MOST PROTECTIVE
OBOZ ARETE MID WATERPROOF
OUR TAKE
Feet, meet tank. For hikers heading into areas with notoriously rocky trails, the Arete Mid is our choice for keeping your toes from harm. A dense forefoot EVA plate prevents bruising, and a welded TPU toecap guarantees stone-kicking security. Plus, the upper has TPU overlays that shield your feet from knocks and prevent any abrasion—making the Arete Mid perfect for folks who like to take big trips off the beaten path. “On a three-day, 30-mile trip through the Ansel Adams Wilderness my feet never hurt in any way, and I was able to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the country,” said one tester after tackling miles of sharp Sierra granite.
THE DETAILS
The Arete’s forefoot rock plate, combined with chassis integrated into the midsole, distributes weight and mitigates over-flexion. The midsole is also stiff, which makes the boot ultra-supportive for loads up to 40 pounds. A jacquard upper and the proprietary membrane are breathable up to about 60°F, laudable for a boot this bulletproof. $160; 1 lb. 11 oz. (w’s 7); m’s 8-14, w’s 6-11
MOST NIMBLE
HOKA ONE ONE SPEEDGOAT 4
OUR TAKE
This story is from the March - April 2020 edition of Backpacker.
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This story is from the March - April 2020 edition of Backpacker.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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