Wolverine Fortis
Supportive, comfortable trail sandals with great traction.
Brand: Wolverine
Model: Fortis
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How do you improve one of the grippiest, most durable, most supportive sandals out there? Make it even more grippy, durable, and supportive. That’s what Chaco has done with the Pro, and if you want an open-air hiker, this is it. In collaboration with Vibram, Chaco developed a new rubber formula with less elasticity. The result: a sole that bites into micro nooks and crannies underfoot—in and out of water—almost as well as a climbing shoe, and is even more durable than previous models.
And a polyurethane midsole gives the sandal the underfoot feel of a light hiker that has exceptional arch support. On New Zealand’s Inland Pack Track, one tester reported that it had more support and better traction than the lightweight boots he left at home. “And I didn’t have to take off shoes and socks at each of the 22 river crossings,” he says. “It held even on underwater boulders when I was getting pushed off balance by the current.”
Desert hikers also loved the Pro, since there’s no upper to trap sand and dirt (but keep an eye out for thorns). It comes in two models: Z/1 (no toe strap) and Z/2 (pictured). $105; 2 lbs.; m’s 7-15, w’s 5-12Fortis
Ready for whatever the day may bring, the mens Fortis waterproof hiker features the state-of-the-art Wolverine® iCS Individual Comfort System. The Fortis allows wearers to customize their comfort by selecting the amount of firmness or cushion needed with the removable heel disk. The hiker incorporates additional comfort and performance enhancements including a GORE-TEX® waterproof lining, lightweight full-grain leather, padded collar and durable outsole for increased stability on uneven terrain. Backed by a 30 day comfort guarantee, the Fortis is available in Dark Brown and Black.
Sizes: M 7-12, 13, 14; EW 7-12, 13