Footwear

From ultracomfy trail runners to mountaineering crossovers, here’s the season’s best backcountry footwear.

- By Lauren Steele

MOST PROTECTIVE

OBOZ ARETE MID WATERPROOF

OUR TAKE

Feet, meet tank. For hikers heading into areas with notoriously rocky trails, the Arete Mid is our choice for keeping your toes from harm. A dense forefoot EVA plate prevents bruising, and a welded TPU toecap guarantees stone-kicking security. Plus, the upper has TPU overlays that shield your feet from knocks and prevent any abrasion—making the Arete Mid perfect for folks who like to take big trips off the beaten path. “On a three-day, 30-mile trip through the Ansel Adams Wilderness my feet never hurt in any way, and I was able to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the country,” said one tester after tackling miles of sharp Sierra granite.

THE DETAILS

The Arete’s forefoot rock plate, combined with chassis integrated into the midsole, distributes weight and mitigates over-flexion. The midsole is also stiff, which makes the boot ultra-supportive for loads up to 40 pounds. A jacquard upper and the proprietary membrane are breathable up to about 60°F, laudable for a boot this bulletproof. $160; 1 lb. 11 oz. (w’s 7); m’s 8-14, w’s 6-11

MOST NIMBLE

HOKA ONE ONE SPEEDGOAT 4

OUR TAKE