Outdoor Gearzine "Outdoor Gearzine"

Comparison review: Comparing fast packing shoes to get you far a little faster than usual

Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department

What you're looking for in trekking shoes varies from person to person, but fundamentally they are tools for walking, so are they easy to walk, comfortable to wear, how supportive it is, how less tiring, and how can you beat it even if you carry heavy items? I think that the main focus will be: So, what about shoes to wear with fast packing, what are they required and what are they needed? Some people use trail running shoes, but since it can be difficult unless you're used to it because you're physically fit and are not used to it, it may be quite limited.

So this time, we've picked out a few shoes released for fast packing, and compared them and reviewed them in person. We carefully examine the characteristics of each shoe and what kind of shoes are suitable for. I think it will help you find out what kind of shoes you have and help you buy them. Please take your time to read it carefully.

table of contents

About the fast packing shoes compared this time

Below are the five fast packing shoes models we chose this time. This time, we chose all mid-cut lightweight ones that are less than 400g. These include trekking shoes, as well as models that are based on trail running shoes and are mid-cut.

Test environment

The following five points were set as indicators for review of the evaluation items.

  1. Comfort: The fit of the upper, breathability, and overall flexibility make it comfortable to wear, so there is no pressure or stress on it, and it is comfortable to get injured even if you leave it on for a day.
  2. Weight: Not only did it actually weigh, but I also valued the feeling I felt when walking and running.
  3. Grip: It's difficult to slip when landing on various trails, and bites when kicking.
  4. Cushion: Fast packing for long distances at high speed. The difficulty of receiving impacts when landing is a very important factor in keeping fatigued and continuing to act.
  5. Stability: hold power on the heel and sole, and protection to protect your feet from external stimulation and impacts. It is essential for dealing with a variety of terrain and carrying relatively heavy loads.

With the above five points in mind, I repeatedly ran on trails with lots of ups and downs and tested them.

Test results and spec comparison table

If you find it difficult to see the table because it is lightweight for smartphones, click here

Hike rating AAA AA AA AA AA
Run rating AA AAA AA AA A
item adidas
Telex Free Hiker		 Hoka one one
speed goat MID WP		 inov8
ROCLITE G 345 GTX		 ALTRA
Loan Peak 4.0 Mid RSM		 The North Face
Shave Do Hiker Mid GORE-TEX
Reference price (excluding tax) ¥24,000 ¥24,000 ¥21,000 ¥23,000 ¥18,000
This is ◎
  • A light walking experience
  • Balance of cushioning and resilience
  • Cushioning
  • Stability when landing
  • High grip
  • Natural feel
  • Ankle protection
  • Freedom within the shoe
  • High stability
This is △
  • Poor waterproofing
  • Low ankle support
  • The shoelaces are thin
  • There is no flexibility in upper
  • Not very breathable
Comfort ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆
weight ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆
grip ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆
cushion ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆
Stability ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★
Specs
Official weight 385g 358g (27.0cm) 345g 384g –
Actual weight
(average 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 Telex Free Hiker

adidas [2019 model] Trekking shoes TERREX FREE HIKER CEU65 BOOST TERREX Free Hiker Outdoor Festival
created by Rinker
adidas

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The upper is made of knit fabric, and the shoes are worn like socks to create a high fit. It's also stylish and can be worn without any discomfort even on a daily basis.

BOOST™ is a lingering favorite among adidas I'm ashamed to say, when I first saw it, what is this styrofoam? I miss how I thought it was a child cheating. However, it has gradually become the true essence of adidas, which has many fans. This Telex Free Hiker is the first model to use its BOOST™ in its trekking shoes.

Thanks to the highly stretchy upper and the sock structure with the tongue integrated, the fit is extremely high, and the foot and shoes are incredible. In addition, the firm heel cups and thick cushions around the ankle keep the fit high even on high-speed hikes. The midsole is made from BOOST, which is highly rated for running shoes, and is highly durable and resilient, making it comfortable to wear even when walking for long periods of time thanks to moderate resilience. This was the first time I had moved for a long time using the BOOST form, so I was impressed that I could see new ground. Although it is a mid-cut, the ankle has a high degree of freedom and allows for flexible movement. However, these shoes run. Rather, it is best to use it in a way that keeps moving at high speeds, like a power hike.

The sole is made of Continental rubber, which is famous for its tires. It provides tenacious grip even on wet terrain.

The outsole uses rubber developed for shoes by Continental, a famous car tire. Adidas' outdoor shoe line has recently been using this continental, and it's already a standard one. The sole pattern has a forward facing forward on the fore side and a rear facing backward on the heel side, and grips in both directions. It is quite adhesive rubber and has good grip, but due to its softness, it is slightly less durable.

The only shoes we compared this time are water-repellent, not waterproof. Thanks to this, it is extremely breathable and comfortable. If it rains a little, it won't get flooded, and even if it gets a little wet, it will quickly dry out thanks to its highly breathable properties. However, in environments where the temperature is low, high altitudes and strong winds, you will still want a waterproof lining that is highly windproof. A GORE-TEX model, which is the Telex-free hiker GTX, is also on sale, so you can choose according to your purpose. This Telex Free Hiker looks like he'll bring a new breeze to his trekking shoes.

Hoka one one speed goat MID WP

HOKA ONE ONE: SPEEDGOAT MID WATERPROOF: Sneakers, Shoes, Speedgoat, Mid, Waterproof, Men's: 27cm, Multi
HOKA ONE ONE [HOKA ONE ONE]

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Originally, compared to Speedgoat, the upper has been reinforced to improve stability when more luggage is present.

Hoka one one boasts a high market share rate that no one knows about trail running or ultra marathons . Based on the Speed ​​Goat 2, a trail running shoe from Hoka one one, the Speed ​​Goat MID WP is a fast packing shoe with a reinforced upper and heels, lining with SKYHEEL, a waterproof material, and mid-cut to . These trekking shoes are truly perfect for running, while still retaining the high performance of the original Speed ​​Goat.

If you've ever worn Hoka one one during trail running, you won't need to explain it. active frame" midsole shaped to wrap around the feet , and the metalocker technology that naturally moves your feet forward, it also enhances defense by reinforcing the upper part and wrapping around the ankle with a voluminous cushion. Since it is a mid-cut, you may be worried about whether your ankles are cramped and you can run, but it's very flexible so it's not a concern.

The sole is a high-grip Vibram MegaGrip, which guarantees reliable grip. The mid-cut foot insertion area is slightly voluminous.

Conversely, if you've only worn regular trekking shoes before, if you choose these shoes when starting your fast hike, you'll feel uncomfortable with the overwhelming difference. Just as it feels light when you hold it first, you may be worried about the lightweight feel when you put it on. The midsole height is 28mm fore and 32mm heel, and the cushioning is fluffy. A world awaits you, which you have never felt before. You may be confused by this discomfort at first, but it is not just soft, but it also repels the force that is pushed back with moderate rebound, and thanks to the trapezoid midsole, it is also extremely stable. And the Vibram Megagrip on the outsole will give you a grip you've never felt before. The original shoes themselves are designed to run 100 miles, so you can wear them comfortably and for a long time. However, there is no ankle support like hiking shoes, so you should not expect too much, but unlike before, it will speed up the speed and allow you to travel farther!

 

inov8 ROCLITE G 345 GTX

[Inovate] ROCLITE 345 GTX Men's MS BYL 25 cm
created by Rinker
INOV8 (Inovate)

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inov8 ROCLITE G 345 GTX The midsole is slightly thinner than other shoes. The lower center of gravity gives a higher sense of stability.

Inov8 has been working on developing lightweight trekking shoes since relatively early on. The Iov8 is also focusing on developing fast packing shoes that take advantage of its lightweight nature. This ROCLITE G 345 GTX is a lightweight fast hiking trekking shoe with a G grip with graphene outsole and GORE-TEX for breathability and waterproofing.

My impression after walking around wearing it was that it was a bit exaggerated to say that it was like I wasn't wearing it, but it gave me a very natural feel. The fit doesn't look sharp like lace shoes, and there's no room in the tips of your fingers, so it feels like it fits in with your feet. This is thanks to the unique shoelaces system of inov8, which was designed to suit the anatomy of a person called " ADAPTERWEB" , which provides a very natural feel. And because it takes into consideration the anatomy of a person, even if your feet swell for a long time after moving, they will respond accordingly and do not feel uncomfortable. It seems that not only is its fit, but also thanks to POWERFLOW that gives it such a natural feel Just like the fit, the cushion on the midsole is not as fluffy as the Hoka one one, but rather a completely mild cushioning feel. It also has a certain amount of rebound force, so you can continue walking comfortably. On the other hand, when it comes to running, these shoes are refreshing shoes that make you want to trot according to your own feelings, rather than continuing to run at high speeds.

The outsole is made of "G-GRIP" made from iov8's exclusive patent, graphene, with extremely high grip and durability.

G-GRIP made from graphene . It grips well even in wet conditions, so you can speed up comfortably while traveling with peace of mind. When it comes to grips, there is no problem with choosing without worrying anything. The G-GRIP is so well-made. And thanks to the mid-cut, the stability is extremely high, and if it's a trail running race with a lot of tough descents, you'll want to choose these shoes.

 

ALTRA Loan Peak 4.0 Mid RSM

ALTRA LONE PEAK 4 MID RSM Men US10.0 (28.0cm) Black
created by Rinker
ALTRA

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

Based on the Lone Peak 4.0 trail running shoes that are also popular among ALTRA the Lone Peak 4.0 mid RSM is a model with a waterproof and breathable material eVent on the upper, and mid-cut for increased ankle protection. RSM stands for Rain/Snow/Mud and is a model that is intended for use in bad environments. Although it is based on Lone Peak, changes have been made to increase strength, such as heel cups not used in regular ALTRA, reinforcement of the upper and changes to shoelaces.

The ALTRA's unique toe "FOOT SHAPE" has a considerable amount of room in the forefoot, allowing you to move your toes freely, so there is no stress. Even though the forefoot is free, when fitting, it won't slip if you secure the instep with shoelaces. This is very comfortable for long walks. The ankle area is the softest shoe compared this time, and it will collapse when worn. However, that's not a bad thing, and the movement is not restricted and it's comfortable. As long as you don't put the shoelaces through the top metal fittings, they can also be used as trail running shoes.

The grip is good if you put your weight on it. It also gets hooked to kick off. It is only named Trailclaw.

The eVent, which is used for the upper, is highly breathable and waterproof, so it is tough enough to be used without worrying about it in strong rain and windy weather or in cold weather, but it has almost no elasticity compared to regular mesh uppers. In addition, the surface is reinforced with resin, so if you choose it as usual, it may be smaller. When choosing a size, try wearing it carefully.

The Zero Drop, the concept of ALTRA, is also used in this shoe. This is rare for trekking shoes, so if you usually wear Zero Drop shoes, you'll be hoping for it! However, if you're not used to it, you may feel a lot of discomfort, but once you get used to it, these shoes will be comfortable to walk.

 

The North Face Shave Do Hiker Mid GORE-TEX

THE NORTH FACE SHAVED HIKER MID GORE-TEX Shavedo Hiker Mid Men's NF51930 KGTNF Bra 26.5
THE NORTH FACE

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The thick midsole provides good cushioning. The shape is also made into a basement shape, enhancing stability when landing. The upper is made of highly fashionable knit material.

The North Face's Shave Do Highker Mid GORE-TEX is a trekking shoe for speed hiking, featuring an outsole and highly cushioned midsole developed exclusively by The North Face Japan, and is waterproof with GORE-TEX. It is the same model, and comes in a midsole and low cut model.

What's distinctive is the "EXTS™" outsole, developed exclusively in Japan. The fore heel side is made of highly gripped rubber mixed with soft compound, and the center is made of highly durable rubber, which effectively balances grip and durability. Thanks to the highly viscous sole on the fore heel side, it provides grip when landing and sharp kicking. However, the center sole is stiffer because it is more durable, and if you grip wet rocks in this area it will slip quite easily, so if you are too resistant to the grip on the fore side, it may cause an unexpected fall...be careful about this.

The outer and soles are made of two types of rubber that emphasize grip and durability, achieving both balance.

The midsole is thick, so the cushioning is comfortable and quite good. It reduces foot fatigue even when walking for long periods of time. The midsole has a wide grounding side, so it has less shaking when landing, and improves stability.

The fit is neither good nor bad. However, among the comparisons, the ankle stability is the best, making it safe to enter. As a result, I'm a bit less good at running. Rather than walking or driving, it is highly stable, making this shoe the most suitable for trekking with a slightly heavy object and a fast tempo and speed.

 

Next page: Go to detailed reviews of each item

On the previous page, we introduced a ranking of the models we compared, a list of ratings and specs, and recommendations based on them. From here, we will explain what criteria were used to evaluate the evaluation, and why it was evaluated in that way.

Detailed reviews of each item

Comfort

Of the shoes I compared this time, Telex Free Hikers do not use breathable waterproof material, so they are breathable and comfortable to wear without getting stuffy. The runner-up was the ROCLITE G 345 GTX and Speedgoat MID WP. Since the Lone Peak 4.0 Mid uses eVent, it has high moisture permeability and I thought it would not steam, but I didn't feel any benefits, perhaps because there were many areas where the surface was reinforced with resin. It is waterproof so don't worry.

Perhaps because I'm used to zero drops in terms of comfort when walking, I was able to continue walking lightly at the Lone Peak 4.0 Mid. After advancing my vision, the Telex Free Hiker has a gentle fit, perhaps thanks to the sock structure, and the moderate cushioning and rebound midsole allow me to walk comfortably, making it fun and comfortable to wear.

weight

In actual weight, the ROCLITE G 345 GTX and Speedgoat MID WP are light and are super lighter than 350g. The Speedgoat MID WP in particular has a voluminous look, so I am very surprised at how light you feel when you actually hold it in your hands. The lightness of the actual wear and walking is different, and the actual weight of the Telex Free Hiker is so light and so light! I was surprised. The Speed ​​Goat MID WP also allows for very light foot movements. It's better to wear a lighter one, but all shoes are under 400g, which is lighter than regular mid-cut trekking shoes, so it doesn't seem like you'll need to be that careful for this time only.

grip

The Speeto Goat MID WP, which uses a standard outsole, is the Vibram Megagrip, and has a good grip, giving it a solid sense of stability even when it's fast. The G-Grip's ROCLITE G 345 GTX, which uses graphene, has a high grip and is both durable, making it highly rated. Telex free hikers were usually fine, but they tended to slip on wet rocks. However, unlike trail runs, you often take steps one step at a time, so I thought there's no need to be as nervous as trail runs.

cushion

Speaking of cushioning, the Speedgoat MID WP is an overwhelming cushioning experience. This cushion may not be acceptable to anyone who has been trekking in the past. When I first wore it, it felt so strange that I stopped wearing it for a while. However, not only absorbs impact, it also repels force and promotes force, so this is a pair of shoes that I would definitely recommend to fast hikers who want to actively mix and move forward with their driving skills. The BOOST midsole of the Telex Free Hiker is perfect for fast hiking, and the moderate cushioning reduces fatigue. The rebound performance is higher than Speedgoat MID WP, and the balance between cushioning and rebound is good, and it seems that they will continue to actively use it in fast hiking and trail running shoes in the future.

Stability

The Shave De Hiker Mid has a rather solid midsole, providing very stable when landing, allowing you to move forward with confidence. You can walk safely even on unstable roads such as scuffs. The Speedgoat MID WP is also trapezoidal and the midsole on the inside is shaped like a foot wrap, allowing you to feel stable even at high speeds. Thanks to the zero drop, the Altra balances the entire foot even when landing, giving you a sense of stability that doesn't rely on shoes. However, it was easy to feel the thrusts of rocks and other items.

summary

Among the other pairs introduced here, the Hoka one one Speedgoat MID WP and the ALTRA Lone Peak MID RSM are two pairs that are especially recommended for people who are likely to be mainly running. Both are based on sign trail running shoes from each manufacturer, and are waterproof with reinforcements. It is sure to be easy to drive and functionality for running. When I actually used it this time, it was also very easy to run in compared to other shoes. It will not only be fast packing, but also be useful for training runs in cold seasons and snowy mountains.

The adidas Telex Free Hiker inov8 ROCLITE G 345 GTX , is useful for high-speed hiking, where you can walk quickly and mix running. Both walks are easy and can reduce fatigue, so if you've been walking in hiking shoes before, you'll find shoes that are so light and not too tired! You'll be surprised. Telex Free Hikers in particular is impressive even for those with fast packing experience.

The North Face 's Shave Do Hiker Mid GORE-TEX looks like a lightweight trekking shoe. It is light in weight, so of course it is less fatigued than regular trekking shoes, but compared to the other four pairs, it has a stronger ankle protection and less freedom, making it a little difficult to run. However, the stability is very high and you can step in with peace of mind, so you can enjoy a lighter hike than usual. For those who are worried about shoes that are closer to the trail running, this is the perfect shoe for their first time.

You can take routes that you wouldn't get on a normal schedule in a short amount of time, so you'll be able to discover a different way to enjoy yourself than normal trekking and mountain climbing. Why not use this article as a reference and try fast packing for the first time? You should be able to see a view that you couldn't see before.

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