BOOTS ON THE GROUND

Today's Alpine hikers are ready for the climb but even better on the street

- JONATHAN EVANS

THE EARLY DAYS OF MOUNTAINEERING boots were rough. From the Dolomites to the Rockies, adventurers had precious few options for the ascent. Heavy leather lace-ups with metal "hobnails" driven into the soles for traction were the most common-not the sort of thing you can wear to the pub after an expedition.