Facts
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Use
Day Hiking
Shoes or boots for hikes that only last for half a day. Flexibility and lightness are the highlights of these kinds of footwear. See the best day hiking shoes and the best day hiking boots.
Backpacking
For multi-day trips with a heavy pack. Manufacturers emphasize durability and support in the creation of backpacking boots. See backpacking boots
Speed Hiking
Designed for users who want to cover a greater distance by going fast, usually with a light pack. See speed hiking shoes.
Winter Hiking
Boots that grant insulation to the user during hikes. See winter hiking boots.
Multi-sport
Mainly sandals. Aside from hiking they can be used for other purposes such as water activities. See multi-sport hiking sandals.
Good to know
Casual hikers can choose day hiking footwear or multi-sport sandals. More info here.
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Cut
Low
Shoes with a cuff that goes below the ankle. See low-cut hiking shoes.
Mid
Boots with an ankle-height cuff. They provide extra ankle support. See mid-cut hiking boots and mid-cut mountaineering boots.
High
Boots with a cuff that goes above the ankle. In the case of insulated ones, they may reach the calf. Also grants extra ankle support. See high-cut hiking boots and high-cut mountaineering boots.
Good to know
Generally, for trails that are easy to tackle, go with low-cut shoes. Go mid to high if there are more trail obstacles.
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Price$135
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Feature
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WeightWomen: 12oz
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WidthMen: NormalWomen: Normal, Wide
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Special editions
Rankings
- Ahnu’s Sugarpine II Waterproof Ripstop, the successor to the first Sugarpine Waterproof, is a shoe capable of delivering a combination of comfort, surefootedness, and performance on the trail. Unlike its predecessor, this hiker comes engineered with Aegis—a technology developed by Microban that fights off odor-causing bacteria.
- Its upper has received a minor facelift. The pull tab seen in the original model is no longer part of this edition. That said, its heel reinforcement for rearfoot support has more coverage than the previous iteration’s.
- This lightweight trail-centric shoe is still built with Numentum Hike just like the one that came before it. This Ahnu-exclusive technology is responsible for helping the foot remain centered, thereby affording wearers with enhanced stability over rough terrain. It also contributes to the comfort provided by the footgear’s cushy sole unit.
A fairly true-to-size, low-cut day hiking shoe for women is the Ahnu Sugarpine II Waterproof Ripstop. It comes in both full and half sizes in B – standard width. Users can expect a personalized and secure closure in it using the hiker’s classic lacing system.
The Sugarpine II Waterproof Ripstop is equipped with a grippy outsole courtesy of Vibram (the same company behind the outsole found in Merrell’s Moab 2 GTX and Adidas’ Terrex Swift R2). Its ability to deal with slick and slippery surfaces is thanks to its heavy-duty low-profile lugs. These sticky protrusions are also seen around the sides of its forefoot zone, giving extra grip during off-camber maneuvers.
Adventure seekers can expect a comfy yet stable ride on the trail with the Sugarpine II Waterproof Ripstop’s Numentum-powered midsole. Its chunky construction, especially at the heel, absorbs shock on impact, making landings safe as a result. The Numentum Hike unit built into its heel zone—the element that bolsters the shoe’s stabilizing capability—is made of TPU or thermoplastic polyurethane.
Helping the shoe’s springy midsole in delivering comfort underfoot is the Numentum insole. Aside from extra cushioning, this insert also provides additional support around the arch region.
The upper of the Ahnu Sugarpine II Waterproof Ripstop is mainly a combination of closed mesh and suede leather. It is reinforced with waterproof overlays (also made of leather) to keep its interior free of virtually all sorts of wet elements as well as to help its exterior remain as abrasion-free as possible. Both its collar and tongue are lined with padding for a comfier in-shoe experience. Its forefoot, on the other hand, is engineered with a sturdy rand for enhanced toe protection.
Its lace holes are comprised of standard plated eyelets, each of which is constructed on a stitched leather overlay for extra durability. They work together with the footgear’s flat synthetic lace to keep the user’s foot firmly and safely in place.
- Those who prefer hikers with more ankle support might want to check out the over-the-ankle version of this shoe, called Ahnu Sugarpine II Waterproof Cleat Ripstop.
- This offering is part of the “Ahnu by Teva” collection and may be purchased online on Teva’s website.