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7> ADIDAS AUGUR IV This is a good boot for day hikes. It is heavy and bulky, but was also one of the most comfortable. It features an extra-knobby high-traction rubber sole and a puffy toungue/collar combination. Its midsole boasts adiPRENE inserts, just like Adidas' Kobe Bryant basketball line. As for protection, the Augur's full-grain leather and split suede shell keeps water out, but it also manages to trap its share of moisture with- in , something noticeable when hiking distances in hot weather. Adidas, usa.adidas.com, 46 oz, $90 through the leather exterior, it might take a couple hurricanes to l et wet inside. The Tuscan performed especially well on Kalalau's climbs and descents, distrl\!luting weight across most of the shoe while climbing th'3 switchbacks, and offering ridge S(~Pport in the heel on the downward slopes. The moder,~te ankle cushion is just enough fo proper stability, which is also reinforced by the polyurethane midsole, more flexible tha rubber, letting your heel contour around gnarly parts of the trail. Truly one of the best ;'bts we've worn in years. Timberland, www.timberland.con't, 44 OZ, $120 10> VASQUE FUS:ON GTX Even after plunking int') the Hana-kapi'ai stream, the 1.8 millimeter split leather and Duroweave nylon fabric kept our feet remarkably dry. And if lining soaks up I 6 8> MERRELL REFLEX This is a running shoe-turned-hiker, with a burly sole made of stiff-but-sticky rubber that lets you leap from rock to rock with confidence. In whatever outdoor activity, your knees will thank you. The Re ex s air cushion midsole offers a glimpse of what it's like to hike on pillows, giving extra toe room and arch support. Such cushioning comes at the cost of stability and protection, and if these shoes get wet, so will your feet. Upside: the 7.5 millimeter narrow-gauge webbing dries quickly once the rain - fall stops. If humidity isn't a problem, tile polyester mesh lining and an air mesh bel- lows tongue keep a foot cozy and warm. Merrell, www.merrellboot.com. 28 OZ, $80 9> TIMBERLAND TUSCAN Rain , snow: beware. Timberland's SympaTex insulates virtually the entire foot, while its ComforTemp keeps you dry up top in the tongue. With barely any stitching I soggy swamp at the end of the day. The extra-thick cushion hugs your ankles up top. Narrow feet fit best in the Fusions, and the shoe offers lots of wiggle room for toes. The pulley-Iace- adjustment system is outstanding, allowing easy manipulation of how tight or loose the boots hug-quick adjustment is perfect when a pack is weighing you down. Vasque, www.vasquC.com. 33 OZ, $130 11> COLUMBIA VERTEBRAE You could forget you're wearing these because the Vertebrae is the lightest of Columbia's sport utility line, with synthetic Nubuck leather to cut down every gram possible. The mesh nylon wrapped around much of this shoe helps push out humid, sweaty air, keeping feet dry. The carbon rubber outsole is surprisingly flexible for rubber, though trail junk manages to get stuck in the crannies. The molded EVA midsole nicely breaks the impact of each step. You'll appreciate it while losing hundreds of feet in altitude on the muddy, rocky path down to Hana-kapi'ai Beach. Columbia, www.columbia.com. 24 OZ, $69 break a sweat the Gore-Tex