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Backpacker Magazine – Gear Guide 2012
Editors' Choice 2012: Salomon Synapse Mid Hiking Boots
Fast and light and luxe: Get running-shoe comfort and hiking-boot stability.
Salomon Synapse Mid (Kim Phillips)
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Tags:
- Gear |
- Hiking boots |
- Trail runners |
After climbing 5,100 feet from the rock-strewn bottom of the Rio Melado valley to the snowy heights of Chile’s central Andes, one tester hailed the Synapse Mids as “the perfect blend of cushion and security in an incredibly light package.” The performance comes from the integration of several key design features. For starters, the springy EVA midsole extends out from the heel, providing a platform nearly a half-inch wider than your footprint.
That, combined with a snug synthetic upper and one-pull lacing that lock your foot in place, provides superior stability for the weight. And you still get smooth, easy striding that feels trail-runner fast. Credit a rounded heel that softens each foot strike, and the higher-than-average drop from heel to toe (14mm), which our tester says “felt like it quickened my stride.”
The large, staggered lugs flex on impact, while bands of plastic running from heel to toe snap the shoe back after toe-off, creating a rebound effect. Add a pronounced rocker—or curved sole—and the whole package combines to offer an “agile, full-speed-ahead feel.” Tightly woven mesh across much of the upper delivers hot-weather breathability, yet it still repelled grit and debris on dusty trails and bushwhacks. The absence of stiff midsole protection makes it best with moderate loads. Don’t need the ankle support? The Synapse comes in a low-cut version ($120) that ultrahiker Jennifer Pharr Davis used to set a new Appalachian Trail speed record last year. $140; 1 lb. 10 oz. (men’s 9); m’s 7-13, w’s 5-10; salomon.com
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READERS COMMENTS
I think they have had it at EMS or REI.
@AndyB,
Sorry, but they don't have my size, and STILL not the color. Right/Wrong, doesn't matter, what matters is that no one from the magazine replies.
First time on this site. You are wrong again..check Zappos.com they have 8 color/variations. 2mid variations and 6 low variations.
OK guys and gals, what do all the comments here tell you about BackPackers magazine? They don't read any of your comments, nor do they care about you. This product got the Editors Choice, but cannot be found. I thought for sure we would have heard from someone at the magazine by now.
I can confirm that this product does exist, it appears however that for whatever reason you cant buy it in North America:
http://www.salomon.com/dk/product/synapse-mid.html?article=307981
This is from Salomon's Danish site.
These shoes do not seem to exist anywhere: not on Amazon, not on other retailer websites, and only in black on Salomon's website. Come on, Backpacker: at least update your website with an Editor's Comment and give your 2012 Award to a different product.
I ordered these shoes. I loved them as a day-hiker but not as a backpacking shoe. Not enough support. (I should state that I did not use a different insole - just used the factory one). When I stepped on large angular rocks, I felt them all the way up to my feet. Also, my feet fetl the strain after about 5 hours. Not that stable with a heavy pack (40 pounds). So, good for a light day hike, not for backpacking.
After reading the artical and watching the video I wanted this shoes but even the salomon site does not show they make this color deep red/rust in the mid. They only carry black which would look like crap after a few hikes.
I used to only use backpacker gear guides to buy hiking shoes but giving editor choice to a boot that salomon does not actually produce makes me think this magazine does not research product very well.
I meant that the shoes in that color can't even be found on teh Salomon site.
Not only are they tough to find, but WHERE is that color? No where to be found on the web site.
It seems to be difficult to find the Salomon Synapse Mid shoes. They are out of stock or available in only a size or two where you do find them. Does anyone know why this is so? Did problems develop with the shoe?
Where can you find a pair of Salomon Synapse Mid hiking boots?
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