Is Asics Good for Hiking? (Find Better Alternatives)

With the ASICS trail running shoes for men and women, you can go at your own pace without concern of twisted ankles or stubbed toes on the roughest trails.

Their utilitarian, clever design and features specifically for covering even the most demanding territory have made ASICS trail running shoes a favorite among hikers and runners worldwide for decades. They worked closely with experienced trail runners and hikers to create these trail running and hiking shoes, so you know you’re getting a shoe that’s tailored to your specific demands.

The GEL technology provides additional protection for your feet when jogging on stones and sharp edges, running more comfortably. Gore-water Tex’s resistance and breathability keep your feet cool and dry when racing in the rain. Aside from the huge lugs, ASICS trail running shoes feature additional stability and traction on the muddiest trails.

How do you Find Decent Asics Hiking Shoes?

There are times when an athlete just needs a simple, no-frills sneaker to enjoy the outdoors. Of course, for a short run or a leisurely trek, those shoes still need to have all the necessary technology, but bells and whistles aren’t always needed. The Asics GEL-Venture 7 may be a good option if this describes your requirements.

The outsole of the Asics GEL-Venture 7 was specifically developed for trail use. Multi-directional lugs make up the tread pattern, which provides traction on both uphill and downhill slopes. Lugs are not deep enough for this purpose, unlike the Salomon Speedcross 5. The outsole works well on level surfaces, but if your run or trip involves a steep rise or descent, you may want to reconsider utilizing this trail shoe.

Trail runners of all levels will find the Asics GEL-Venture 7 an excellent choice. The Salomon Supercross has a better grip and more supportive features for long-distance trail running, but the Salomon Trailblazer has a lower price tag, making it a better deal for those just getting into trail running or hiking.

Our Top 3 Recommendations For Hiking Shoes:

1. Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Shoes

The Merrell Moab “2” carries on the legacy of the original. Comfortable and breathable, this isn’t the most athletic shoe, but it’s one of the greatest buys for $100. In the following parts, we’ll discuss our impressions on Moab 2 in further detail.

Comfort

The Merrell Moab 2 reminds you why these shoes have been so famous when you put them on. A cushioned footbed, a padded collar and tongue, and a flexible outsole are just a few of the features that make these shoes ideal for hiking.

The insole of the new Moab shoe is slimmer than before. In order to maintain you in the correct position, the heel cup has been molded to give enough arch support. Enhanced heel padding provides excellent trail isolation and protection. Padding gets to feel like an extension of your body after a few miles and is a welcome addition to long trail days.

Traction

A few months of use with the Moab will have no effect on its long-term durability. On the other hand, there have been no signs of mesh tears in the upper layer. Moab 2 is an excellent hiking shoe that appears to have the same high-quality build as the previous model.

Pros:

• Ideal for chilly climates
• The substantial cushioning prevents friction and chafing.
• The item is durable and should last for many years
• With the redesigned Moab, you’ll get everything you loved about the original: light-weight, incredible comfort, and a great price point.
• The open-toe style of the Ventilator type makes it a perfect choice for wearing during the warmer months.

Cons:

• Average traction in rocky and muddy situations
• Heavier workloads or steep trails can pose an issue
• This isn’t a fast or light shoe. The Moab prioritizes comfort above speed

Where to purchase Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Shoes?

You can purchase the Merrell Moab 2 Hiking Shoes here on Amazon.

2. La Sportiva Spire GTX Hiking Shoes

Unlike the recent trend of light and fast hiking shoes, La Sportiva’s Spire GTX performs like a low-top boot in many regions. All in all, the shoe is really durable and provides excellent protection on the path. With the Spire, you’ll never have to worry about a rainy or muddy hiking trip again. In the table below, the Spire GTX’s overall performance is described.

Comfort:

La Sportiva’s Spire GTX is a variation from the current trend of hiking shoes that are lighter and more flexible. This shoe has a solid sense of sturdiness thanks to its substantial heel counter and moderate stiffness.

Waterproofing:

The Gore-Tex membrane of the Spire GTX will keep you dry and comfy even on an Olympic Peninsula hiking adventure. Additionally, the tongue is affixed almost to the collar, which means that, unlike many low-top hiking boots, the Spire’s upper is completely waterproof.

Durability:

This footwear is similar to hiking boots that have had a few inches chopped off the top, according to our evaluation of the Spire GTX Underfoot stiffness provided by TPU midsole components helps the shoe feel solid when carrying a big load on most trails.

Pros:

• Comfortable design
• Highly ventilated
• Completely water-resistant
• Excellent traction in mud and on mossy bridges
• This low-cut, lightweight shoe has long-lasting durability

Cons:

• Reasonably high-priced
• Lacks durability at times

Where to purchase La Sportiva Spire GTX Hiking Shoes?

You can purchase the La Sportiva Spire GTX Hiking Shoes here on Amazon.

3. Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 GTX Hiking Boots

In terms of multi-day hikes, the Salomon X Ultra 4’s supportive ankle design makes it a good shoe for carrying a lot of weight. Durability, breathability, and lightness appeal to endurance athletes.

A mid-height boot like Salomon’s X Ultra 4 Mid GTX provides more support than we expected. The sole of the shoe features a TPU chassis that secures your ankles.

It’s hard to beat Salomon’s X Ultra 4 Mid GTX when it comes to hiking boots. Even though it’s lightweight, it provides the same amount of protection, grip, and waterproofing as a heavy-duty boot. For the majority of hikes, this is a must-have boot.

Pros:

• A seamless lacing mechanism
• Outstanding grip with midsole support
• Enables ground sensations in great detail
• Superior ankle support
• The ultimate hiking boot for multi-day excursions

Cons:

• Moisture can build up in hot temperatures
• In comparison to more robust variants, this model is less durable

Where to purchase Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 GTX Hiking Boots?

You can purchase the Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 GTX Hiking Boots here on Amazon.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts!

In terms of trail running, the Merrell Moab 2 from Asics is a more traditional, heavier shoe that’s great for both smoother trails and rougher ones. It provides a great combination of trail sensitivity and underfoot protection, and it has proven to be incredibly long-lasting.

You might also want to try out the Saloman X Ultra if you’re looking to go on multi day trips. It’s good for both city walk and trek – and is one of the multi options you might like.