Comparison review: We compared the lightweight hiking boots that are popular with weekend hikers 2018

Heavy luggage and rough roads. Climbing boots provide solid support for walking in harsh conditions, making them the most important gear for comfortable hiking.

In particular, hiking shoes that are lightweight and soft like sneakers can be used for a wide range of purposes, from heartwarming outdoor activities such as camping, to day trips, mountain climbing for 2-3 nights, and speed hiking, and have been popular in recent years, from beginners to healthy legs.

Hiking shoes are gradually increasing their presence in the shoe store, and there are a wide variety of concepts depending on the purpose and target terrain, such as lightness, comfort, and durability. Of course, it suits your foot shape, but it also varies depending on your purpose and strength of your legs and waist, such as beginners who want to enjoy a leisurely and comfortable hiking, and healthy legs who want to walk without slowing down on rough roads.

So this time, we've compared six mid-cut hiking boots that allow you to enjoy hiking in a safer and lighter way, among the new hiking shoes that have been released in the 2018 season, walking on the actual trails.

table of contents

• About the items we compared and tested this time
• Test results and spec comparison table
• Impressions of each model
• summary

About the hiking boots compared this time

When it comes to mountaineering boots, it was common to imagine them as shoes that weighed around 500-1000g per shoe, and the soles of the shoes were stiff and not bendable. This is effective when walking long distances with extremely heavy loads, but to be honest, it's too cumbersome and annoying for day trips or light clothing adventures. On the other hand, for weekend hikers like me, hiking boots that can be worn from the entrance and are easy to walk around town or off-road, are lightweight, non-slip, and provide a strong foot protection, making them perfect. These days, the construction has been getting better and better, so once you get used to it, this type is often enough for you to carry over 20kg.

So, the selection criteria for this hiking boot are as follows.

• Uses include light outdoor activities such as camping, day trips, several night hiking, and fast packing.
• Hiking shoes with less than 500g per foot
• Mid-cut model that protects your ankles
• Waterproof

This category can be roughly divided into two categories based on its roots: models that "advanced mountain run shoes on mountain climbing" and models that "advanced mountain climbing shoes on trail running" but when selecting models, I tried to make sure that these are more diverse.

• La Sportiva BLADE GTX®
• adidas TERREX FAST MID GTX-SURROUND
• MERRELL MQM FLEX MID GORE-TEX®
• Salomon X ULTRA 3 MID GTX®
• SCARPA Hydrogen Hike GTX
• THE NORTH FACE Ultra Fastpack III Mid GORE-TEX

Test environment

The test period for the hiking boots is approximately three months from May to early July 2018. The test is only done by the author. It is used in the suburbs of Tokyo and in mountains in Okuchichibu and Joshinetsu (around 1,000 to 2,000m). In addition to walking around each shoe with a luggage weighing about 10kg, we also compared boots on the left and right sides separately, and tested the limits of grip on wet rocks, comparing them until we could clearly see the differences between them.

1. Comfort: Take into account various factors such as comfort and breathability to make it easier to walk for long periods of time.
2. The most important item for walking efficiently and safely on harsh terrain, such as holding up on climbs and braking on descent
3. Stability: Will it help you to prevent heel shaking by landing and kicking off and support your walking?
4. Weight: An essential element for light foot movement and fatigue reduction.
5. Protects your feet and shoes from unexpected bruises,

Test results and spec comparison table

Impressions of each model

La Sportiva BLADE GTX®

You can walk comfortably! I can run! A reliable pair for modern hikers

This is ◎

• High-fit upper
• Heel cup with excellent shock absorption and stability
• Ankle area that doesn't get in the way even when running
• High grip

This is △

• price
• Breathable

Sportiva is constantly running the leading group throughout mountain sports such as trekking, climbing and trail running. This model is fully infused with the know-how cultivated in different fields, and is a multi-sport shoe that combines mountain running and trekking techniques.

The upper is not necessarily breathable, but it is made of highly durable mesh fabric. The soft and comfortable fit makes a pretty good impression. As soon as you start walking, you will be amazed at the high cushioning properties of the thick shock-absorbing EVA. Furthermore, the TPU stabilizer, which is stretched out from the midfoot to the heel, holds the heel firmly, and prevents shaking when landing, providing excellent stability. It's safe and easy to get tired even on long hikes.

Plus, these shoes are comfortable to run. The back of the ankles is slightly depressed and the neoprene fabric is placed, making it highly mobility. In other words, it doesn't get in the way while you're running. The outsole, which was polished with trail running shoes, showed better grip than expected.

BLADE the comfort, stability and protection required for trekking, while also achieving the propulsion, cushioning and grip required for running , making it the best of all the "running climbing boots" of the past few years.

adidas TERREX FAST MID GTX-SURROUND

Hiking shoes that retain the best and sense of running shoes

This is ◎

• Lightweight
• Upper fit
• It's not stuffy
• Movable ankle
• Outsole with excellent grip

This is △

• A thin midsole that is slightly sensitive to ground contact
• My toes get a little squeezed during the descent

TERREX FAST MID can be said to have focused more on the running area from the previous BLADE .

First of all, 385g (27.0cm measured 403g) is definitely light. The combination of shoelaces holes arranged to tighten the area around the toes and speed racing, which is smooth to operate, gives a decent fit. Furthermore, GORE-TEX SURROUND® technology removes sweat from the soles of the feet, so despite the dense upper fabric, there is no stuffiness inside the shoes. However, personally, as someone who wears wool socks, I have never been so concerned about stuffiness inside my shoes, and I may not have been impressed by the excitement.

I remember that the highly mobility around the ankle had been adopted before other companies for quite some time, and it has been steadily improving to this day, with a track record of success. It doesn't make you feel uncomfortable when running. The TPU heel clip provides excellent stability, excellent grip, and a Continental™ rubber outsole, as well as the functions necessary to run through rough roads at high speed. However, since hiking shoes are designed to focus on running, it is inevitable that they are difficult to overdo, such as protection and stability under heavy loads.

Although adidas is already becoming robust in the European mountain running field, it still has a strong presence in Japan, but I realized that this model is fully exploiting the high technical capabilities of a global sports brand.

MERRELL MQM FLEX MID GORE-TEX®

Waterproof mid-cut boots are under 400g! If you want to enjoy riding the trails with light clothing, this is what you'll find

This is ◎

• Lightweight
• Upper fit
• Highly breathable
• Delicate sole sensation and flexibility

This is △

• Cushioning of the sole
• Grip power

To be honest, I'm surprised that the model is actually measuring under 400g with waterproof hiking boots. Of course, this is the first time I've worn something so light. This overwhelming lightness of 356g (385g of US9 measured) is definitely more impactful than any other excellent features. If it's this light, where does the burden of lifting your feet, which is a common occurrence with mountaineering boots? These shoes allow you to walk more lightly and are perfect for your fatigue.

On the other hand, it is easy to think that if you pursue lightness, you will gain and lose comfort. However, I highly appreciated this model because it is so lightweight, yet still more comfortable and easy to wear. In particular, the fit and stability are exceptional thanks to the hyperlock printed TPU heel counter at the heel and the shoelaces structure on the upper, which are fixed in conjunction with the instep. Furthermore, the mesh fabric, which is mapped to the right parts, is more durable and breathable, and is more comfortable than you could imagine, even in hot and humid seasons.

The cushioning of the sole is quite thin in this comparison. The EVA midsole, which emphasizes flexibility, is easy to convey thrusts from the ground, and is a type of shoe that you can wear while enjoying the sensation of the soles of your feet. These shoes are not cushion-rich, and their grip is weak against wet terrain, so they are not suitable for heavy loads and long periods of time. On the other hand, this unique lightness makes it perfect for light outdoor activities such as camping and festivals, as well as for low-mountain speed hiking.

Salomon X ULTRA MID 3 GTX®

The ultimate comfort makes everyone want to wear it forever

This is ◎

• A comfortable fit that envelops
• Moderate cushioning
• Enough protection
• Moderate grip
• price

This is △

• weight
• The heavy upper is a bit troublesome to run

Salomon's classic hiking boots have been completely renewed this season. The other day, I also reviewed low-cut models individually on this site , and when I compared them with other models this time I was once again amazed at how well it was perfect.

First of all, this model evolves from the context of trekking shoes, and unlike the three models mentioned above, it does not place much emphasis on being able to run. In that sense, this time, the sense of solidity is clearly one of the best. However, what makes up for this is the unique, exquisite fit that you can see immediately after wearing it. The ultimate comfort that envelops your entire foot is addictive, thanks to Salomon's unique SensiFit™ upper structure, which is a more sophisticated look.

However, despite saying that they have no emphasis on this, Salomon, which has top-class research and development capabilities in the field of trail running, has successfully incorporated the techniques cultivated through trail running into hiking boots. For example, the upper midsole, chassis and outsole are integrated to improve interlocking, controlling the twist when landing, and particularly improving stability on descent control is the sole integration technology installed from this model. In addition, the outsole lug design has been redesigned to make it less slippery on descent, not only can you walk comfortably for a long time, but you can also ride comfortably.

Furthermore, starting this season, the wide model " X ULTRA 3 GORE-TEX® W " will also be available for a wider range of users, and the new X ULTRA 3 is recommended for beginners in terms of price. It seems that it is becoming a staple hiking shoe that is comfortable walking on long trails and is packed with the necessary functions for active hiking, combining the necessary areas with orchids, and is becoming a staple of the necessary hiking position.

SCARPA Hydrogen Hike GTX

Tough lightweight hiking boots that can withstand hard trekking

This is ◎

• Sole protection and high rebound
• Stability
• It's not stuffy
• Soft and hold-up upper

This is △

• weight
• Grip power
• Weak insole

These lightweight hiking boots are made by a long-established Italian company that boasts long-established track record in areas such as authentic alpine boots, climbing, and backcountry, and are models with unique features that allow you to feel the roots of the region and the characteristics of the area they are in.

The most distinctive difference was the EVA & TPU midsole, which is extremely light, yet has high rebound and protection. If you fold the sole, you will see that it is extremely stiff compared to the others. This increases the rebound force and is not affected by the ground. This is a great advantage when it comes to heavy actions.

Let's look at the upper. Nylon mesh + heat-welded TPU, which would have emphasized durability, cushioning and softness on the skin rather than breathability, and GORE-TEX SURROUND®, which is intended to minimize stuffiness, is more of a speedy climbing boot than a running shoe for climbing the mountains.

The only bad thing is that the grip is not very good for Vibram, and the breathability-oriented insole is so stiff that the toes can be strained due to heavy load and speed (with third-party insoles, I've made it more comfortable).

There is no doubt that these are lightweight boots that can be used quite well on rocky and large elevation routes, such as the mountains around the Alps, their field. This is a very interesting pair of shoes when you think, "Is it this lighter for my mountaineering boots?"

THE NORTH FACE Ultra Fastpack III Mid GORE-TEX

Long-distance fast packing boots with high resilience and high cushioning

This is ◎

• Repulsion
• Cushioning
• weight

This is △

• Upper fit
• protection
• My toes move a little too much and I often get hit even when going down.

The North Face's classic lightweight hiking boots. As for this model, I have been wearing it with I and II for the past four years since I first started this site, so I personally have a very strong attachment to it. That's why I was a little surprised when it came to this model change...

The entire renewal has been completely renewed, with everything except the outsole being changed. To be honest, you should think of it as a completely different shoe. This model change is particularly noteworthy, featuring fast foam technology, and the midsole combines rebound power, stability and cushioning. This is based on trail running technology, and is designed to improve stability and reduce damage over long distances, and compared to the sole of the previous model, which was certainly a bit off, we have seen an evolution in the "driving ability". As for the Vibram® MEGAGRIP, which continues to be used in the outsole, it still provides overwhelming grip this season, and its overwhelming slip resistance, from dry ground to wet rocks, is nothing short of a stretch.

However, it is unavoidable that the other parts, especially the fit of the upper, have been made unfortunate. The TPU-coated mesh upper has excellent breathability, but the fluffy fabric has little hold as a whole, and the sense of unity when tightening the shoelaces is not felt as before. Even when tightened tightly, it feels like only the instep is fixed, while the rest of the parts are floating. In the first place, there is a possibility that the new model has no longer suited my foot shape, but as far as I have tried it on, there was no particular discomfort, and I don't think the size was wrong, so this is quite shocking. Although the sole technology has certainly evolved, it felt like improvements were needed to make the shoes feel original comfort.

summary

To sum up the new models this season, if you choose a model with a good balance between hiking and running, then the La Sportiva BLADE GTX® is the best. It achieved a high level of comfort in the upper, stability and cushioning of the sole, and both walking and running. If you want to place particular emphasis on running, the adidas TERREX FAST MID GTX-SURROUND is also recommended for its high functionality and high balance. Also keeping the run in mind, if you have more mild activities on slightly mild terrain and more mild terrain, the MERRELL MQM FLEX MID GORE-TEX® may be easier and better.

On the other hand, if you mainly walk and only run when you need to, then choose the Salomon X ULTRA 3 MID GTX®, It was surprising that the grip on wet rocks, which I thought was a bit off the mark in the initial review, wasn't that bad when compared to other areas. Personally, I have significantly improved my rating from the previous comparison review. Finally, the SCARPA Hydrogen Hike GTX is recommended for healthy legs that are used to heavy loads and are difficult to slip. At that time, you should change the insole to one that suits you.

We also recommend this article about mountain climbing shoes.

• 5 tips to choose the right trekking shoes for your feet
• How to Fit Trekking Shoes and 6 Points to Check
• 10 pairs of lightweight hiking shoes that you'll want to wear to the fullest [less than 500g per shoe]
• Comparison review: Comparing the recommended trekking shoes from mountaineering shop staff