New Balance New Balance 1520

Wet-Weather Bargain

Get the reliable waterproofing and ankle protection of a midcut for the price of a low-cut. “These shoes never leaked, even when I stood in a stream while lending a hand to my hiking companions,” reports one Maine-based tester.

Columbia’s Omni-Tech waterproof/breathable membrane proved totally reliable, and the relatively high ankles prevented water from sneaking over the top. But the Pole Creek isn’t just a wet-weather shoe. The nylon mesh-and-nubuck leather upper helped the membrane breathe on hot days, too. After a hike in Sedona, Arizona, one tester said, “My feet never felt clammy or sweaty.” Rubber reinforcements in the toe, heel, and ankle add wear protection and stiffen the upper for stability. Underfoot, the Pole Creek has closed-cell foam—denser and reportedly more durable than standard EVA at the same low weight. (We can confirm the cushion, but we didn’t have our samples long enough to test long-term midsole durability; watch for a report in a later issue.)

Underfoot support is adequate for light loads and moderate terrain. Pronators beware: Lugs extend a bit beyond the sole on the outer edge of the boot—great for traction, but they can roll your foot slightly inward, especially if you’re prone to it. $120; 2 lbs. 6 oz.; m’s 7-15The 1520 is a versatile shoe designed for various outdoor activities including: hiking, mountain biking, and scrambling. A sleek, durable, and lightweight shoe (weighing in at only 15.4 oz) the 1520 incorporates athletic technical features with outdoor styling. The shoe features GORE-TEX® XCR® for breathable, waterproof protection, a Vibram® outsole for multi-directional traction, and ABZORB® cushioning for comfort. The New Balance Stability Web and NLOCK® mid-foot technology combine to provide superior mid-foot support. The cut of the shoe’s collar was engineered to match the true shape of an athlete’s ankle to eliminate blisters or chafing. A groove in the outsole makes the 1520 gaiter compatible, and the forefoot lugs are bike pedal compatible, making the 1520 a great choice for mountain biking. A tongue pull allows for easy on and easy off wear.