Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25038
BOOTY CALL TEXT: DAVID CRITCHELL ------ ---'OFERATION OFt lOOTS \MJ BOOT C0t;1P - -I PERFORMANCE FOOTWEAR TO MAKE YOUR HEART STOP THE MARKET FOR OUTDOOR PRODUCTS HAS EXPLODED OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS. AND WITH IT THE MAR KET FOR THAT MOST ESSENTIAL ITEM OF THE OUTDOORSPERSON'S WARDROBE-FOOTWEAR. WITH THE PRO- ;t.;r;J1ES. T s-FAႀ䊉'YTO ORGTIlR7>: ONCElIPOitl TrtVlE A lmo DESIGNED SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF HIKING WAS ITSELF A NOVEL CONCEPT. THESE DAYS. THERE IS A BOOT FOR EVERYTHING-HIKING. BACKPACKING. FAST-BACKPACKING. MOUNTAINEERING. TREKKING. WALK ING. AND THE LIST GOES ON. WITH THIS IN MIND. WE HAVE TESTED SOME OF THE CONSUMER OFFERINGS AND THE RESULTS. IF NOTHING ELSE. WILL AT LEAST NARROW THE FIELD. SPRING CONJURED UP SOME PERFECT BOOT-TESTING WEATHER-SNOW. RAIN. SLEET. ICE. HAIL. MUD AND. HAPPILY. ONE OR TWO SUNNY DAYS. ALL THE BOOTS WERE TESTED IN THE UPPER CATSKILLS AND THE ADIRONDACKS OF NEW YORK STATE. IN TERRAIN VARYING FROM A PLEASANT WINDING TRAIL IN THE WOODS TO ASCENTS UP SHEER ROCK FACES. I BOREAL BULNES I With excellent heel and ankle support. the design of this warm and comfortable oot gives a helpful bounce to your stride. In both easy and rough terrain they ave excellent traction-with crampon fittings in case you need that extra grip in winter conditions. These wonders also keep water and moisture out. even when completely submerged. They're probably a smidgen heavy for street wear. but perfect for all outdoor conditions and weather. Boreal. 970-963-4873: $1 98. I TECNICA STREAK I ITECNICA VOYAGER I Designed for light backpacking. this solid boot has a nice. tight fit. but does take some breaking in. Tested in steep terrain in the Hudson Valley and the more varied terrain of the Adirondacks. they hold the flat to var ied road nicely. but their narrow soles will unhinge your balance on the steeper stuff. They stayed dry in some pretty wet weather. but they don't retain heat well. so you might think twice before taking them out in snow or otherwise cold conditions. Tecnica. 800-258- 3897: $1 50. These lightweight boots were designed for fast-backpacking and are good for their intended purpose-they have a good spring to them and are comfortable when running. Their Achilles heel. how ever. is that they get wet after very little contact with water or snow. Good for a summer run through the woods in varied terrain. Tecnica. 800-258-3897: $95. I SOREL ROCK-HI JET I Reminiscent of the 1980s moonboot design-wise. with oddly puffy ankle uppers. Like all Sorels though. they seem to have some magic inner oven that always keeps your feet warm. no matter what the conditions. The lacing system is particularly effective and makes for a snug fit. Their soft ankle support doesn't make them ideal for rough terrain. but they're perfect for almost anything else. street wear included. Sorel. 207-761-8005; $1 20. 60