How to Choose Hiking Boots

Trek the trails or travel across town in the AKU Rapida Air women's hiking shoes, with knit uppers that maximize breathability. Their contoured fit increases comfort and reduces fatigue.
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Imported.
View all AKU Women's Hiking ShoesBest Use | Hiking |
---|---|
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Engineered synthetic knit textile/TPU overlays |
Lining | None |
Midsole | EVA |
Support | X-Soft stability textile |
Outsole | Vibram Cruise rubber |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 1 oz. |
Gender | Women's |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Women's | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 |
U.S. Men's | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 |
UK | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 |
EU | 35 | 36 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 |
Foot Length (in.) | 8.7 | 8.9 | 9.1 | 9.3 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.2 | 11.4 | 11.6 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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Like other reviewers mentioned, these shoes run large. I normally size up to an 8 for running and hiking shoes to accommodate movement and/or thicker socks, but no need to with these shoes. If you're between sizes, definitely go with your smaller size. Onto performance: I found these very comfortable and lightweight with good support. No time needed to break in. Did some moderate hiking on dirt trails with hills and found the traction solid. Even though the shoes were a bit large for me, I didn't have issues with the heel slipping off if I laced in tight enough. Good choice for someone looking for a lightweight hiking shoe.
This is a great-looking shoe that I found to be very comfortable and light-weight. I was a bit worried that the mesh outer part of the shoe would show dirt easily, but after wearing these on various trails (paved and unpaved) over the course of a week, they still look good. My only complaint is that the shoe is not as grippy as it could be. On a moderately steep decline, there were several points where I slipped. But overall, the shoe is so comfortable and sturdy that I would still recommend it for easy to moderate hikes.
This show was the first crossover hiking/sneaker shoe that I have tried and I wasn't sure what to expect, since it didn't have the ankle support of a typical hiking book. First of all, I think the shoes are very striking and attractive and visually appealing and look nice. While this isn't the most important factor in a hiking shoe, it's a nice plus. It's definitely a shoe I would wear out and about and looks more like a stylish sneaker than anything else. The mesh design of the upper is tidy and neat. The show overall is breathable. The upper fabric has good airflow, although would not be waterproof at all (so not great for keeping feet dry on a muddy or wet hike). The fit ran large. I typically wear a 7-7.5 W show, and I tried the 7, which fit well in the heel but was roomy in the toe box. I was worried it would be too small but actually is a little on the looser end, I have a little extra space up near my toes. I tried the shoe on several hikes at our state park in the midwest (not a ton in incline). Overall the shoes were grippy and had good traction, even over wet rocks and wet leaves. Our hike was relatively flat, but on the more slippery inclines - even with some ice, they had good traction. The shoes are also light enough that they were easy to wear for light jogging. I'm not sure how they would do for long trail runs, but for the short ones I tried they worked well. Ultimately the shoes do lack the ankle support of a full hiking boot, so on a more technical trail, they my not be as appropriate, however, for my purposes they were an extremely enjoyable and functional shoe to wear. Was able to test this product through the REI Advisors program
I really love the look and feel of this shoe. They have just the right amount of cushion and the soles are grippy - perfect shoe for hiking (I don't wear boots). However, these run big, so I would recommend ordering down if you are between sizes. I usually wear a 8.5/9 in regular shoes, a 9.5 in running shoes and I ordered a 9.5, I probably would have been good in an 8.5. Also these are on the narrow side in the toe box.
These shoes definitely run large. I usually wear a 9-9.5 and even in my bulkiest winter hiking sock the 9.5 slips off my foot with each step. The support seems good though and the toe box fits pretty average.The back of the heel doesn't come up very high which could help if you're prone to achilles blisters, but doesn't seem to help with the whole slipping-off-my-foot thing. The sole seems to have good support as well.
I have several pairs of hiking shoes and these are one of the more comfortable pairs. Most are much heavier. They feel broken in from the start and there is plenty of room in the toe box which is hugely important for me. I don't have anything negative to say. They were comfortable to hike in and to run around in all day.
This shoe runs big! I ordered my usual size but the shoes are too big on me. These shoes would be a good choice for someone looking for a very lightweight shoe for summer hikes on mostly dry trails without a heavy pack. They are very much like a trail running shoe and they are lighter than many i've worn!
Comfortable for about a year, then something happened with the heel section. It started rubbing my heal and causing blisters. Heel protectors are not helping. Disappointed that I could only wear them for one year.