Test 2020: low-cut hiking shoes-lightweight, comfortable, sporty
- By sennenqshop/li>
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- 29/05/2022
We tested these hiking shoes in 2020
| Hiking shoes / Link to test report | Price | Test result | You can buy the shoes here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adidas Skychaser LT GTX (OUTDOOR test winner)< /th> | 150 € | Outstanding | Price comparison |
| Scarpa Mojito Trail GTX (OUTDOOR test winner) | 160 € | Outstanding | Price comparison |
| Lowa Innox Pro GTX (OUTDOOR tip) | 140 € | Very good | Price comparison |
| Dynafit Feline SL (OUTDOOR purchase tip) | 140 € | Very good | Price comparison |
| La Sportiva Spire GTX Surround | 189 € | Very good | Price comparison |
| Mammut Säntis Low GTX | 140 € | Very good | Price comparison |
| < u>Salewa Speed Beat GTX | 170 € | Very good | Price comparison |
| Asolo Grid GV | 140 € | Good | Price comparison< /td> |
| Jack Wolfskin Force Striker Tex Low | 150 € | Good | Price comparison |
| Salomon XA Wild GTX (W) | 160 € | < td>GoodPrice comparison | |
| The North Face Activist Futurelight | 130 € | Good | Price comparison |
| Black Diamond Mission LT | 140 € | Good | Price comparison |
But the differences between the candidates are sometimes serious. The pair weight ranges from 585 to 915 grams, and not all test shoes have a functional membrane - Black Diamond and Dynafit do without it. The other ten hiking shoes tested are said to be waterproof - which we checked both while hiking and in the laboratory.
Ralf Bücheler»Multifunctional shoes are just what they need: nothing for mountain tours or backpack tours lasting several days, but ideal for day hikes, jogging and everyday life«, says Boris Gnielka, OUTDOOR equipment editor.The main focus of the testers with this type of hiking shoe was the wearing comfort , i.e. the fit and rolling behavior, the cushioning and the shoe climate. As expected, the light, soft sports shoes can claim advantages in the test. First and foremost the flyweight in the OUTDOOR test 2020, the Dynafit Feline SL. The sporty low shoe makes hikes a real pleasure, and that on any surface, because both cushioning and sole grip are at the top level, as is the rolling comfort. Even the shoe climate is convincing: No wonder, since there is no membrane that slows down the vapor. The Black Diamond Mission LT, which is also very light, also lacks this, but it still feels a bit warmer and stuffier than the Dynafit. In terms of rolling comfort, cushioning and fit, however, it is equal to it, is even a bit more supple and almost feels like a sneaker.
Ralf Bücheler Safely stowed away: Quick lacing systems such as those offered by Adidas, Dynafit and Salewa save time: With a pull on the clamp, the shoe is »laced« and just as quickly opened again. Protruding straps go in a pocket (Dynafit, Salewa) or are fixed under an elastic band (Adidas).Anyone who now thinks that light shoes are extremely comfortable per se will get in the way of the Asolo Grid GV: At 615 grams As a pair, this multifunctional shoe hardly weighs more than the Dynafit Feline SL, but with its thin, soft soles, sharp stones have an easy time: they push through so hard that it becomes uncomfortable, and even the soft shaft is quickly overwhelmed off-road. (It is almost reminiscent of a "barefoot shoe").
The heavyweights in this comparison test are completely different: First and foremost the Scarpa Mojito Trail and the Jack Wolfskin Force Striker Low. Both weigh over 900 grams - and thanks to torsion-resistant, precise and edge-resistant soles, they can even master alpine mule tracks, easy via ferratas and tours with heavy luggage, with the Scarpa in particular rolling off wonderfully smoothly. On the other hand, they are not suitable for trail running, as these hiking shoes are simply too heavy on the foot.
Ralf Bücheler Wide laces: The more effective the lacing, the better the shoe fits. With Scarpa, the shaft can even be adjusted down to the toes. The lacing systems of the candidates from Black Diamond, Dynafit, Lowa, Mammut and Salomon also proved to be extremely effective in the test.The good news: You don't have to choose between ultra-light and soft and heavy-weight and stable - many of the low-cut hiking shoes tested fall somewhere between the two extremes. The sports shoes from Adidas, Mammut and Salewa are just as impressive for leisurely hikes in front of the front door as they are for trail running or fast hikes, they master hard asphalt and forest slopes thanks to strong cushioning as well as stubborn mule tracks - especially the Adidas Skychaser with its self on wet stone and wood, masters the almost sticky Continental sole with particular ease. The pair weight of this trio of hiking shoes is in the middle at 720 to 740 grams - a value that is still acceptable for jogging.
Ralf BüchelerWell cooled: Shoes with a functional membrane often make you sweat when it's hot or your pulse is high. An exception is the pair from La Sportiva, it also vents downwards: through side openings in the sole. Only shoes without moisture protection are more airy (in the test: Black Diamond, Dynafit).If you don't have running ambitions, the medium-heavy shoes from La Sportiva (see picture above), Lowa, Salomon and The North Face come into play. These low shoes are primarily intended as hiking shoes that are designed to master both easy and difficult low mountain range terrain. The Salomon XA Wild GTX and the Activist Futurelight from The North Face don't live up to this claim: Their soles could offer more grip in the terrain and twist less easily. The La Sportiva Spire GTX Surround and the Lowa Innox Pro GTX Lo, on the other hand, left a very strong impression on our test tours. With a stable construction and a non-slip sole profile, the La Sportiva in particular spurts through even rough terrain as if on rails. In addition, the two reliably keep the inside of the shoe dry. And also from the inside, because both evaporate very well, the La Sportiva Spire even downwards thanks to the Gore surround membrane integrated into the sole. It is recommended for anyone who sweats easily on their feet, but does not want to do without a waterproof shoe. In the hiking boots from Salomon, Scarpa and The North Face, on the other hand, it can quickly get too warm, at least when walking briskly or in high temperatures.
And the moisture protection? While there were leaks in the Asolo and Jack Wolfskin models, we rate them as production outliers that will be replaced if purchased, the manufacturers assure. The other eight membrane shoes held tight - both in practice, when running through puddles and in the rain as well as in the laboratory test. This shoe test also showed an overall decent result in other respects: All tested hiking shoes are suitable at least for easier tours.
MammutFest interlocked: Difficult times for sole manufacturer Vibram. For a long time it was considered the only one with good grip, now the Italians have to compete with tire manufacturers such as Continental (Adidas) and Michelin (Salewa, Mammut). The extremely snappy Adidas sole shows that the competition is bearing fruit.Test conclusion of our low shoe test 2020
Many test shoes can do more than just simple hiking and running routes - above all the seven pairs of hiking shoes that achieved a very good or even outstanding test result: Adidas, Dynafit, La Sportiva, Lowa, Mammut, Salewa and Scarpa.
If you are looking for a light, cool summer shoe for trail running or speed hiking, the (non-waterproof) Dynafit Feline SL comes first. The same goes for the waterproof pairs of Mammut and Salewa, with a few cuts in terms of foot climate.
If, on the other hand, you need a solid, not too heavy partner for low mountain tours, the airy Spire from La Sportiva Spire GTX and the cuddly Lowa Innox Pro GTX Lo are recommended.
The solid Scarpa Mojito Trail GTX awaits everyone who often tours in rocky, steep terrain, and the comfort high-flyer and all-rounder Adidas Terrex Skychaser LT GTX for multi-sports enthusiasts.
So whatever you're up to, whether it's on your doorstep now or further away later - it won't fail because of the shoes.
This is how we tested the shoes
Ralf BüchelerIn the practical test, we often went across country through the forest.Walking comfort: How well the shoes roll, how light they are to wear and how supple they are on the foot two testers and four testers tested for three weeks hiking and trail running on typical low mountain range paths.
Stability/Support: Three factors count here: the torsional stiffness of the soles, the stability of the upper and the level of control that a pair offers off-road. The more points a model earns here, the more suitable it is for steep, rough paths and for tours with a (heavy) backpack.
MPS photo studio In the walking simulator, the couples "walk" 100 km in a water bath.Quality: How well does the membrane used in the ten waterproof candidates work? If it leaks, this indicates failures in quality assurance - and costs points. The simulated 24-hour hike in the water bath, which all waterproof pairs have to face, shows whether the shoes are waterproof.
Adidas Skychaser LT GTX (OUTDOOR test winner)
AdidasADIDAS SKYCHASER LT GTXAdidas hit the mark with the revised Skychaser: It is wonderfully light, direct and controlled, touches down softly and rolls cleanly and smoothly away. It makes walks just as much fun as fast sprints or crisp backpack hikes. The sole grip is second to none, the moisture protection is perfect, and the climate is also in the green. In short: a perfect all-rounder.
AdidasPrice: €150
Origin: China
Weight: 740 g (pair, size 42.5)
Fit: Medium cut, good arch support. Metatarsal well fixed, slightly wider at the heel.
Comfort to wear: Very light, direct and airy to wear, excellent and tempting to sprint inserts, also due to the strong cushioning.
Conclusion: If you are looking for a shoe that shines just as quickly in sporty activities as it does on leisurely hikes, you cannot ignore the Adidas.
Test result: Outstanding
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Asolo Grid GV
AsoloASOLO GRID GVAmong the test shoes with a membrane, the Asolo Grid GV is by far the lightest - but also the softest. He doesn't like rugged paths or traversing slopes at all, but he really puts you in a good mood on tarred or forest paths, is comfortable and agile thanks to the hardly any build-up soles and seduces you to brisk gait. Nevertheless, it is not suitable for trail running, for which neither sole grip nor sole stability are sufficient.
AsoloPrice: 140 €
Origin: Vietnam
Weight: 615 g (pair, size 42.5)
Fit: Average overall, the arch of the foot is not supported, but the heel is very well fixed.
Comfort: Light, soft, agile, with a flat sole that allows stones to clearly push through. Pleasant shoe climate.
Conclusion: Not a stable shoe, but a pleasantly light partner for everyone who is looking for a companion for easy tours and avoids stony paths.
Test result: Good
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Jack Wolfskin Force Striker Tex Low
Jack WolfskinJACK WOLFSKIN FORCE STRIKER TEX LOTough, torsion-resistant and edge-stable: the Force Striker is (as if) made for the mountains. Stony paths, even traverses from steep slopes are no problem with it, even if it feels stubborn at first and the edge of the shaft is a bit pressing. Once you have broken it in, it is more comfortable to wear - which is also due to the round, strongly defined roll and the not too hard cushioning, which leads to a lot of sure-footedness.
Jack WolfskinPrice: €150
Origin: Cambodia
Weight: 910 g (pair, size 42.5)
Fit: Very wide and voluminous, women's model wide at the front. Barely noticeable arch support
Comfort: not very cuddly, heavy, initially hard shaft edge. But rolls round and defined, dampens and guides strongly.
Conclusion: The most stable, second heaviest pair in the test plays its trump cards especially on rocky, steep paths - as soon as you break them in.
Test result: Good
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La Sportiva Spire GTX Surround
La SportivaLA SPORTIVA SPIRE GTX SURROUNDThe Spire is the only shoe in the test that has Gore-TexSurround technology and can therefore also evaporate downwards, over the sole. This leads to a dry foot climate and increased footing thanks to the thicker sole. Nevertheless, surefootedness hardly suffers as a result, the shaft and sole offer a lot of support and hardly twist even on root paths. A great all-rounder for demanding hikes.
La SportivaPrice: €189
Origin: China
Weight: 865 g (pair, size 42.5
Fit: Mid-width shoe with a wide heel. The high, firm shaft edge can hit the ankles.
Comfort: The powerful Spire builds quite high, but it rolls smoothly and does not dampen too much, just right.
Conclusion: Stable shaft, strong sole, airy climate: The Spire proves itself in the test as a non-slip, torsion-resistant pioneer for even tough tours.
Test result: Very good
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Lowa Innox Pro GTX (OUTDOOR purchase tip)
LowaLOWA INNOX PRO GTX LOSlip on, tighten the laces, and the Lowa fits like a glove, with a soft shaft and effective lacing it nestles perfectly on and around the feet. The sole, which is very thin at the front, is less soft: It cushions rather tightly, which gives you a controlled step and a very fine sense of where you are standing and walking - good for sure-footedness, especially since the shoe, thanks to the deep profile, is also in mud claws.
LowaPrice: 140 €
Origin: Slovakia
Weight: 870 g (pair, size 42.5)
Fit: Medium width with only a slight noticeable arch support, can be adjusted excellently.
Comfort: Extremely cuddly, soft shaft, low stand, medium-firm cushioning. Rolls less defined than others.
Conclusion: Hardly any other pair wraps your foot as softly and supple as the Lowa - which shows its strengths above all on low mountain hikes.
Test result: Very good
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Mammut Säntis Low GTX
MammutMAMMUT SÄNTIS LOW GTXAnyone who likes a precise, direct feeling when walking will love the Mammut: With it you stand very close to the ground without stones pressing through too much. That's a good thing, because the flat, edge-resistant sole cuts a fine figure, especially in mountainous terrain, and facilitates a safe, controlled step. Due to the low weight, the pair also encourages a sporty pace - but also makes leisurely tours a pleasure.
MammothPrice: 140 €
Origin: Vietnam
Weight: 720 g (pair, size 42.5)
Fit: wide at the front (especially women's model), narrower in the middle and at the back. No noticeable arch support.
Comfort: Could roll off a little smoother, but otherwise very comfortable: light, supple, airy, dry climate.
Conclusion: Very light, agile pair that masters almost any terrain. It is most impressive on soft, wild paths and when speed hiking.
Test result: Very good
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Salewa Speed Beat GTX (OUTDOOR test winner)
SalewaSALEWA SPEED BEAT GTXThe (new) Salewa Speed Beat is aimed at trail runners and fast walkers who want to jog, hike or speed hike through the woods with the lightweight model with good grip. You should bring joint stability with you, only on easy trails does the Salewa give pleasure to those who are less sure-footed. Especially since it rolls off excellently and dampens enough that asphalt slopes lose their terror.
SalewaPrice: €170
Origin: China
Weight: 730 g (pair, size 42.5)
Fit: Sits well on rather wide feet with a strong heel. Pronounced arch support and heel cup.
Comfort: rolls wonderfully soft and round, sits firmly and comfortably, has strong cushioning and feels pleasantly light.
Conclusion: A strong all-rounder that feels just as comfortable hiking as it does at higher speeds. And which is reliably sealed and evaporates very well.
Test result: Very good
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Salomon XA Wild GTX (W)
SalomonSALOMON XA WILD GTX (W)The latest product from the French brand is primarily aimed at hikers who sometimes want to be on the move quickly. It pleases you with its low weight and strong cushioning, which makes long forest trails bearable. Off-road, the soft and thin sole at the front and its lean profile are a little annoying. But it convinces with strong lateral support - if you fill it out well, which is only possible with strong heels.
SolomonPrice: 160 €
Origin: Vietnam
Weight: 740 g (pair, size 42.5)
Fit: Too wide at the heel, slippage is programmed here. Otherwise medium. Pronounced arch support.
Comfort: Strongly cushioned, rolls well, not very defined. Inharmonious: soft, thin forefoot and bulky heel.
Conclusion: With the XA Wild, Salomon offers a pair with no pronounced strengths or weaknesses. A good choice for those looking for a lightweight model for hiking.
Test result: Good
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Scarpa Mojito Trail GTX (OUTDOOR test winner)
ScarpaSCARPA MOJITO TRAIL GTXThe heaviest shoe in the field is also the sturdiest: With a leather shaft and a roughly profiled, edge-resistant and torsion-resistant sole, it masters any terrain, even alpine Paths and easy scrambling. But it's also fun on easy trails, as it sits softly and snugly on the foot, rolls off gently and provides strong cushioning on the heel. With the lacing that reaches far forward, it can also be adjusted accurately.
ScarpaPrice: 160 €
Origin: Romania
Weight: 915 g (pair, size 42.5)
Fit: Slim from toe to heel for a perfect fit, pronounced arch support.
Comfort: Quite warm, strong shoe that rolls off excellently, has strong cushioning and is cuddly and soft on the foot.
Conclusion: Whether it's a mountain path or a forest track: the Scarpa makes tricky and easy hikes a pleasure. Those who are sure-footed can even use it to master via ferratas.
Test result: Outstanding
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The North Face Activist Futurelight
The North FaceTHE NORTH FACE ACTIVIST FUTURELIGHTThe North Face is now also using its new Futurelight functional membrane in shoes. While it scored well in the jacket test with top climate, but was not permanently airtight, it is the opposite with the Activist: it reliably kept you dry both outside and in the laboratory - but led to sweaty feet. It's a shame, because the shoe convinces with its low stance and soft step - and it does particularly well on easy paths.
The North FacePrice: €130
Origin: China
Weight: 790 g (pair, size 42.5)
Fit: Medium width, no arch support, good heel fit. Ineffective, stiff lacing.
Comfort: Comfortable due to the wide, low stand and the strong cushioning - but also quickly a little sweaty and warm.
Conclusion: Due to the warm shoe climate, the Activist is more suitable for cool days. On these he delights with a lot of walking comfort - on paths that are not too steep.
Test result: Good
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Black Diamond Mission LT
Black DiamondBLACK DIAMOND MISSION LTWith the new shoe collection, mountaineering outfitter Black Diamond is primarily targeting climbers and boulderers. With the Mission you get an approach shoe that plays to its strengths – sensitive sole, grip, control – in rocky terrain. But the mission is also fun on soft forest paths. Here it is direct, controlled and pleasantly carefree - but could offer a little more grip.
Black DiamondPrice: €140
Origin: China
Weight: 680 g (pair, size 42.5)
Fit: Narrow and short, low toe cap, fixing heel cup, subtle arch support.
Comfort: Sits soft, light and airy on the foot, provides strong cushioning. Rolls off like a barefoot shoe with little definition, but is super comfortable.
Conclusion: With the Mission LT, sure-footed mountaineers get a great approach shoe with a sensitive sole - which (only) reaches its limits in mud.
Test result: Good
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Dynafit Feline SL (OUTDOOR purchase tip)
DynafitDYNAFIT FELINE SLRunners and multi-athletes who are looking for a light pair for speed hiking and trail running as well as for lightweight tours should try the Dynafit: Here, a roughly profiled, thin but puncture-resistant sole and an airy, soft upper for outstanding comfort on any terrain. The shoe is particularly fun in rough terrain - if you bring a little sure-footedness.
DynafitPrice: €140
Origin: Vietnam
Weight: 585 g (pair, size 42.5)
Fit: women's model is slightly smaller, men's model normal. Rather narrow, top heel fit, easily adjustable.
Comfort: Thanks to the airy outer fabric, the ultra-light pair spoils you with the best climate, and walking comfort is also at the top level.
Conclusion: Airy, light and with good grip, the Feline is a feast for sporty hikers and especially for trail runners who like direct contact with the ground.
Test result: Very good
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