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