Montrail PR AT Plus GTX

[fastpacker]

Take Montrail’s running-shoe DNA and give it up-armored construction, and you get this go-fast hybrid. “It’s bedroom-slipper light and instantly comfortable, thanks to the great-fitting meshy upper, with good cushion, ankle stability, and underfoot support,” says a NOLS instructor who wore it on a two-week trip in Montana’s Absarokas, while carrying a 30-pound pack over long miles, steep terrain, snowfields, and talus. The sole’s toothy, in-cut lugs give it plenty of traction on packed dirt trails.

Webbing lace guides are easy to tighten without pressure points. Testers praised the midsole’s springy-yet-protective layers of EVA and TPU*, and they loved the built-in debris protection. “The midcut neoprene collar is soft and snug,” reports a tester, “and, combined with the gusseted tongue, kept out all detritus.” But beware of wet rock, she warns. “I slipped on steep, slick slabs.”

Bonus: A progressively harder midsole from heel to pinky toe supports the outer edge of the foot to prevent ankle roll. Fit runs wide. $135; 1 lb. 12 oz.; m’s 7-15, w’s 5-11Women’s and Men’s AT PLUS™ GTX (GL2086, GM2083)
Lightweight and low-cut, the AT Plus is built for fastpackers and those who demand a high performance, long distance hiking shoe. GORE-TEX® lining for waterproof, breathable protection.
•Nylon mesh upper with thermoplastic weld support bands create seamless support and lockdown over the foot.
•Synthetic leather rand coupled with high abrasion printed material for support and protection
•Dual density compression molded EVA midsole, with heel and forefoot internal pods for cushioning
•A firmer 360-degree perimeter density surrounds a softer center for support, protection and stability on the trail.
•Full-length Gryptonite™ outsole with multipurpose lug pattern for great traction on a variety of surfaces
•Details- Women’s: 14.4 oz.; Last: ULT; Black, Air (010); $135
Men’s: 15.3 oz.; Last: ULT; Black, Red (010); $135