Hiking shoes, as a rule, can be very stiff and clunky, which doesn’t bode well for any uses other than hoofing it up uneven terrain on rocky peaks. More and more though, people are looking for one pair of good shoes that have multiple purposes. In these tough economic times, having one pair of boots that can do it all are like gold. So after Onlineshoes.com sent me a pair of Ahnu Elkridge WP hiking boots for testing and review, I knew I found my golden pair.
The Ahnu Elkridge WP are a lightweight hiking shoe with a low cut. They feature nubuck leather uppers and are made waterproof/breathable with an eVent liner. For when the trail gets rough, the shoes have a TPU shank for torsional rigidity and arch support, and an EVA midsole for excellent shock absorption. In addition, stability comes courtesy of their NPS (Neutral Positioning System) and a mighty lugged outsole with cross-directional lugs for traction on dirt and rocks as well as heel stability and underfoot comfort.
Technical features aside, what really drew me to the Ahnu Elkridge was the look. I know, I know, choosing a shoe based on its design isn’t the way to find the perfect kicks, but in this case, it worked. After trying them on, I soon discovered that they were immediately super comfortable and required absolutely no break-in time. But about those looks, they don’t scream, “hardcore hiking boot!” at the top of their lungs. Instead, the Elkridge are dressed up for both adventure in the woods, as well as a night on the town, especially the gunmetal black versions.
But how do they perform off the streets and in the outdoors? After a few winter hikes in the Wasatch foothills, I’d say they are not only comfortable, but burly at the same time. In fact, I was at first concerned that the supreme comfort would give way to a flimsy shoe when the going got tough, but the Ahnu Elkridge shoes were stable, had very good traction, and felt light weight on my feet.
But my favorite part of the Ahnu Elkridge shoes is the fact that they feature an eVent liner. I’ve been a big fan of eVent for a long time and was thrilled to learn Ahnu had chosen eVent in their line of shoes. Many waterproof/breathable liners don’t actually breathe that well, in my opinion. But eVent does as advertised. Not only do they keep moisture out as evidenced by a recent hike in the snow, but they also expel sweat away better than any other boot I own. In fact, the liner regulates moisture and temperature so well, that I found these shoes work great in cold temperatures when paired with some wool socks.
Bottom line: the Ahnu Elkridge WP hiking boots have become my go-to shoes. In fact, ever since they were delivered, I’ve worn them every day, which I usually don’t do with test products. But in the case of these guys, I never want to take them off. Seriously… they are that comfortable, well built, and ready to take on anything nature, or the city streets, can throw at them.
To purchase the Ahnu Elkridge WP hiking boots, go to www.onlineshoes.com
My dad swears the Ahnu Elkridge is the most comfortable shoe he’s ever worn – and he has worn them most every day for the past eight months both in the mountains in Idaho and in Seattle.
I came here expecting a review of the Elkridge hiking boot, and see several mentions of “hiking boot,” yet all the pictures are of the Elkridge hiking shoe and it seems that’s what the review is really about. When there is both a boot and a shoe available in the Elkridge, it would be good to be clear about the terminology!
Hi Petra,
Sorry for the confusion, but Ahnu calls these shoes the Elkridge hiking boot… their words, not mine. However the boots reviewed are the low version. If you’re looking for a “boot” check out the mid-ankle Elkridge version… it’s exactly the same as the low but with a higher ankle, so my review should give you a good idea of the comfort and performance of the boot either way.
Thanks for reading and let me know if you have any more questions.