Traction and Stability
The highly flexible Omni-GRIP rubber outsole provided decent traction over a variety of surfaces. The suede and leather side panels and broad rubber outsole provided good stability and helped minimize twisting. 

Protection
With its wide mesh side bands and top panel, the Grand Canyon Outdry hiking shoes offered limited protection against side or toe impact. The Techlite midsole and Omni-GRIP rubber outsole offered enhanced trail sensitivity, but resulted in foot fatigue after a few miles of hiking over uneven or rocky surfaces. 

Support and Comfort
The Techlite Comfort System foot bed felt very springy and provided quality arch support. The padded heel area offered firm hold. Fit was true to size, and generally comfortable, except some bulging under the gussets of the tongue. Wide mesh side and top panels provided a high level of breathability. Thinner mid and outer soles resulted in foot fatigue after a few miles of hiking over uneven, rocky surfaces. The heel pull tab helped with on/off ease. 

Waterproofing
Water beaded well on the shoe surface in damp situations, and the waterproofing held when the shoe was wet.  

Durability
Both the leather and mesh shoe panels held up well to repeated use. The Omni-GRIP rubber outsole and lugs held up well to abrasion and impact with no immediate signs of wear. 

To accurately assess the performance of a women’s hiking shoe, a number of testers put each product through rigorous hiking, on over 20 miles of varied terrain. During these hikes the testers pay close attention to the level of product performance across six factors most affecting a hiker’s foot comfort and risk of foot or ankle injury on the trail.