When it comes to hiking – shoe comfort, support and performance are key. According to Backpacker magazine, these are the top shoes in each light catagory that have been field tested on all terrains. (But remember, while these shoes are very comfortable and durable, they have no ankle support so if you regularly hike up and down rocky terrain, invest in a good hiking boot and save your ankles and knees from any nasty injuries that could occur.)

1.  Best All Around – Patagonia Drifter A/C. Coming in at a mere 2 lbs. 2 oz., this boot received a 4.5 rating overall and a 4.2 in traction and was a 2010 winner of Outside Gear of the Year Award. They say “The Drifter nails the sweet spot in the category, matching bootlike support and protection with trail-runner shock absorption and weight.” One of the big positives is no foot fatigue after grueling hikes of 20-mile days. Available in women’s sizes 5-11 at patagonia.com for $125.oo.

2.  Top Scrambler – Five Ten Insight. This boot rated a 4.0 overall with a 4.4 in traction. It got lower marks in comfort and support/protection, 3.7 and 3.6 respectively, but this shoe comes from the climbing shoe specialist company, Five Ten, and “testers were shocked by the Insights grip in wet, icy conditions too…a hiker that excels in scrambling and smearing.” The secret is the sole that is part Five Ten’s Steath rubber for the stickiness with a harder rubber for durability. This shoe is available in women’s sizes 6-11 at fiveten.com for $110.00.

3.  Most Support – Lowa Tempest Low. “This is a carry-anything backpacking boot disguised as a light hiker.” Overall rating of 3.8, where this shoe shines is it’s 4.5 rating for support and protection. It boast extra cushion under the heel, a full-length nylon shaft and a dense midsole for shock absorption. “One tester wore the Tempest straight out of the box on a 30-mile backpacking trip down the Hermit Trail and didn’t get a slingle blister.” This shoe is available in women’s sizes 5.5-10.5 at lowaboots.com for $135.00. The magazine suggests going up a half size when ordering.

4.  Best Dayhiker – Keen Alamosa. According to Backpacker, this is the shoe to go for when you’re not carrying a load, even when trevasing steep trails. It rated a 3.6 overall with a 4.6 in comfort. It has a double-density EVA insert under the heel for impact aborption and a more flexible sole than other light hikers. The shoe comes in women’s sizes 5-11 for $100 at keenfootwear.com.

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What else to take on a day hike? Check out this video: