Popular Mechanics - USA (2019-12)

December 2019 87

ple EVA midsole kept our feet

feeling light , a s if we were wear-

ing running shoes. The high cuff

lent confidence, even on trails

in the Tetons with loose, bas-

ketball-size rocks. We did find

the Zion a tad hot, especially

in the toe box, where leather

and rubber give protection but

limit venting. You may overlook

that, though, if you prize staying

dry—the boot sloughed off all

the water we stomped through.

And, even when loose, the gus-

seted tongue kept debris out.

The Zion is a great day hiker,

but the sneaker construction

means it’s not ideal when you’re

carrying heavy loads.

warmth, and the solid leather
construction may dig into your
ankles at first.

The Zion looks cool, but don’t

let its appearance fool you. The

Vibram Megagrip sole afforded

plenty of traction, and the sup-

$380

WEIGHT

1 lb. 13 oz.

EDITORS’ CHOICE

KAMIK NATION

PLUS

$85

Costing less than $100, a pair of the Kamik Nation Plus is a

bargain. But the boot can still handle winter’s worst. Its tall

height protects you when tromping through deep snow,

and the seam-sealed construction and large rubber shell

surrounding your foot keep moisture out. (The boot stayed

completely dry during our waterproofing test.) Insulated with

a 200-gram 3M Thinsulate removable liner, this boot—and

the women’s version, the Momentum 2—has a temperature

rating down to –40°F. In our insulation test, it was one of the

top performers. The Nation Plus felt plush underfoot even

after we wore it for hours, and the soft lining didn’t scratch.

HEIGHT

Tall

UPPER

Suede

WEIGHT

1 lb. 13 oz.

B E S T F O R L I G H T A N D F A S T

MERRELL

ZION WATER-

PROOF MID

$150

HEIGHT

Mid

WEIGHT

14.5 oz.

UPPER

Mesh and leather