LL BEAN Women's Gore-Tex Leather Cresta Hiker

Fastpacker

A high-mileage, high-speed boot needs to have enough support to prevent foot fatigue, low weight and low bulk to enhance agility, and a tread that grips without tripping you up. The Cirrus GTX nails ’em all. After a 20-mile day in Vermont’s Green Mountains, one tester said, “On the trail, the low-profile tread never snagged roots or debris, and bit into everything but ice.”

Rather than chunky lugs, the outsole has rows of double dashes cut into the rubber. The Cirrus is also exceptionally stable for a fastpacker, thanks to an X-shaped external heel cup that extends to just behind the ankle, as well as a TPU shank that provides torsional rigidity. A deep Achilles cutout provides a huge range of motion for extra nimbleness. That, plus a shock-absorbing EVA midsole, let one tester run these shoes down Tunnel Mountain in the Canadian Rockies.

The Gore-Tex waterproof/breathable liner functioned exceptionally well in conjunction with the durable nylon mesh upper, keeping testers’ feet dry in sloppy autumn rain, but never getting hot and sweaty in mild temps. Angel-hair-thin laces tie into the midsole. Most testers got a snug wrap, but others felt the laces loosened too easily, leading to heel-slip and blisters. $149; 1 lb. 15 oz.; m’s 7-15, w’s 5-10Our 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.