Fast Hiking shoes

What is fast hiking?

Fast hiking or speed hiking is at the crossroad between traditional hiking and trail running. Fast hiking simply consists of moving fast in a mountain environment, without running. A sport for everybody.

In addition to being a great occasion to push your limits on your favourite route, it can also be a good training for trail runners. It’s a way to complete long outings in the mountains, to acclimate the body to long distances. At the same time, it reduces the risk of trauma or injury, avoiding compromising a specific goal.

Between hiking and trail running, what is the most comfortable fast hiking shoe?

All fast hiking shoe models are equally comfortable. Nowadays, athletes have the privilege of being able to enjoy a vast choice of shoes designed by the biggest brands in the outdoor industry. It all depends on your criteria and expectations in terms of comfort and performance. It’s a matter of finding the right balance to pick a shoe that provides the strength and protection of a hiking model, while being as light as a trail running shoe.

Speed hiking shoes: the top 5 criterion for fast hikers

Cuff height

While most speed hiking shoes have a low cut cuff, some such as the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker are mid ankle boots. Its elastic upper effectively wraps the top of your ankle to spare your feet from debris that might ruin your outing. As fast hiking entails walking fast in a mountain environment, notably on rugged terrain, this type of model makes sense.

However, low cut shoes are generally lighter and provide great freedom of movement. Rands around the foot protect from impacts.

Grip

Lug height and shape are an indication of the type of shoe you’re looking at. The more aggressive the tread pattern, the more comfortable the shoe is on wet terrain and mud. On the other hand, shorter tighter lugs provide better grip on dry and hard ground!

Sole construction

Depending on the models, brands sometimes develop their own outsoles, with their own technologies. It’s the case of Merrel, that features a Quantum Grip rubber outsole (designed in house) on the Bravada 2. In other instances, brands can collaborate with specialists of the field such as Vibram, to design fast hiking shoes that offer traction on every terrain.

Comfort depends on the design and thickness of the mid sole and insole. Brands develop various foams for their speed hiking shoes. Softer and thicker soles aim at relieving the joints and protecting from trauma caused by rugged terrain, descents and long distances. On the other hand, thinner soles mean your feet are closer to the ground. They’re ideal to feel the terrain, be fast, aim for performance and speed.

Type of lacing

Fast hiking entails going fast on mountain trails. This inspired some brands to design a quick lacing system such as Millet on the Light Rush. This system saves you the time of tying your laces and eliminates the risk of them getting loose. Traditional laces, maybe more durable and stronger, retains the favour of most fast hikers looking for a rugged shoe.

Waterproofness

Today, waterproof membranes are meeting growing success. In wet conditions and muddy terrains, they keep your feet dry. However, using them in summer conditions is up for debate. Arguably, a waterproof shoe isn’t your do-it-all shoe. It’s best to use them only in poor weather, and rely on your regular fast hiking shoes the rest of the time.

Strength

The same as of soles, brands can equip their shoes with fabrics developed by specialised manufacturers. Among them, Matryx reinforced fabric guarantees superior weather and abrasion resistance to runners. It provides the strength you can expect from a hiking boot, while offering unmatched freedom of movement and being lightweight.

Drop

Mostly relevant for trail running shoes, it can be extended to speed hiking shoes. Drop indicates the height difference between the heel and forefoot. The higher the drop, the better the sole absorbs impacts at the heel, and you feel higher above the ground.

Adidas, Merrell, Millet or Salomon, the best gear at Glisshop

Don’t wait any longer to discover speed hiking shoes from the best brands of the outdoor industry at Glisshop. Our online store is packed with innovative products, ready to follow you on any trail and offering the best balance between comfort, weight, and performance. The equipment you need to enjoy nature in any season, no matter the weather conditions.