- BEST HIGH-TOP
HIKING BOOT
La Sportiva Nucleo
High GTX $199
The Nucleo High was
ready for every obstacle
we encountered: mossy
rocks, loose gravel, and
snow. Its Gore-Tex Sur-
round waterproof lining
kept us dry, the large rub-
ber toe cap prevented
stubbed digits, and grooves
on the Vibram Nano sole
improved traction. All that
in a svelte, supportive boot
that excels on backpacking
missions and short hikes. - BEST VALUE HIKING BOOT
Timberland
Mt. Maddsen Mid
Waterproof $115
Comfortable from the first
step, the Mt. Maddsen
gives you day-hiking chops
at a price well below what
you would spend on many
high-end boots. Hefty lugs
and a TPU shank offered
good grip and support
on wet, rocky, and steep
passes. We can overlook
the weight (1 pound, 3.2
ounces, men’s 12) given
how well the EVA midsole
cushioned our footfalls. - BEST MID-CUT HIKING BOOT
Danner Trail 2650
GTX Mid $180
When the going gets
muddy, reach for the Trail - The waterproof
Gore-Tex membrane is
complemented by perfo-
rations in the suede upper
that made the boot more
breathable than similar
models. With Vibram’s
460 sole, we didn’t worry
about slipping. Plus, a rub-
ber bulge on the back—part
of Danner’s EXO Heel Sys-
tem—locked our foot in for
blister-free hiking.
HIKING
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