Wired UK – September 2019

ULTRALIGHT TREKKER_

Danner Trail 2650

Named after the 2,650-

mile Pacific Crest Trail

through California, Oregon

and Washington, Danner’s

latest ultralight (680g per

pair) hiking shoe features a

rugged leather and textile

upper with breathable mesh

lining – great for summer

hikes. Combine this with a

lightweight EVA midsole, a

Trailguard shank that moulds

the midsole directly to the

outsole to minimise weight

and increase strength, plus a

sticky Vibram sole, and you’re

set. £ 93.74 danner.com

CHUNKY TREADER_

Salomon QUEST 4D 3 GTX

These trad-style boots should

give you confidence when

traversing uneven terrain – if

the adidas are slippers, the

Salomon feel like ski boots.

But that’s not a criticism:

the extra support means you

can have faith in your foot

placement without running

the risk of turning your ankle

on every unexpected tree

root. The outsole is deep,

aggressive and impervious

to slips; the tread sheds

mud easily; and the all-metal

lacing system grips the laces

securely. £180 salomon.com

SPEEDY STRIDER_

Hoka One One Sky Kaha

Pronounced “Ho-Kah Own-ay

Own-ay”, the fastest growing

running-shoe brand on

the planet has adapted its

tech to walking boots. The

result is a flawless fit with

sneaker-like softness and a

surprising amount of support

for something so light. And

these waterproof boots aren’t

for ambling: the gently convex

sole and three-layer foam

midsole positively encourages

forward movement, while

the Vibram underside grips

effortlessly in all conditions.

£180 hokaoneone.eu

BAREFOOT HIKER_

Tracker FG Vivobarefoot

Recreating the barefoot

walking experience, the

Tracker FG gives freedom of

movement, but with enough

protection to keep you from

injuring your feet. Made from

soft, waterproof leather,

and with a look that’s more

casual shoe than hiking boot,

comfort and flexibility are the

order of the day. And while

feeling every root underfoot

is disconcerting to begin with,

give them time (there’s a

handy 100-day trial), and you

may soon be converted.

£190 vivobarefoot.com

SNEAKER STYLER_^1

adidas Terrex Free Hiker

With its Terrex line, adidas

has mixed street style and

performance materials, which

is exemplified in this three-

quarter height, sock-style

walking boot made from super

stretchy Primeknit. As a result,

these feel more like sneakers

rather than walking boots, but

a Torsion bar helps to minimise

the amount of flex from the

squishy Boost sole, making

them feel more stable under

foot. Be warned: despite the

go-anywhere outsole, this is

a shoe for dry weather only.

£169.95 adidas.co.uk

059

(Top)^2 And Wander logo print

T-Shirt and Shell backpack,

£125, £290 mrporter.com 3

Patagonia shell

shorts, £55 mrporter.com

(^4) KAVU Strapcap, £35
outsiderstore.com
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