Merrell Men's Erie Mid Wp Hiking Boot

Product Information

If a model doesn't last through our official testing period, the manufacturer likely needs to do some serious re-evaluation. Investing in a solid pair of boots can improve your hiking experience immensely, so take your time and make sure you settle on the right pair that suits your needs. The Kinetic Fit insole is a thoughtful inclusion, adding an extra layer of comfort and softness to each step. Of all the lightweight hiking boots we tested, this boot stood out for its out-of-the-box comfort, excellent stability, solid traction, and breathable, waterproof performance. We continue to put miles on our favorite models after formal testing ends to see how they hold up long-term, too.

While companies can cut down on weight by choosing lightweight materials, this sometimes results in a sacrifice to long-term durability. And all-leather boots, like the Lowa Renegade GTX and the Oboz Bridger, are solid choices, but the La Sportiva Nucleo impressed our testers the most. Though it takes about 10 miles to fully break them in, these boots seemed to get better with wear in our tests. When evaluating the Hoka boots, we couldn't help but notice the difference in airflow between the Kaha 2 and the Anacapa 2.Besides impressive comfort, the Ultra Raptor also offers a 5-inch shaft and comfort collar that surround the ankle and a durable lacing system that creates stability while in motion. While we recognize the Altra Lone Peak Mid 2 for its phenomenal support, this unique zero-drop boot is also one of the most comfortable options in our review.

On a hot day, these are the boots we’d wear, due to the mesh upper, which extends along the top of the shoe as well as along the sides. Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots ( men’s and women’s): Overbuilt for most day hikers, these boots ran quite big around the ankles. While these waterproof membranes can limit breathability, we found that all of the liners were adequate in keeping water out — our feet remained mostly wicked and dry, depending on the time of year and the thickness of the sock that we chose for that day's adventure.Often it is the addition of brand-name materials such as Gore-Tex waterproof liners and Vibram rubber outsoles that will tack on extra cost for the manufacturer and, subsequently, you.

Within just a few minutes, while submerged in inches of standing water, all of the boots began to absorb water, and some even leaked through the "waterproof" upper.Merrell Erie Mid Leather Waterproof Hiking Boots have all the necessary characteristics for the most intense excursions in any season since they are waterproof, breathable, and offer an exceptional grip on any terrain with a mid-cut model for better support of the ankle.

The Hoka Kaha 2 and the Hoka Anacapa 2, for example, performed well in this metric due to their Vibram Megagrip rubber soles. You can access, rectify and delete your data, as well as exercise other rights by consulting the additional and detailed information on data protection in our Privacy Policy. Our picks will likely work for you, regardless of whether you pronate (walk on the insides of your feet) or supinate (walk on the outsides of your feet), and all of the picks here should accommodate high or fallen arches. Overall, we are pleased with the durability of all of the models reviewed and believe they can last for a couple of seasons or more when seeing regular use. A lot of our assessment of comfort comes down to personal preference, but construction, materials, and design all play a strong role here, too.With many of the competitors, more flexibility and lighter weight meant less stability and comfort, but not so with the Vasque Breeze boots. We also found that the laces loosened over time, so use proper lacing techniques to ensure the boots stay locked in.