Zamberlan 1009 Vioz Top GT RR

[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 5-11The Zamberlan 1009 Vioz Top GT RR is a unique cold-weather backpacking boot featuring full-grain, waxed leather, the Zamberlan-exclusive StarTrek Vibram sole, an extra-high cut, and Gore-Tex Duratherm insulative membrane. Good to minus 20 degrees celsius, the 1009 Vioz Top GT RR will ensure warmth, comfort, and technical ability in the roughest of terrain. The Zamberlan RRS (rubber rand system) ensures protection to your feet and a prolonged life for your boots. Hand-crafted in Italy.