LL BEAN Women's Gore-Tex Leather Cresta Hiker

[easy striding]



Testers usually prefer all-terrain mountain boots like these only for big-load, multiday trips. But the Khumbus are so comfortable that testers also chose them for dayhikes. Says one: “Unlike with some burly hikers, making the morning transition from camp shoes to these boots was easy.”

Credit a design that promotes comfortable walking without compromising protection. Our tester reports that ticking off miles in Rocky Mountain National Park was a breeze thanks to the boot’s slight rocker, low weight (for the category), and flex point at the ball. But it’s still plenty rigid for off-trail travel.

The boot’s full-length PU shank and EVA shock pads under the heel and ball provided all-day comfort on rock slabs and boulder fields in Pikes Peak Wilderness.

Deep lugs and a well-defined heel provide braking on dicey slopes. The 1.8-mm-thick suede upper protected against stones but molded to the foot. And they’re dry, thanks to a Gore-Tex liner, full rubber rand* (which seals upper to sole and prevents abrasion), and a snug collar that kept out rain, slush, and snow on weeklong Rockies peakbagging trips. $285; 3 lbs. 4 oz.; m’s 7-14, w’s 6-11; asolo.com/

*RAND A protective band—often rubber or synthetic leather—that wraps around the boot’s lower perimeter and increases abrasion resistanceOur most popular backpacking boots receive high praise from field testers for out-of-the-box comfort, performance and rugged construction. Full-grain-leather upper is durable and supportive for extended trips or day hikes. Waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex® lining keeps your feet dry and comfortable. Vibram® rubber sole offers reliable traction, especially on the downhill. Available in multiple widths. Imported. Fit best with heavyweight socks.

MATERIALS:
UPPER: WATERPROOF FULL GRAIN LEATHER;
SMOOTH LEATHER COLLAR;
LINING: NYLON TRICOT W/GORE-TEX INNER BOOTIE LINER.
INNERSOLE: NYLON COVERED EVA -REMOVABLE
ARCH SUPPORT: CONTOUR OF INNERSOLE
OUTSOLE: VIBRAM RUBBER- HIGH TRACTION PATTERN.
– NOT RESOLABLE
MIDSOLE: RUBBER
SHANK: THERMOPLASTIC NYLON- FULL LENGTH, TAPERED.

HEEL COUNTER: THERMOPLASTIC

LACES: 63″ FLAT, BRAIDED POLYESTER, BLACK.
EYELETS: 5 SETS (ANTI-CORROSIVE) STEEL D-RINGS; 1 SET DOUBLE-WIDE
STEEL LOCK HOOKS, 2 SETS STEEL SPEED LACE HOOKS.

END USE: BACKPACKING (FOR MOST LEVELS & CONDITIONS).
STRENUOUS DAY HIKING OVER RUGGED TERRAIN.

OTHER FEATURES:
* FULLY GUSSETED TONGUE.
* THERMOPLASTIC REINFORCED TOE BOX.