Best Popular Hiking Shoe under $150; Five Shoes Tested.

I test five popular hiking shoes for under $150 and pick the best.
Support my channel and purchase your pick at the links below.
The winner: Merrell MQM Flex 2 amzn.to/3Szj9bO
Oboz Sawtooth 2 amzn.to/3dl112h
Danner Trail 2650 Campo amzn.to/2U75RJs
Salomon OUTline GTX amzn.to/2U9mhkz
Keen Targhee Vent amzn.to/3qqEhTO

[@jacobhumphreys493]

Great review. I bought the Merrel’s a year ago and they are by far the lightest and most comfortable light trail shoes I’ve ever purchased.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Ditto. What he said. ^

[@calhun4481]

Thanks for the review, was looking to get Danner.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

How did you like the Danner? I am frim the Portland area originally and used Danner boots for hunting when I was in highschool. I have a fondness for the company though like most footwear companies most of their products are made outside the USA.

[@tyn194]

Such an underrated channel. Very informative. Thanks for the review

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Much appreciated!

[@milesrost6674]

Agreed, thanks!

[@billj5645]

I've owned Salomon, Merrell and North Face and I liked all of them. The last time I bought new shoes REI didn't have the North Face in my size so I bought OBOZ and now they are my favorite. I have 3 pair and I wear them for everything. They are stiffer and more supportive than the other brands but are very comfortable for me. I assume ymmv depending on your foot shape. My pair of OBOZ that I wear the most have lasted very well, the soles are now wearing thin in spots but the rest of the shoe is still holding up well. Other brands typically haven't done that, the rest of the shoe would fall apart while there was still a lot of sole left. I hike most in Utah and the OBOZ seem to me to have very good traction. I did the same as you did- before some of my big trips I was walking a lot and trying all of my different shoes for comfort, some of them didn't work out so well. Shoes that were comfortable in my daily activities just didn't work out for long walks.

[@TheMelvinWei]

I loved your little relationship/job hiring skit at the end, hahaha. I only have tried Oboz shoes out of all of these brands, and I love their Sawtooth; it's what I wear to work, walk in cities, and go hiking with. The waterproof ones (Oboz Men's Firebrand II BDry Hiking Shoe, Earth) with less mesh are too hot and suffocating on my feet, despite the feeling of invincibility. So you recommend the Merrell for daily walking on hard flat surfaces as a close alternative to the Sawtooth?

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Hello Melvin, if you are walking on asphalt or concrete, yes, the Merrell MQM Flex 2 will work. They have a softer rubber compound than the Oboz Sawtooth 2 so the soles might wear out faster, but they are more comfortable.

[@NC-zr4yj]

Hi thanks for the review. I am just one shoe old ( hiking shoes) and I have discovered a whole new world of hiking shoes. It’s a pleasant surprise. I bought Danner shoes last week and I have been mostly walking in London (about 9-10 km a day). I must say the difference they have made compared to regular sneakers is astounding. Investing in these can go a long way in protecting your feet. I would have liked to see a review of Dolomite shoes which are designed in Italy and are made for summer hikes in Italy. They also use Vibram soles just as the Danner shoes. Hope to see a review on those. Thanks.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

I am moving back to Italy this Summer so I think an Italian hiking shoe review is in order.

[@HS99876]

Good review, how about Vasque Breeze Lt Low NTX, it is narrow but the front is wide, lots of room for your toes.

[@ag4allgood]

Liked the review thumbs up. Just bought the Merrell Chameleon 8 with a very different lace technology so I can't really comment yet but have another older pair of Merrell Moab waterproof hiking shoes I've had for 5 + years love them but heels starting to show the age. Typically go for 5 mile hikes or walks so comfort was the # 1 priority.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Thank you for your feedback. I just published a video reviewing five more shoes and the Salomon X Ultra 4 won. The Moab 3 were also tested. I have to check out the Chameleon 8s.

[@sd3gunner]

have you tried the Oboz Arete low? please do if not.

[@yapster804]

Oh I have the outline GTX. The outsole is pretty slippery on wet concrete/tiles. They work really well on the trail though.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

That is what I found. Wet concrete is not realistic for hiking in 99% of the cases, but the rubber compound is not optimal.

[@roymckee388]

How do you find the outline gtx in hot conditions? Less breathable?

[@yapster804]

@@roymckee388 all goretex shoes are less breathable. It's tolerable but not ideal. For multi day hikes I have stopped wearing waterproof shoes

[@roymckee388]

Aside from the fit of the Salomon outrise gtx, how did they perform temperature wise? They fit me well but I’m worried the goretex will make them hot to wear in summer.

[@pmhum]

Thks for sharing.

[@jmrdrgz]

Could you please put timestamps for your specific points? Good video and I might be coming back again to this video, like I just did now.

[@jordanwalmsley]

Thanks this was great! I'd be very interested to know your comparison between the new MQM Flex 3 and the moab speed. These are my final two shortlisted

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Hey Jordan! I have not run the MQM Flex 3 through the crucible yet. I can vouch for the Merrell Moab Speed. It won last year’s hiking shoe review.

[@jordanwalmsley]

@@Dusty_Hikers I like the "yet" part of your reply :) I'll be very interested in thr comparison. I will probably have chosen and taken the plunge in the next few weeks but will keep an eye out for if/when you test the mq flex 3s. Thanks dude

[@millionairebillionairetril3937]

Have you tried skechers hiking shoe?

[@circlepete906]

I know this costs a bit more...like around $160.but i really like the Oboz sypes mid leather b-dry waterproof/gunmetal..it fits my foot like a glove ..so comfortable..and is surprising light for a mid hiker...one of the few that i can wear without adding a different insole due to my narrow flat feet...lol

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Oboz insoles are much better than most other brands.

[@yapster804]

I think if you wanna try another pair of Salomon, try the x ultra 3 or 4. It's a lot beefier and has much better cushioning.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Next year I will choose five different shoes and will put the X ultra on that list.

[@labellaescrima1996]

hum...maybe you should have gone to Italy and buy boots and shoes over there. They are actually the best country with Germany to buy hiking shoes and boots. Zamberlan, Diemme, Scarpa, Aku,, from Germany you have Meindl, Salewa, Lowa, Hanwag, are all made in Europe. I have a few of them, namely Diemme, Scarpa, Hanwag and Lowa. Very rigid indeed but so well made. I also have a few Merrell boots and shoes, nice video and impressive that you have made all those tests to tell us your choice, well done mate!

[@pwkhang]

Could you also consider trying Columbia? 😊

[@mratran]

I'm in the market for a solid urban hiking shoe and your Video helps out alot. Danner would be my choice but I'm also looking at the North Face Ultra 111.

[@danielbadge1257]

Have you ever tested asolo shoes?

[@Alex-oy6wb]

Great review…have you tried Amazon favorites Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Ii? Time for updated review?

[@Dusty_Hikers]

I just started getting the shoes I ordered for my updated review. I hope to have it out in about 6 weeks.

[@Alex-oy6wb]

@@Dusty_Hikers got a new subscriber

[@garydickinson2194]

Great review, same profile but waterproof please, want to wear the same shoe everywhere when traveling

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Noted! I get double use from my shoes too. Please check out my new round of testing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4WyXmeXiKlgask

[@mikedavis1110]

It seems to me the group of shoes are in two groups and not an even test. I would say you have hiking shoes and Trail/Tennis types . Therefore, the comparison isn’t a fair one. Great info on the shoes and your methods in testing.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Yes. I did another round of testing five more shoes this year and tried to avoid having different types of shoes because, as you say, it’s not really fair to compare apples to oranges. Go check out my new video. It’s called TESTING FIVE HiKING SHOES.

[@raulrodrigueznyc]

Vasque Breeze should have been there

[@michaelsimpson6745]

The Solomon mid foot is super narrow! I’m not sure whose foot that would fit, but it sure isn’t mine. I went with the shoes that felt the most comfortable, and ended up with a pair of Merrell Moab Flight. They just got retired after 1 year and 120 miles. They were a good pair of trail runners. The sticky Vibram grip is great, but wears out over time. I tried on many shoes and ended up getting a pair of Oboz. They’re extremely comfortable. I don’t love the extra weight, but the sole feels amazing. Very excited to take them for a spin!

[@Dusty_Hikers]

I am testing the Merrel Moad Speed right now and they are great!

[@michaelsimpson6745]

@@Dusty_Hikers I’ll look forward to watching your review then!

[@qidongxu7339]

I think the first test is not a good test. A road bike tire will defintelty have better grip on concrete surface than a mountain bike tire. The Danner is more like a runnng shoe than the others

[@nickmcewan5932]

The keen and oboz are a totally different category of shoe lol If you wear the Merrels in anything other than a beaten track your feet and ankles will die lol That’s why the keen and oboz are beefy, because they are proper medium hiking shoes.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

I just completed a new round of testing on five new shoes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4WyXmeXiKlgask

[@williampennjr.4448]

I got the Nortive 8, only 45 bucks.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

I need to do a review on budget hiking shoes.

[@johnfritz3792]

2 years later the oboz’s are $235.

[@edricheson]

It doesn’t matter what the shoe looks like after 3 days of hiking

[@Dusty_Hikers]

True!

[@jqdizonuadojdos8828]

by the way my name is jimmy q dizon of man and the spirit.

[@danielgeci4513]

Lolol you put 20 miles on them and call that a review. Omegalul. Bro I literally walk 20-30 miles per shift at work. Get real

[@tomallen6073]

IMO the Danners are ugly as hell, as with most Danner shoes.

[@labellaescrima1996]

Not fair your test because we don't have that kind of texture in the mountains, woods, you did your test on cement....really? You should have gone down a hill in the rain that would have been a legit test! But hey, already you judge a shoe by the looks what can I say, F+ for your test. No Vasque, Scarpa, La Sportiva, Lowa...duh!

[@jqdizonuadojdos8828]

i am lerning knew english pronounsstion to anderstand well.

[@jqdizonuadojdos8828]

thats good to learn sir those are one of the best to learn here also to the world . i will polish all the shoes of the climer all the millitary should have high quality shoes . i want them comportable to the armforces of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. IF JESUS WASH THE PEOPLE FOOT ME I WILL SHINE THE TRUE MILITARY SHOES ALL OFFICERS POLICE DEPUTY . LET THEM KNOW THAT SIR.

[@dickmoney2946]

You didn’t test the LA Sportiva. I have all those except the Merrill.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

I definitely have to test la Sportiva.

[@zee9er]

Dudes just anti keen 😂