Can one boot be all things to all hikers? Probably not, but the Zenith comes close. The nubuck-and-mesh boot is light and flexible enough for an afternoon amble, yet sturdy enough鈥攚ith a moderately stiff plastic shank鈥攆or multi-day adventures on off-camber terrain. Even with its Gore-Tex XCR layer, which kept our feet bone dry through umpteen stream crossings on a six-mile slog in Zion National Park, it was the most breathable mid in our test, thanks to well-placed mesh panels. The fit? Love at first step. Testers raved about the shapely heel cups, which kept feet in place, and smooth liners, which prevented hot spots. And whether on Utah’s sandstone ledges or the mucky trails of Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, the Vibram tread always stuck. As one tester summed it up, “I thank Jesus for these boots every day.” We’re still not sure he was kidding. 20.8 oz.
Support: 4.5 (out of 5)
Comfort: 5
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