Give heavy boots the boot

Lightweight hiking shoes for women can be like walking on air. But beware: Some get left in the dust.

-- Scott Doggett

CHACO GARVIN

The wide sole proved very stable and provided excellent traction. The fit was snug through the heel, yet toes had plenty of wiggle room. The leather breathed well, and the arch and ankle supports were solid. No gripes. $210. (970) 527-4990, www.chacousa.com.

*

FIVE-TEN RETRO

These grippy lightweights made me feel like I should hit the ground running. But they provided no arch support, the leather upper was too thin to provide much protection, and I could feel every pebble. $65. (909) 798-4222, www.fiveten.com.

*

HI-TEC MULTITERRA

These shoes were very lightweight, had great arch support and kept my feet cooler than the high-tops. I liked the treads because they gripped well, but so many pebbles got into the shoes that I had to stop several times to clean them out. $60. (800) 521-1698, www.hi-tec.com.

*

ADIDAS RHYOLITE

I liked this shoe’s styling, breathable Gore-Tex fabric and ankle support. But I needed Band-Aids on my lower shins to prevent bruising from the high top. Traction was so-so, and the shoes loosened too much with use. $100. (800) 448-1796, www.adidas.com.

*

MERRELL SWITCHBACK GORE-TEX

These bulky boots had very little flex (quite the opposite of the look-alike Chacos). Their rigidity made it hard to feel the trail, and the arch support was poor, although there was plenty of room for my toes. $150. (800) 789-8586, www.merrell.com.

*

Note: Shoes were tested by Times staff writer Judy Pryor.