Montrail Rockridge

[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 ROCKRIDGE™(GL2099, GM2098)
Outstanding cushioning for a smooth ride over all types of trails
•A breathable mesh upper welded with thin, midfoot thermoplastic overlays create a seamless and comfortable fit
•Thin forefoot synthetic overlay forms a frame for support without adding bulk or weight
•Full length compression molded EVA with Terra-Hex technology in the forefoot for added cushioning and multi-directional flexibility
•Dual lug design combined with full length Gryptonite outsole for great traction on a variety of surfaces
•Details- Women’s: 9.2 oz.; Last: VEL; White, Air (100), Bramble, Pale Orchid (653); $90
Men’s: 11.4 oz.; Last: VEL; Cool Grey, Yellow (066), Thunderbird Red, Tiger (654); $90