Issue link: http://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25178
BACKPACKING BOOTS For rugged terrain and/or heavy backpacks 1> Lowa Sarek GTX The designers at Lowa prove that you don't need to sacrifice support for comfort, Light and strong without any added chunkiness, the Sarek was comfortable and supportive even with a 50-pound pack, One tester observed that she wished she hadn't worn the Lowas first "because they were so comfortable, the other boots didn't have a chance," Whereas many boots loosen around the ankle after short distances, the Sarek focuses on a tight cuff for a better fit. A lace hook on the tongue pulls the tongue closed and a soft leather dimple above the heel permits forward and aft flex without stressing the laces, Lowa, www.lowaboots.com. $235 2> Garmot Rebel Heavy loads exist to test the Rebel. At the center of the Rebel 's serious support is Garmont's ADDT" (Anatomically Directed Design), which attempts to wrap snugly around your foot like a sock, L-shaped pads placed around the ankle hold the heel in place whi le a more spa- cious toe box allows wiggle room, Garmont also understands that the differences between men's feet and women's feet are greater than just varying widths and has anatomically designed the women's boot for women's feet. The Rebel fits like a glove, but it is a bit clum- sy and heavy (like a ski boot), The cuff, which is especially bulky, resembles an aircast. Garmont, www.garmontusa.com. $239 LIGHT-HIKING BOOTS Lighter. less-supportive boots for moderate terrain and light packs 3> Merrell Chameleon Ventilator The computer-generated sole naturally rolls you on your forefoot and set you in forward motion-you are practically compelled to run. And the Chameleon Ventilator overcomes the problem of potentia l pack-out (when the padding breaks-down) with a lacing system that uses webbing across the ankle to compress the whole boot around the foot. Add an Air- Cushion'" midsole, breathable mesh panels and a breathable bellows tongue and you've got a light boot that won't get hot. Merrell www.merrellboot.com. $110 4> Salomon Exit Mid GTX The extremely popular Exit 2000 focuses on comfort with ample padding around the cuff and a roomy toe box, But it's also made to perform with a stabilizing thermoplastic shank and a hard rubber perimeter that increases edging on boulders, Some testers felt that the Exit 2000 was structura lly unreliable and should be overlooked for demanding approach- es and long-term use, Salomon, www.salomonsports.eom. $120 TRAIL SHOES Beefed up sneakers for trail running. light weekend jaunts and scrambles 5> Hi-Tec Trail Attack The Trail Attack's design is versati le enough to jog in the park or finish an approach on Delicate Arch in Moab, With a mesh lining, the Trail Attack is breathable and it will dry quickly after a day in the Amazonian rainforest. The Trail Attack fits well and is incredibly comfortable, Hi-Tee, www.hi-tec.com. $55 6> Garmont R2 Otero The Otero is the champion for short lengths of the Appalachian Trail. Visible composite stays along the length of the midsole offer the stability of a hiking boot, Vibram outsoles offer traction and grip and Garmont's signature ADDT" technology supplies support where needed, Unfortunately, in spite of a great deal of research and testing on Garmont's part this boot wasn't very comfortable on the trail. In an effort to lock the foot in the shoe' Garmont sewed neoprene-like material across the tops of the tongue and heel, resulting i~ intense abrasion across the Achilles' tendons, Garmont, www.garmontusa.com. $89 SANDALS Not just for kicking around camp anymore. new designs are provid- ing protection from debris and ankle support to let you hit the trail. 'I '" I "!'u l-o> "11", 7> Teva Vector As the sage of the sandal-wearing public, Teva proves their sandal know-how once again with the Vector, The most outstanding feature of the Vector is an adjustable heelpiece that locks your heel in place (which is important as Teva doesn't make half sizes), Underfoot, the Vector has a shock absorbing unit for rough terrain and Spider Rubber for grip, It also has bricklike cells that let moisture escape between your foot and the sandal, preventing your sweaty feet from slipping around , Teva, www.teva.com. $100 8> Bite Trail Sandal Hi While Bite has been making sandals with grip for years (golfers use them for less formal rounds), the Trail Sandal series is their first foray into trail sandals that offer more protection and support. The Trail Sandal Hi's "Z" hi-top back strap provides support and protection around your ankle, and the Toe Guard protects your toes from debris, Although the Trail Sandal Hi offers most of the support of a trai l shoe and all the comfort of a sandal, the Toe Guard drags in water and the moat-formed by the excessive outsole-traps moisture and debris, Bite, www.biteshoes.com. $89