Get your walk, run, or hike on with these fresh releases
We’re fortunate to live, work, and play in our mountain towns for many reasons. At this moment, one of those reasons is the fact that here, in the Mountain West, we haven’t been forbidden from recreating outdoors as many have in other parts of the world during this pandemic. As long as you keep the appropriate distance from others, there’s no reason not to get out for some fresh mountain air, a little or a lot of exercise, and some recharging of the soul. This spring season sees some of the best brands in the mountain footwear business offering the choicest new models for your feet. It’s time to get some brand new kickass kicks.
HOKA ONE ONE Stinson Mid GTX / $180
This ultra-versatile mid height hiking boot is extra cushy and features a GORE-TEX waterproof bootie with an anatomically designed collar for extra support. An all-terrain outsole with 4mm sticky rubber lugs allows for a variety of surfaces to be handled with confidence and ease. The Stinson’s waterproof Nubuck leather upper gives this boot extra style points and allows for seamless transitions between mountain and urban environments. Available for men and women, this is the ultimate hiking boot for all seasons and all situations. hokaoneone.com
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 / $145
Calling all of those who like to hit the trails with velocity. The Speedgoat 4 is named for HOKA athlete Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer and is part of a trail running shoe lineage that is famous for making quick work of technical terrain. New features include a breathable yet rugged mesh, 3D printed overlays for increased mid-foot support and a more secure feel overall, and a more accommodating fit in the toe box for extra comfort. Also, the highly sought-after Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole provides traction in dry and wet conditions. Available for men and women, the Speedgoat 4 is the ultimate trail runner’s delight. hokaoneone.com
Salomon Vaya Mid GTX / $150
The Vaya is Salomon’s very first women’s specific hiking boot and is loaded with all kinds of high-tech features that will keep the feet happy even after several hours of trail abuse. A silky soft collar and Sensiflex technology along the top of the foot stretch to accommodate the higher instep and dorsal typically found in a woman’s foot, while the more narrow heel and wider toe box account for the natural swelling that occurs during exercise without compromising a secure fit. Add these women’s-specific attributes with the sturdy mesh, relentlessly-grippy Contagrip outsolfe, out-of-the-box comfort, and waterproof GTX membrane, and you have everything you need to embark on the gnarliest of adventures. salomon.com
Vasque Breeze LT GTX / $179.99 – $169.99
A dramatically lighter successor to the Breeze III, this mid-height hiking boot is fast, feathery, and waterproof with all-day comfort and elite traction. The LT combines Vibram Megagrip for best-in-class traction with Vibram Litebase technology for a whopping 25% reduction in outsole weight. Its upper is engineered with synthetic microfiber and abrasion-resistant mesh for a precise fit that paves the way for the ultimate in efficiency and comfort on the harshest of trails. A GORE-TEX membrane blocks moisture from the outside while allowing inner moisture to evaporate. Even in the coldest of downpours, your feet will remain warm and dry. We also like the streamlined, running shoe aesthetics of this boot. Available for men and women. vasque.com