to move
5. Stability: The holding power of the heel and sole, as well as protection to protect the feet from external stimuli and shocks. These are essential when moving around on various terrains and carrying relatively heavy loads

With these five points in mind, we tested the product by repeatedly running and walking on a trail with many ups and downs

Test Results & Spec Comparison Table

If you find it difficult to see the table on the lightweight display for smartphones, click here.

Hike Rating	AAA	AA	AA	AA	AA
Run Evaluation	AA	AAA	AA	AA	A
item	adidas Terrex Freehiker	Hoka one one Speedgoat Mid WP	inov8 ROCLITE G 345 GTX	ALTRA Lone Peak 4.0 Mid RSM	The North Face Shaved Hiker Mid GORE-TEX
Reference price (excluding tax)	¥24,000	¥24,000	¥21,000	¥23,000	¥18,000
Here is ◎	Light walking sensation Balance of cushioning and resilience	Cushioning Stability when landing	High grip Natural comfort	Ankle protection Freedom inside the shoe	High stability
Here is △	Poor waterproofing	Weak ankle support	The shoelaces are thin	No flexibility in the upper	Not very breathable
Comfort	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆
weight	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆
grip	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆
cushion	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆
stability	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★
Specifications
official weight	385g	358g (27.0cm)	345g	384g	–
Actual weight (average of left and right)	395g (27.0cm)	344g (27.0cm)	352g (27.0cm)	355g (27.0cm)	398g (27.0cm)
drop	10mm (23mm/33mm)	4mm (28mm/32mm)	8mm (8mm/16mm)	0mm (25mm/25mm)	−
Midsole	BOOST™	−	POWERFLOW	Dual Layer EVA/A-Bound™	XTRAFOAM™・CRADLE™
Outsole	Continental™	Vibram® Mega Grip	GRAPHENE GRIP	DuraTread™ Rubber with TrailClaw™	EXTS™
Breathable and waterproof	Water repellent only	SKYHEEL	GORE-TEX	eVent	GORE-TEX

Impressions of each model

adidas Terrex Freehiker

Here is ◎

• Light walking feel beyond its weight
• Balance of cushioning and resilience

Here is △

• Poor waterproofing (waterproof model released in FW19)

The upper is made of knit fabric, which provides a comfortable fit like a sock. It is also stylish enough to be worn everyday

BOOST™ is a firm favorite among adidas Terrex Free Hiker is the first model to feature BOOST™ in a trekking shoe.

Thanks to the highly stretchable upper and sock construction with an integrated tongue, the fit is excellent, creating a wonderful sense of unity between the foot and the shoe. Additionally, the sturdy heel cup and thick cushioning around the ankle ensure a comfortable fit, even during high-speed hiking. The midsole uses BOOST, a material highly acclaimed for its durability and rebound properties in running shoes, for trekking shoes, providing comfortable comfort even when walking for long periods thanks to its moderate rebound. This was my first time using BOOST foam for an extended period of time, and I was thrilled to discover new horizons. Although it's a mid-cut shoe, the ankle offers excellent freedom of movement and allows for flexible movement. However, these shoes are best suited for running, or rather, for continuous high-speed movement, such as power hiking

The sole is made of rubber from Continental, a company famous for its tires, providing a strong grip even on wet terrain

The outsole uses rubber developed specifically for shoes by Continental, a company famous for its car tires. Continental has been used in Adidas' recent outdoor shoe line, making it a staple. The sole pattern faces forward on the forefoot and backward on the heel, providing bidirectional grip. The rubber is quite sticky, providing good grip, but its softness makes it less durable

Of the shoes compared this time, this is the only one that is water-repellent, not waterproof. This makes it very breathable and comfortable. It won't let in light rain, and even if it does get a little wet, it dries quickly thanks to its high breathability. However, when the temperature drops or you're at high altitude and in windy environments, you'll still want a waterproof lining with good wind resistance. There is also a GORE-TEX model called the Terrex Free Hiker GTX, so you can choose depending on your needs. The Terrex Free Hiker looks set to bring a new style to trekking shoes

Hoka one one Speedgoat Mid WP

Here is ◎

• High cushioning
• Stability when landing

Here is △

• Ankle support is a little weak

The upper has been reinforced more than the original Speedgoat, improving stability when carrying more luggage

Hoka one one boasts a high market share, with everyone familiar with trail running and ultramarathons . The Speedgoat MID WP is a fast-packing shoe based on the Speedgoat 2, Hoka one one's trail running shoe, with a reinforced upper and heel, a waterproof SKYHEEL lining, and a mid -cut . It's a trekking shoe that's truly runnable, while retaining the high performance of the original Speedgoat.

If you've ever worn Hoka One One shoes while trail running, there's no need for an explanation. While retaining the signature Hoka One One features, such as its cushioning, the Active Frame , and Meta Rocker technology that naturally propels your foot forward, the new shoes offer enhanced protection with a reinforced upper and voluminous cushioning around the ankle. Because they're mid-cut, you might be worried that they'll be too tight around the ankle and you won't be able to run in them, but they're so flexible that it's not a concern.

The sole is made of high-grip Vibram MegaGrip, ensuring reliable grip, and the mid-cut foot area is slightly bulky

On the other hand, if you've only ever worn regular trekking shoes, choosing these shoes to start fast hiking will be a jarring experience. Just as they feel light when you first pick them up, you might be a little unsure about their lightness when you first put them on. The midsole height is 28mm in the forefoot and 32mm in the heel, and the cushioning is thick and fluffy. A world unlike anything you've ever experienced awaits. While you might be confused at first, these shoes aren't just soft; they also provide a moderate rebound when you push in, and the trapezoidal midsole provides excellent stability. And the Vibram Megagrip outsole offers a grip unlike anything you've ever felt before. Since these shoes were originally designed for 100-mile runs, you'll feel comfortable and comfortable wearing them for long periods of time. However, they don't offer the ankle support of hiking shoes, so don't expect too much from them. But they'll help you go faster and further than ever before!

inov8 ROCLITE G 345 GTX

Inov-8 ROCLITE 345 GTX Men's MS BYL 25cm

created by Rinker

INOV8

• Amazon
• Rakuten Market
• Yahoo Shopping

Here is ◎

• High grip
• Natural comfort

Here is △

• I'm worried that the shoelaces are too thin

The inov8 ROCLITE G 345 GTX midsole is slightly thinner than other shoes, providing a lower center of gravity and greater stability

inov8 has been developing lightweight trekking shoes for a relatively long time. Taking advantage of their lightweight design, inov8 is also focusing on developing shoes for fastpacking. The ROCLITE G 345 GTX is a lightweight trekking shoe for fast hiking, featuring a graphene-based G-Grip outsole and GORE-TEX for breathable waterproofing

My first impression after walking in them was that they felt very natural, though that may be a bit of an exaggeration. The fit wasn't too tight like lace-up shoes, nor did it leave too much room in the toes. It felt like they were molded to my feet. This is thanks to inov8's unique lacing system, " ADAPTERWEB," designed to fit the human anatomy, providing a very natural fit. And because it takes human anatomy into account, even if my feet swell after long periods of activity, it adapts to them and doesn't feel uncomfortable. This natural feeling seems to be due not only to the fit, but also to the " POWERFLOW " midsole. The cushioning in the midsole, like the fit, isn't as fluffy as the Hoka one one, but rather has a mild cushioning feel that's not completely absent. There's also a certain amount of rebound, allowing for a light, continuous stride. On the flipside, when it comes to running, these shoes are a nimble shoe that makes you want to jog along at your own pace, rather than constantly running at high speed.

The outsole is made with inov8's proprietary graphene-based "G-GRIP" technology, which provides excellent grip and durability

The grip is as expected from the graphene-based " G-GRIP ." It grips firmly even in wet conditions, so you can comfortably increase your speed on descents with peace of mind. You can choose these without worrying about grip, and there's no problem at all. That's how well-made the G-GRIP is. And thanks to the mid-cut, the stability is very high, so if you're planning a trail run race with lots of tough descents, you'll want to choose these shoes without even thinking about it.

ALTRA Lone Peak 4.0 Mid RSM

ALTRA LONE PEAK 4 MID RSM Men's US10.0 (28.0cm) Black

created by Rinker

ALTRA

• Amazon
• Rakuten Market
• Yahoo Shopping

Here is ◎

• Ankle protection
• Freedom inside the shoe

Here is △

• The upper is not flexible

The upper is made of eVent, a breathable and waterproof material. The model name RSM stands for Rain/Snow/Mud, and is designed for use in adverse environments

ALTRA 's popular trail running shoe, the Lone Peak 4.0, the Lone Peak 4.0 Mid RSM protection. RSM stands for Rain/Snow/Mud, and this model is designed for use in adverse conditions. While based on the Lone Peak, it features a heel cup not found on standard ALTRA models, a reinforced upper, and revised lacing for increased durability.

ALTRA's unique "FOOT SHAPE" toe area allows a lot of room in the forefoot, allowing your toes to move freely and without stress. Despite the free forefoot, the fit is such that if you secure the top of your foot with the shoelaces, it won't slip. This is very comfortable for long walks. The ankle area is the softest of all the shoes compared, to the point that it gets crushed when you put them on. However, this is not a bad thing, as it allows for comfortable, unrestricted movement when going up and downhill. If you do not thread the shoelaces through the top metal fitting, you can use these shoes as trail running shoes as well

The grip is good if you put your weight on it firmly. It also catches well when you kick off. It's called the Trail Claw for a reason

The eVent upper is highly breathable and waterproof, making it tough enough to be worn in windy or cold weather without worry. However, compared to regular mesh uppers, it has very little stretch. Additionally, the surface is heavily reinforced with resin, so if you choose a size based on your usual sizing, it may be too small. Please try them on carefully before choosing your size

ALTRA's zero-drop concept is also utilized in these shoes. Since it's rare for trekking shoes, those who normally wear zero-drop shoes will jump at the chance to try these! However, if you're not used to them, they can feel quite strange, but once you get used to them, you can keep walking comfortably in them

The North Face Shaved Hiker Mid GORE-TEX

Here is ◎

• High stability

Here is △

• Not very breathable

The thick midsole provides excellent cushioning. The trapezoidal shape enhances stability when landing. The upper is made of a fashionable knit material

The North Face Shaved Hiker Mid GORE-TEX is a trekking shoe for speed hiking that features an outsole and a highly cushioned midsole developed exclusively by The North Face Japan, and is waterproof with GORE-TEX. A midsole and low-cut model of the same model is also available

The most distinctive feature is the "EXTS™" outsole, developed exclusively in Japan. The forefoot and heel sides feature a highly grippy rubber blended with a softer compound, while the center is made of highly durable rubber, achieving a good balance of grip and durability. The highly viscous sole on the forefoot and heel sides ensures grip when landing and a sharp push-off. However, the center sole is hard due to its increased durability, and if it grips wet rocks or other surfaces, it can easily slip. Overcome the grip on the forefoot side could result in an unexpected fall...so be careful

The outer shell and sole are made with two types of rubber, one that emphasizes grip and the other that emphasizes durability, achieving a balance between the two

The midsole is thick, providing comfortable cushioning. It reduces foot fatigue even when walking for long periods of time. The midsole is trapezoidal, with a wide, flattering surface, which minimizes wobble when landing and improves stability

The fit is neither good nor bad. However, out of all the shoes I compared, they offer the best ankle stability, so you can feel at ease in them. However, they are not very good for running. Rather than walking or running, these shoes are highly stable, making them ideal for fast-paced trekking while carrying a heavy load

Next page: Detailed review of each item