SCARPA mens Maverick Mid Gtx

Product Information

First off, these aren't your grandfather's Timberlands. You no longer have to spend days breaking them in before your camping trip. The Mt. Maddsen's were supple and comfortable right out of the box. The mid-rise uppers are soft and while the boots are heavy compared to models like those from Scarpa and Salomon, the Timberlands can inspire confidence and make your feet feel like they are protected from the elements, even though they do not have the work-boot like heel and toe protections that the Asolo boots offer.

He’s spent many hours telling me how dry his feet are when we’ve been traipsing through boggy Peak District moorland or up mountain paths of Snowdonia in the pouring rain. My older brother is firmly in the Scarpa camp. He has a ten-year-old pair of SLs that he calls his ‘proper mountain boots’ and claims that they are the only boots that he trusts for really long walks or walks in bad weather. With a name more typically associated with skis and bindings, Salomon's Cross Hike boots make the ideal footwear for an apres ski trek. Their design is reminiscent of high-tech alpine ski boots yet their light weight offers your feet relief after a day of downhill skiing. Dealing with weather is the second factor for hikers. If crossing the lava flows of Iceland is what you're after, you're going to have some days of rain, and you won't have time to waste drying out your boots along the way. So waterproof boots are a necessity, including gusseted tongues, which are attached to the shoe all along sides to keep out dirt and water. Most of the models we reviewed have both features. TerrainWhy wouldn’t Scarpa want to challenge that and get in on the popularity of the fast, lightweight boot market?

Like a lot of the best Hoka running shoes, this boot came up a little narrow, so if you're between sizes, it's definitely worth sizing up. It's a shame there's no wider version of this boot, like there is in Hoka's running shoes. The shoe did give a little after 50 miles or so, but it definitely feels snugger than other boots on test. The lacing system didn't budge, and felt supportive around the ankle on unstable trails. The boot also comes in a low version, for hikers who prefer a shorter design. Not all hiking boots have to be boots. Witness the low-rise shoe-like option from Vasque, the Breeze Lt Low GTX hiking boots. The Breeze Lt Low is a lightweight hiking shoe inspired by trail runners. Merrell's Moab 2 boots are distinctly American: They're big, they're boxy, and they give your feet plenty of room to move about in. Emulated by many other bootmakers over the years, Merrell's models are durable without being stodgy and are often sufficiently insulted to do double duty as winter boots for urban commuters. The overall design of the RocFly is more similar to a trail running shoe than a boot. The mesh uppers are breathable but not waterproof, for example, which makes them light and cool enough for hot summer sojourns. The softer, cushier soles are also great for longer hikes and those of us with more sensitive knees.

Hiking boots today can be as much of a fashion statement as they can be a technical tool that can make or break a serious mountain hike. Salewa manages to combine both in its Pedroc Pro Powertex Mid PTX, one of the most comfortable boots we tested. With a classic Tyrolean design, the Asolo Fugitive GTX's are reminiscent of lace-up hiking and ski boots of the '50s and '60s. It's an attractive retro style for a pair of sturdy boots that will keep your feet solidly planted on terra firma. Scarpa says that this boot is purpose-built for fast and light adventures, so I put that to the test when I had a morning free for a wander around some local trails. We were impressed with how comfortable this Hoka walking boot was. Founded by two French adventure athletes who clearly know a thing or two about mountains, the boot feels lightweight underfoot, with a protective, yet responsive midsole foam. We had no problem doing faster hikes in this shoe, and appreciated the extended heel geometry, which allowed for a stable feel on the trails.