Top 10 · Compare
Compare Best Hiking Shoes head to head
Pick any two picks from this list and see specs, current price, pros, cons and reader ratings side by side.
Back to the full Top 10
#8 on this list
Moab 3
Merrell
The best-selling hiker for a reason: instant comfort and a fair price. Buy the ventilated version.
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#9 on this list
Trail 2650 GTX
Danner
Portland-designed on the Pacific Crest Trail. Stable, light, and stylish enough for town days.
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Moab 3 | Trail 2650 GTX |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Merrell | Danner |
| Model | Moab 3 | Trail 2650 GTX |
| Category | Light Hiker | — |
| Weight (Pair, M9) | Approx. 2 lbs 2 oz | — |
| Closure | Lace | — |
| Waterproof | Ventilated (Non-WP) Available | — |
| Fit | Generous, True to Size | — |
| Waterproofing | — | Gore-Tex |
| Weight (approx) | — | 1 lb 8 oz / pair (men's size 9) |
| Drop | — | 8mm |
| Outsole | — | Vibram 460 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Moab 3
- Instant, out-of-the-box comfort; no break-in period
- Generous fit accommodates various foot shapes
- Reliable traction on diverse moderate terrain
- Excellent cushioning for long days on trail
- Accessible price point for a quality hiker
- Not ideal for extremely technical or muddy terrain
- Can feel a bit bulky compared to lighter trail runners
- Lacks the aggressive toe protection of some competitors
Trail 2650 GTX
- Excellent balance of light weight and stable support
- Reliable Gore-Tex waterproofing for wet conditions
- Versatile style transitions from trail to casual wear
- Comfortable right out of the box with minimal break-in
- Good quality construction, typical of Danner products
- Traction can be limited on slick mud or very wet rocks
- May not offer enough ankle support for heavy loads or technical terrain
- Can feel a bit warm in very hot, humid conditions due to Gore-Tex liner
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.