The time to start testing and dialing in your finalized John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail gear list is now! Finding the right tent, backpack, clothes, and trekking poles can be tough, but nothing seems to give prospective hikers more issues than footwear. Like tires on a car, your shoes and trekking poles are the only pieces of gear that come into contact with the actual trail. You’ll be relying heavily on your footwear over many miles to provide grip, traction, comfort, and protection. Choosing the wrong pair for your feet can easily make for an early exit from the trail. I hope to help you prevent such occurrences with this list. Here are the 14 best pairs of trail shoes for the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail in 2018!
Getting Started
To get started, let’s lay out the factors that helped determine my choice of footwear picks for the JMT and PCT in 2018:
- It’s a mostly non-technical trail, with possible snow and ice over high passes in late spring and early summer. This will be especially important this year with the late storms we’ve been getting through March.
- The Sierra Nevada mountain range has a lot of granite, so shoes need to be durable and offer good underfoot protection.
- It will be warm in the summer months.
- There will be stream crossings and thunderstorms. Expect powerful flows at stream crossings this year with all of the late snow.
- Most hikers will cover 15-30 miles a day, so all-day comfort is very important.
- On long and hot days, your feet will swell and your skin will dehydrate.
- Many hikers will carry a pack with a base weight of 20-35 lbs. Hiking with a lighter pack will make your trail shoes much more comfortable. Pack light!
Given these conditions, I can rule out any option that is a hightop boot and/or has Gore-Tex. Why? Boots are too heavy and most do not breathe well. This will cause blistering and other foot problems. Gore-Tex (GTX), from my anecdotal accounts alongside many others, drenches your feet from the inside out. GTX will trap heat into your shoe or boot, causing you to sweat through your socks. If you get GTX footwear wet, good luck drying them out. It could take days. GTX might keep water out, but it will also keep it in. If you’ve ever been in prolonged rain with GTX boots on, you’ll know they will eventually get wet. I don’t want to go too far on this point, but GTX is sold like crazy, and doesn’t do what people think it does. Skip it.
Now that we’ve ruled a few choices out, here is what I do look for:
- Lightweight: under 14 oz.
- Breathable: must let feet breathe and dry quickly
- Forefoot Protection: Must protect my feet from the rocky trail with a rockplate and/or ample cushion
- Low Drop: I like a 4-8mm drop for stability
- Fit: I prefer shoes with a foot shaped toe box and no slop in the heel or midfoot
- My Foot: My foot is not your foot! Try on multiple shoes and go with the one that fits your foot shape.
- Durable: Shoe must be able to handle 400 miles per pair or more
- Comfortable: No hot spots or rubbing points, with a nearly seamless interior upper
- Stable: Not necessarily with inserts or built in support, but I’m not a fan of narrow or flimsy shoes with a pack on
- Drainage: With thunderstorms and stream crossings, I need the shoes to drain and dry quickly
- Affordable: When you factor in the amount of miles a hiker will cover on the PCT, and/or the number of miles a hiker will cover on the JMT including training, the price of a shoe is important. The price of trail shoes has gone up recently, with some shoes sold for prices that can’t be justified for what they offer.
- Availability: This is more of an issue for those on the PCT and not on the JMT. JMT hikers only need one pair of shoes for the actual hike, and probably one or two for their training miles. PCT hikers are going to need at least 3-6 pairs while they’re hiking the actual trail. Some hikers will buy all of their shoes ahead of time and ship them to resupply points. For those that don’t, they need to be able to find shoes in their size at places like REI on their zero days.
New for 2018!
I’ve broken down my recommendations into four main categories: traditional shoes, stability shoes, max cushion shoes, and minimal shoes. The order in which I’ve ranked these selections is how a relative newcomer to hiking in trail shoes should look at the list. For those with experience, and those that already know what they like, feel free to jump ahead to the section of your preference.
Traditional Shoes
I consider a traditional shoe to have around 20mm of cushion in the forefoot of the midsole, a neutral platform, and a standard outsole. Traditional used to mean a 10-12mm drop in the midsole as well, but the popularity of low drop and zero drop shoes are starting to change that.
1.) Altra Lone Peak 3.5 (4)
Price: $120
Drop: 0mm (20mm to 20mm)
Weight: 10.2 oz
Buy at REI | Amazon | Backcountry | Zappos
The Altra Lone Peak is the king of the JMT and PCT. That title was once held by the Brooks Cascadia, but the Cascadia’s had some fit and durability issues for model years 2015 and 2016. The Lone Peaks have gotten better with each version and have spread like wildfire on the trail. The Lone Peak is now on version 3.5, with a slightly updated v4 due out this summer. The Lone Peak offers adequate underfoot protection with 20mm of cushion and a stone guard. I wish the outsole was a little grippier, but the harder compound makes the 3.5 more durable than previous models. If you’re looking for a trail shoe that fits and feels like a slipper, the Lone Peak is for you.
Best For: Hikers and fastpackers prone to blisters and foot swelling.
Pros: Wide toebox, comfortable fit, affordable, wide availability
Cons: Zero drop platform requires an adjustment period
2.) Brooks Cascadia 12 (13)
Price: $130
Drop: 10mm (27mm to 17mm)
Weight: 12 oz
Buy at REI | Amazon | Backcountry | Zappos
The Cascadia may have lost it’s PCT/JMT crown to the Altra Lone Peak, but it’s still a very popular shoe. The 10mm drop platform offers a more familiar underfoot feel for many hikers, while keeping the feet protected with a very good rock plate. The Cascadia 10 and 11 had durability issues with the upper, but the 12 seems to have fixed that. The Cascadia is a bit too narrow for my foot, but my foot is a little wider than average. The Cascadia outsole is very durable, but a little slick on smooth or wet surfaces. If the Cascadia fits your foot, you’ll love the awesome protection and durability it provides.
Best For: Hikers and fastpackers seeking bombproof protection in a runable platform
Pros: Underfoot protection, wide availability
Cons: A little narrow
3.) Salomon XA Elevate
Price: $130
Drop: 8mm (26mm to 18mm)
Weight: 10.6 oz
Buy at REI | Amazon | Backcountry | Zappos
As many of my readers know, the Salomon Sense Ride was one of my favorite shoes from 2017. I just can’t recommend it for the PCT and JMT because it lacks the underfoot protection I think is necessary. The Salomon XA Elevate provides the comfort and feel of the Sense Ride, but with way more protection. The XA Elevate is a “new” shoe from Salomon for 2018. The shoe isn’t completely new though, as it’s really just the Salomon XA Enduro without the bootie.
I just started wear testing the XA Enduro in January, and am liking it so far. The XA Enduro is narrow in the midfoot and toebox, but the underfoot ride and protection allow me to forgive that a little. The outsole is the star of the XA Enduro, using Salomon’s wet traction Contragrip and very well designed lug pattern.
Best For: Hikers and fastpackers with narrow feet seeking lots of protection without a stiff platform
Pros: Underfoot protection, smooth ride, incredible grip and traction from the outsole
Cons: Too narrow from the midfoot to the toebox
4.) Salomon S-LAB Ultra
Price: $180
Drop: 8mm
Weight: 10.6 oz
Buy at Amazon
I just received the Salomon S-Lab Ultra last month, and I have to say that they are probably my favorite pair of trail shoes ever. So why aren’t they number one on the list? Well, they’re $180 and not very easy to find in stores. This is the shoe that Salomon athlete Francois D’haene wore for his win at UTMB 2017 and his 2017 FKT of the JMT. Fancois completed the JMT in 2 days, 19 hours, and 26 minutes wearing these shoes! The fit, comfort, and underfoot protection are unbeatable in this shoe. I can’t wait to start putting more miles in with them. If I were hiking the JMT tomorrow, this would hands-down be my shoe of choice.
Best For: Hikers and fastpackers with no budget limitations seeking the very best trail shoe on the market
Pros: Protection, comfort, fit, grip, traction
Cons: Price and availability
Stability Shoes
Stability shoes are very similar to the traditional shoes above, but are built on a much more rigid platform. Some of these stability shoes use a plastic shank or a midsole chassis to provide torsional support and structure. These shoes also have a ton of underfoot protection. Although stability shoes can be heavy, they’re my preferred shoe choice when hiking with a heavy pack and/or on highly technical terrain.
5.) La Sportiva Bushido
Price: $130
Drop: 6mm (26mm to 20mm)
Weight: 11 oz
Buy at REI | Amazon | Backcountry | Zappos
See My Review
The Bushido has been around for a while now, and it’s a tried and true model for La Sportiva. The Bushido offers just enough cushion for the long miles, and is built on a very stable and supportive platform. The Bushido has been my shoe of choice while hiking with my 35lbs son on my back (total 45lbs+ pack). Why? It offers all of the support and stability I need while carrying that much weight, and I have the utmost confidence that they’ll keep me upright on almost every trail condition. The Bushido has a low volume upper, but the fit works well for me.
Best For: Hikers seeking a stable shoe that hugs the foot and provides great underfoot protection
Pros: Stability, underfoot protection, grip, and traction
Cons: Low volume
6.) Adidas Terrex Swift R2
Price: $115
Drop: 10mm
Weight: 13.6 oz
The Adidas Terrex Swift R2 is the most ‘boot-like’ shoe on this list. I wore and reviewed the original Adidas Terrex Swift R last year, and loved the massive amount of stability and support they provided on the most rugged trails I hike. For the Swift R2, Adidas has added a Continental Rubber outsole for improved traction on wet and smooth surfaces. The underfoot protection, midsole, and upper are mostly unchanged.
The thing to note about the Adidas Terrex Swift R2 is that like a boot, they require a break in period. The upper uses a stiff and highly protective fabric that needs time to feel right. That upper runs hot and doesn’t drain very well. The stiff midsole also needs around 20 miles before they flex with your foot.
Best For: Hikers seeking a trail shoe with boot-like protection and those patient enough to allow for a break in period
Pros: Maximum support, stability, and protection
Cons: Thick upper doesn’t breathe or drain well, long break in time
7.) Salomon X Ultra 3
Price: $120
Drop: 10mm
Weight: 13 oz
Buy at REI | Amazon | Backcountry | Zappos
See My Preview
If you’re looking for a stability shoe, and don’t know which one you’ll like, start with the Salomon X Ultra 3. The X Ultra 3 has a wide and accommodating fit, that will work for a wide variety of foot shapes. This shoe also has a plastic chassis through the heel to provide excellent support with a heavy pack on, and while hiking technical trail sections. The X Ultra 3 comes with a rugged and aggressive outsole that uses Salomon’s premium wet traction outsole compound. There is a lot to love about this shoe. The only real downside of the X Ultra 3 is that the heel fit is a little wide. This was really noticeable when new, but I’ve found the heel slip to go away as I’ve broken them in.
Best For: Hikers carrying heavier packs and looking for a burly and rugged trail shoe that can handle any and all trails
Pros: Stability, protection, rugged outsole, very durable, high value
Cons: Heel fit
8.) Salomon XA Pro 3D
Price: $130
Drop: 12mm
Weight: 13 oz
Buy at REI | Amazon | Backcountry | Zappos
See My Preview
Surprise, surprise! Another Salomon shoe! Much like the X Ultra 3, the XA Pro 3D will work for a lot of people. They offer a plastic support chassis and lots of stability elements. The XA Pro 3D and X Ultra 3 are similar shoes, but differ in some key areas. First, the X Ultra 3 has a more rugged outsole. The X Ultra 3 also has a wider and more accommodating fit. Finally, the X Ultra 3 has a flat insole platform, where the XA Pro 3D has a pronounced built-in arch bump.
The old Salomon XA Pro 3D is the shoe I wore on the JMT in 2015 and on Tour du Mont Blanc in 2014. Although I love the wet traction rubber on the outsole of this new version, the shoe is far too narrow for my liking now. If they fit your foot, they’re a great choice.
Best For: Hikers with narrow feet and carrying heavier packs that are looking for a burly and rugged trail shoe
Pros: Plastic 3D chassis support, durable, stable
Cons: Narrow fit, pronounced seams on the upper
9.) La Sportiva Akyra
Price: $140
Drop: 9mm (31mm to 22mm)
Weight: 13.4 oz
Buy at REI | Amazon | Backcountry | Zappos
See My Review
The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor was a stalwart on hiking trails for years, but it seems that La Sportiva is phasing it out of their rotation in favor of the new Akyra. The Akyra has all of the underfoot protection of the Ultra Raptor, but with a much more aggressive outsole and a better fitting upper. The Akyra upper is still a tad narrow in the toebox, but much better than the Ultra Raptor. The star of the Akyra is the FriXion Red outsole. The lug pattern and rubber compound provide an unbeatable package for rocky terrain. The only big issue I have with the Akyra is the lacing setup. There aren’t enough eyelets for the lacing in my opinion, so tension customization is limited.
Best For: Hikers looking for a rugged trail shoe with ample midsole cushion and a beefy outsole
Pros: Protective and comfortable midsole, superb outsole
Cons: Lacing
See my complete guide to the John Muir Trail!
In 2015, I hiked the John Muir Trail in 11 days, which gave me an understanding of what it takes to complete a successful thru hike. If you’re enjoying my shoe recommendations, you should check out my full John Muir Trail guide.
Max Cushion Shoes
Max cushion shoes have really grown in popularity in the past few years, especially for trail running. This popularity surge hasn’t been as pronounced in the hiking and backpacking community, as the soft midsoles and high stack heights on these shoes make for an unstable and possibly dangerous platform. Some hikers with ultra light packs have been able to take advantage of these shoes, but I wouldn’t recommend them for the average hiker. I’ve only tested two max cushion shoes that provide enough stability for me to recommend them, the La Sportiva Akasha and Salomon Sense Pro Max.
10.) La Sportiva Akasha
Price: $140
Drop: 6mm (31mm to 25mm)
Weight: 11.3 oz
Buy at REI | Amazon | Backcountry | Zappos
See My Review
The La Sportiva Akasha is an amazing shoe, and it was the shoe I wore most in 2016. Despite the high stack height of the midsole, the Akasha retains a great deal of stability by using a dense midsole compound and adding plastic stability elements in the heel. The upper on the Akasha is overbuilt, but it adds lateral stability and keeps my foot from sliding around. The Akasha uses the same FriXion red outsole compound found on the Akyra, but with a more aggressive tread pattern.
Best For: Hikers and fastpackers looking to add additional cushion for long days on the trail
Pros: Lots of cushion, dynamic outsole
Cons: Sidehill instability
11.) Salomon Sense Pro Max
Price: $150
Drop: 33mm (33mm to 27mm)
Weight: 10.4 oz
Buy at Amazon | Backcountry | Zappos
See My Review
The Salomon Sense Pro Max is the other max cushion trail shoe I’ve worn that doesn’t make me feel like my ankles will roll over with a heavy pack on. The midsole uses Salomon’s new Vibe technology which is meant to reduce shock vibration on trail impact. It sounds like a gimmick, and it might be, but these shoes keep my legs feeling fresh on long days. I prefer them for day hikes with a light pack, but some might be able to make them work with a heavier pack on. The upper fit isn’t optimal for my foot (too much volume), but the midsole makes up for it. The outsole on the Sense Pro Max is not ideal for the JMT or PCT, as it’s not a full coverage design. To cut weight and increase flexibility, Salomon chose to have exposed EVA cutouts and use low profile lugs.
Best For: Slower hikers looking for comfort
Pros: Midsole keeps legs fresh
Cons: Outsole is not aggressive or protective enough
Minimal Shoes
Minimal shoes are similar in design to the traditional shoe category, but offer less cushion underfoot in favor of ground feel and proprioception. Minimal shoes allow your feet and legs to do the work of providing support and stability. This is a shoe category I love for hiking and lightweight backpacking, but tend to avoid with a heavier pack on.
12.) Topo Terraventure
Price: $120
Drop: 3mm (21mm to 18mm)
Weight: 10 oz
Buy at REI | Amazon | Backcountry
See My Review
Topo is a relatively new brand in the world of trail running, and I think their shoes will be a hit. All of their shoe models are built on a platform built to provide a natural fit and allow for natural movement. Altra has the natural foot shaped shoe market on lock down right now, so it’s good to see some competition. The Topo Terraventure is in between the minimal and traditional shoe categories, but I opted for minimal based on personal experience: the rock plate of the Terraventure isn’t as burly as I’d like to see for long thru-hikes. The comfort and fit of the upper is second to none though, and the performance of the midsole and outsole have been amazing. Make sure to check out the Terraventure if you’re looking for a more natural moving shoe.
Best For: Hikers and fastpackers looking for a seamless and comfortable fit that also want ground feel and proprioception
Pros: Great fit, high value at $110, comfort
Cons: Not enough underfoot protection
13.) Scarpa RS Spin
Price: $135
Drop: 8mm
Weight: 9.4 oz
Buy at Scarpa NA
The Scarpa Spin RS is another shoe that could be in the traditional category for some as well. I’m placing it in the minimal category as I tried the original Scarpa Spin last year, and it just wasn’t enough shoe for me. I loved everything else about the Spin though. The Spin RS adds a full coverage outsole with a little more cushion. It has a Vibram Megagrip outsole with a rockplate in the forefoot. This could be a really great shoe for those that like to go light and fast. I should have a pair in for review by April.
Best For: Hikers and fastpackers geared towards speed looking for a bomb proof alpine rocket
14.) Astral TR1 Mesh/Trek
Price: $125
Drop: 0mm
Weight: 9.8 oz
Buy at Astral | Amazon | Backcountry
Astral is another new company in the world of trail shoes, and a brand I just discovered at Outdoor Retailer this winter. What caught my eye in regards to the Astral TR1 series of shoes is that they’re worn by record setting speed hiker Jennifer Pharr Davis. Jennifer Pharr Davis set the speed record for the AT back in 2011, and recently wore the TR1 Trek for the 1,275 mile Mountains-to-Sea Trail. I’m going to be testing a pair of the TR1 Mesh this spring, and the spec sheet has me excited. This shoe has a 0-drop, wide toe box, and a midsole top shank. The outsole isn’t the most aggressive, but reviewers seem to praise the traction on a variety of surfaces.
Best For: Hikers looking for a zero drop platform on a shoe with cushion and a great fit
Honorable Mention.) Nike Wildhorse 4
Price: $110
Drop: 8mm
Weight: 10.7 oz
Buy at Amazon | Roadrunnersports | Zappos
See My Review
The Nike Wildhorse 3 was one of my favorite shoes of all time, but Nike’s update to the Wildhorse for v4 left me disappointed. That is the reason I’m adding this on as an honorable mention. The highly durable outsole, zoom air heel pad, forefoot rockplate, and Phylon midsole were carryovers from v3, but the changes to the upper for v4 were big. The more I wore the Wildhorse 4, the more I longed for the comfort of the Wildhorse 3. The Wildhorse 4 is still a great hiking shoe, they just didn’t work for me. The fabric around the heel collar was too stiff and rubbed my ankle. I also found the lacing system left a lot to be desired. Your miles may vary though.
Best For: Hikers and fastpackers looking for a trail shoe that fits and rides like a road running shoe with a wide toe box
Pros: Wide toebox, high value at $110, durable outsole
Cons: Comfort of the upper
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That’s great post with some nice suggestions Drew.
Thanks!
Thanks for the post. Your opening tips are helpful and I will bear them in mind when shopping for hiking shoes. However, none of the shoes you recommend here come in wide sizes. It would be nice if you could do a review of shoes for those of us who have wide feet.
Hello William, I’m glad you found the tips useful. A lot of people with wide feet have success with Altra. You might like the Timp model.
For shoes in an actual 2E width, I would recommend New Balance, as they’re the only company that really caters to this market. For traditional shoes, you could try to find a pair of the old NB Leadville v3. For max cushion, you could try the NB Hierro v3. For minimal, you could try the Summit Unknown.
I have a few opinions on other shoes that are right weight and that I think are better suited for hiking the JMT or the PCT.
First, there are a pair of hiking shoes that are better suited for these types of hikes than any of the trail running shoes you mentioned – the La Sportiva Mid Synthesis GTX. It weighs a total of 26 ounces. Although it is waterproof (GTX), they use a proprietary waterproofing that actually breathes and will not get your feet hot. Also, there mid height size is more protection than any of the trail runners you mentioned because the height decreases the chance water will get in unless you are croosing a stream or in the heaviest of rains. Additionally, unlike other GTX shoe, it drains well and dries just as quickly. This shoe will also allow you to comfortably carry heavier packs without the worry of rolling your ankles.
Second, I have a pair of Northface Endurus TR, a fantastic trail runner that weigh in at a little over 19 ounces. It is on the bulky side, almost overbuilt for a trail runner, making it a superb hybrid shoe for either trail running or hiking with a pack on the JMT or PCT. Its upper is heavy providing protection against any debris on the trail like scree or roots etc. and also providing excellent lateral support to prevent rolling the foot with a heavy pack. It is not waterproof but its side go higher up the ankle than the other trail running shoe you mentioned, given a little more protection against wet conditions. It also drains well. It had medium size cleats but is stick and would be a good choice for either trail because bot trails have portions with large rock slabs and boulders. The final bonus on this shoe is its cushioning which has a high stack hi=eight but due to the shoes build up are very stable despite its stack height
Third, I’d recommend the Saucony Exodus ISO, a shoe that I bought specifically for light hiking , not trail running.
They weigh in at about 21 ounces which is comparable if not better than many of the shoes you recommended. They have heavy duty uppers which assist in lateral stability and their sole have excellent traction for a variety of terrains. They have room for toe splay but are snug in the mid foot and heel.
So, consider these three shoe as better options for hiking the JMT or PCT. You mention a lot of Salomon’s as hiking options but this brand tends to run narrow although they have recently began selling wide widths in some of their shoes.
Thanks, Jack. I’ve worn the La Sportiva Mid Synthesis GTX and the bit about “proprietary waterproofing” just isn’t true. They trap heat and water just like every other GTX shoe. The GTX Surround is marketed well, but isn’t any different than standard GTX. The Northface Endurus and Saucony Exodus are great shoes though. Thanks for the input!
I haven’t had a problem with the shoe trapping heat. You may be right on the water but as a mid height shoe I haven’t had a problem with water getting inside the shoe in wet conditions and getting “trapped”. But I will yield to your experience on the matter.
Why didn’t New Balance make your list for 2018?
Yeah!!!! I forgot to mention those. I have a pair of 910v3 and they would be great for the JMT.
I wore a pair of the NB Leadville a few years ago, but I’m not sure if they are being continued. I’ve tried a few other models that didn’t work for me. Let me know if you have any recommendations I should try.
Drew, thank you for your excellent reviews. Bought the la sportiva Akasha’s based on your review and they really saved me last year on a very wet and muddy ultra run. I am intrigued by your comments on the new S/Lab Ultra. You preferred the sense ride last year. What’s different this year? They are really available here in Europe. Will you do a review on the the new ultras? I am tempted to buy the sense ultras before they sell out.
I’m glad you like the Akasha. They are one of my favorite trail shoes, too. I will do a review of the Ultra 2, but am currently testing the Salomon XA Elevate, TOPO Renventure 2, Salewa Ultra Train 2, and Adidas Swift R2. After that review cycle, I’ll be doing the Ultra 2 and a few other shoes. I’ve worn the Ultra 2 on a few outings, and they’ve been amazing. It’s the perfect shoe for my foot and my usage. If you like the Akasha, you’ll love the Ultra 2.
Drew – I wonder if you would recommend me a pair of shoes for the Chamonix-Zermatt Walkers High Route in July. I’d planned on wearing my Saucony Peregrines, but the massive snowfall this winter in the Alps has me considering something with a stiffer sole to accommodate the Hillsound Trail Crampons I also plan on bringing. I have a pair of Bushidos that I like, but I have found they’re not quite enough cushioning for a long day on my feet. Do you think the updated Salomon XA 3D Pro would work well? I have an old pair that I like for casual hiking, but I’ve never used them for backpacking. Would any of the other shoes you’ve got listed here work for me? Thanks!
I’ve hiked Tour du Mont Blanc, but not the Haute Route yet. If you think the Bushidos are lacking in cushion, the XA Pro 3D won’t provide much more. I find both to provide a similar ride. Both will handle a microspike or trail crampon well. If I was heading out on the Haute route tomorrow, I’d probably bring the Bushido, XA Pro 3D, or XA Elevate.
Hm, thanks! I’ll have to spend a little more time in my Bushidos to see how they feel.
You might also want to take a look at the X Ultra 3 by Salomon. They have a deeper and more aggressive tread than the Bushido and XA Pro 3D. They also have a stiff platform and nice cushion.
So I ended up walking the TMB instead of the Haute Route because of snow, and wore the Bushido with green superfeet insoles. They worked great! More comfortable for walking than I’d remembered. (Though my 15 lb pack probably helped there…) They also accommodated the crampons nicely for the snowfields that were still present on the passes.
Great to hear the Bushido worked out for you on TMB!
Do you have any recommendations for a shoe for off trail use? Needs to have a good burly upper for dealing with rocks and brush. Intending to use it for off trail peak bagging ans such. Currently using a Salomon Mid Ultra as my normal hiking and backpacking shoe.
I do a bit of off trail hiking in the summer and still wear my trail running shoes. I really like the Bushido for this, as well as the Terrex Swift r2 and XA Pro 3D.
Can you please clear something up for me. In your 2017 list you have the Wild Horse 4 as the number 3 shoe and said it is in the running for your favorite shoe for 2017. In your 2018 list in only made the honorable mention list. Why did you change your opinion? Was the 2017 list just referring to the Wild Horse 3?
Yes, when I put my 2017 list together I didn’t have that much experience with the WH4. After a few months of use, I wasn’t a big fan of the new upper. The WH3 was an amazing shoe, and I ranked the WH4 high since it had the same midsole and outsole. I thought I would like the new upper after a few wears, but my long term experience showed my initial hunch to be false.
Hi Drew, as you’ve done the JMT you know the technical trails in Yosemite. I’m looking for a grippy and stable shoe just for fast packing the steep Yosemite trails, such as Upper Yosemite Falls, Happy Isles -> Half Dome/Clouds Rest, or Happy Isles -> JMT -> Sunrise Lakes -> Clouds Rest -> Happy Isles, etc. All these trails are full of rocky and rooty switchbacks where traction and stability are really important, especially with all your camping stuff on your back.
My current pick based on this article is the La Sportiva Bushido, though I’m not sure if that shoe is good for the distances I mentioned above in regards to comfort. I currently run in La Sportiva Wildcat, but the traction and stability is not the best when running downhill with 10lb+ on my back. Thoughts? I’m also fast packing the JMT in a few weeks, though I’ll probably take my Altra Lone Peak 3.5’s for that for long term comfort, unless you think a more stable shoe is useful for the entire JMT.
Hey Mike. Thanks for reaching out. Like you say, traction and stability are key on those rocky and rooted trails. Especially when you’re hopping on slabs of polished granite. The Bushido would be a great shoe and has proven to have ample cushion for my use. I’m not a huge fan of max cushion hiking shoes though. You might also want to take a look at the Salomon XA Elevate. To me, the stability, cushion, and comfort are tough to beat on the Elevate.
As for the Lone Peak on the JMT, I think they’ll work well as long as the snow has melted. I’ve seen some recent shots from PCT hikers and there is a lot of snow still on the trail. I prefer a stiffer shoe in snow and ice that will take a microspike. The Bushido, X Ultra 3, and XA Pro 3D would be my choice in those conditions.
Hi Drew
Would you sugest la sportiva bushido for camino de santiago, or is it to little cushion for that purpose. I tried tham and they are perfect on my foot. Akyra and akasha are well cushioned but just too big/wide for me.
thanks
Yes and no 🙂 It’s a great shoe if you like a stable platform and have a lower volume foot. Since they fit your foot well, I’d give them a shot. I just returned from the Portuguese Route and saw quite a few people wearing Bushidos and Akashas.
Great guide!
I have two questions:
1. I’m a bit flat footed / have a low arch and a wide-ish forefoot. Often wide toeboxed shoes have kinda high arches and I tend to “swim” in them too much. Is there a show among them that’s kinda low and tigth in the midfoot but still kinda wide in front?
2. I’m from Europe and like to hike in the alps and do some via ferratas there. So far I have done that in boots, but I just can’t be bothered anymore to hike in the heavy-ish boots for miles on end just to have the stability in the short via ferrata segments. I want to go way lighter and want to know if you’d have concerns with some of the shows here or w
Ugh, I hit enter too quickly.
what you’d recommend. I’m not sure if I should go for trail runners (some heavier / stiffer ones like the adidas perhaps) or rather go for approach shoes.
Salomon and La Sportiva have a tight fit in the heel and midfoot. You might like the XA Elevate and/or the Bushido.
Thanks. I’ll try them both. I’ll also check a pair of Adidas Agravic, as I have some casual Adidas shoes and they tend to fit me well too.
Let me know how it goes!
Yesterday all three shoes arrived in he mail. I’ve ordered them all es EU 44, which is also what I wear with most of my regular shoes.
The Adidas and La Sportivas fit well in length (the La Sportiva felt a little bit long even) while the Salomon ran a little small, and I ordered it again in the next bigger size today.
None felt instantly perfect while trying them on, but none felt bad either.
Bushido: In general, this felt like the most stable of the three. I think with this one I’ll never have grip and stability concerns even on the most difficult terrain. However, the inside of the midfoot is a bit uncomfortable at first. Perhaps the arch is a bit high there for my foot. I assume this will get better once i’ve broken them in. I also didn’t find a perfect lacing lnstantly, so it either was a bit too loose on normal lacing or too tight when I tried a marathon lacing.
Agravic: Despite being actually slightly the heaviest of the three shoes in EU 44, this somehow felt the lightest. The upper seems to breath really well. But like you wrote in your review, the lacing is odd and I didn’t find a good way to tighten them in the places that I wanted, so it never felt like it was part of my foot and I had the least stability. The forefoot is surprisingly wide. The sole is the most comfy of the three while trying them on, but also seems the most flexible, and I’m not sure how it’ll deal with pointy rocks.
XA Elevate: A bit tight in the forefoot, but that might be better once I get the next bigger size. Satbility felt nearly as good as the Bushido, despite not seeming so bulky. Sole felt the hardest of the three shoes, which is good for a sporty aspect and rocks with a backpack on, but wouldn’t instantly be my first choice for a nice afternoon stroll through meadows.
All good shoes, quality and craftmanship looked excellent on all of them. I’ll have to ponder a bit which one to keep (or to keep even more than one of em).
Do you think the inside midfoot of the Bushido will feel a bit better softer once I put some wear on them? Cause this is my favorite in general (they made me really eager to scramble up some steep slopes), but this issue seems like a major issue for hotspots, blisters or just general uncomfort right now…
Very interesting to hear your take on the three models. I’ve heard from a few people that the Bushido arch support can feel like it’s too high. I add Superfeet Carbon to a lot of my backpacking shoes, and the Bushido is one of the only pairs I own that don’t need additional support with a heavy pack on. After a few miles, I don’t notice the arch support, but it is something I remember feeling when I first tried the Bushido on. I’ve never had any hotspots or blisters because of this, but your miles may vary.
Where would the Solomon Speedcross 4s fit into your rankings or what shoe is similar fit wise? I haven’t found a shoe that locks my narrow foot into a shoe quite like the Speedcross. I’m in AZ and the Speedcross has been a great shoe but it’s not the most comfortable shoe out there. Great article and the altra lone peaks are on sale for 60 bucks today lol
They are too narrow in the midfoot and forefoot for me. They’re also a soft ground shoe built for mud and slush. There is little underfoot protection for lots of rock, and the toothy lugs will wear quickly on granite. If you like the fit of the Speedcross, the XA Elevate isn’t too far off.
Nothing about HOKA shoes? How about HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 or similar HOKA?