Merrell Riot
Voted a "killer value" in "Outside" magazine's 2009 Summer Buyer's Guide, the Merrell Riot packs various features into a $90 (as of February 2010) pair of hiking shoes. The shoes feature breathable synthetic leather and mesh uppers that impressed hikers in the "Outside" test. The shoes also include a DWR finish for water protection. Reviewers were also impressed with the support and cushioning, provided by an OrthoLite footbed and air-cushion chamber. The toe and heel are protected by rubber and the Riot features a Vibram Epoch/TC5+ sole for enhanced traction. The shoes weigh 1 lb. 9 oz., per pair, on average.
Inov-8 Roclite 288 GTX
Inov-8 describes its Roclite 288 GTX boots as the "world's lightest waterproof boot," and the Inov-8 offers hikers a compromise: a boot that weighs 10 oz. (each foot) and offers Gore-Tex water protection. The Roclite 288 GTX was voted as a Best of Adventure: Must Have Gear 2010 by "National Geographic Adventure" magazine. The magazine found that the boot offers an effective combination of waterproofing, light weight and traction for mud, roots and earth. While the Roclite 288 GTX is a full boot with ankle support, Inov-8 also offers low versions in the Roclite line. The Roclite 288 GTX excels for hiking, walking and even trail running.
Vasque Velocity VST GTX
"Backpacker" magazine voted the Vasque Velocity VST GTX a best pick for "all-purpose comfort" in the light-duty boots section of its 2009 gear guide. The magazine found that the gel-cushioned heel, supportive heel cup and rocker-shaped sole provided comfort. VST stands for Vasque Spine Technology, a patent-pending system designed to absorb heel impact and provide more uniform, stable performance. The shoes feature a Mako II outsole designed to provide traction in variable terrain, though "Backpacker" reviewers found that the shoes slipped in wet conditions. The GTX version features a Gore-Tex membrane for waterproofing, but Vasque also offers a less expensive, nonwaterproof version. "Backpacker" lists the weight at 1 lb. 15 oz.
Article Written By Joe Fletcher
Joe Fletcher has been a writer since 2002, starting his career in politics and legislation. He has written travel and outdoor recreation articles for a variety of print and online publications, including "Rocky Mountain Magazine" and "Bomb Snow." He received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Rutgers College.
