Weight: 12.8 ounces
Trail Use: Very good
Off Trail Use: Very good to excellent
Stack Height Heel/Toe: 28mm / 17mm
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 11mm
Width: Medium to wide
Fit: True to size
Waterproof: No, but comes in a GTX option
MSRP: $130

Traction: 4.5
Support: 4
Long-Distance Comfort: 4

Not quite ready to swap your traditional hiking shoes for their lighter counterparts? The Salomon XA Pro shoes have undergone many different models, and this iteration is designed for stability and all-day comfort. The rubber soles are excellent for off-trail and tricky terrain, while the design of the midsole provides extra stability. This makes the shoe feel stiffer than many similar shoes, but it is to keep your feet securely in place during long days on trail.

We placed these shoes in a transition category, because they are too heavy for our lightweight section, yet not quite a true hiking shoe. Because of this, we recommend this model for backpackers and hikers who are ready to trade in their heavier hiking shoes, yet still a bit wary about the trail runner hype.

Read our complete guide | Best Hiking Shoes

PROS:

• Stability rivals any other traditional hiking shoe
• Excellent traction, versatile shoe that can be taken on a variety of terrain
• Extremely comfortable for long days on trail
• All Salomon shoes come with a two-year warranty in the case of unusual wear and tear

CONS:

• Heavier than competitive shoes, cannot be used as a trail runner
• High drop (11mm) will feel uncomfortable to athletes used to a low drop shoe
• Stiff design may feel restrictive to some

BEST FOR:

• Long days on trail, provide comfort for long hikes such as Mt. Whitney or Rim to Rim
• Hikers and backpackers with wider feet
• Hikers and backpackers moving through a variety of terrain and prioritize stability and security