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half pair in size 42). A slightly wider forefoot and a rounded toe box add comfort. Mark Mathews, VP-sales, North America: "We see a lot of outdoor professionals and enthusiasts shopping our heavier-duty boots for working outdoors. Our Fuego has long been a top choice for wildland fire crews, and other back-country professionals doing tree planting or trail maintenance also require high-mileage comfort and performance in the rugged terrain they experience. Typical work boots do not perform well in these conditions, so they are turning to boots purpose-built for that terrain." Vasque's Breeze LT GTX, $169.99 The Footprint: A lighter successor to the brand's Breeze III, the LT, which is available in men's and women's styles, has a syn- thetic upper that gives it an athletic look and feel. It features a Vibram Megagrip to assure sure footing across varying surfaces, and the Vibram Lightbase technology makes the outsole 25 percent lighter. Brian Hall, Director of Product Development: "Athletic trends will continue to shape hiking footwear, both in function and construc- tion, and also in styling, particularly in color and materials." Salomon's OUTback 500 GTX, $210 The Footprint: An ultra-lightweight backpacking boot, the OUTback 500 GTX weighs in at only 500 grams and delivers comfort, mobility and rugged-trail protection through a variety of features from its sculpted collar to its Advanced Chassis with EnergyCall. Keen's Axis Evo Mid, $160 The Footprint: Features a quick-dry Evofit engineered knit upper, a compression-molded EVA midsole and a removable, metatomi- cal, dual-density footbed, which follows the natural countours of the foot for cushioning and superior arch support. Keen's All Terrain rubber outsole provides higher-traction grip with 4-mil- limeter multi-directional lugs. Aims to deliver instant comfort right out of the box thanks to its sock-like fit and breathable feel. Lowa's Alpine SL GTX, $500 The Footprint: This athletic alpine boot is built for true perfor- mance — it can go from the trail to basecamp and above and is ideal for speedy acclimatization training and for climbs when there is a need to front-point. Abrasion-proof uppers are flexible and lightweight. The boot offers a low profile, close-to-the-ground feel, and features the new Vibram Alp Trac SL sole package. Crampon-compatible. Merrell's Rove Mid, $200 The Footprint: At the intersection of light and fast, this athletic hybrid is packed with weight-saving materials for heavy-duty protection that won't slow you down on even the most intense hikes. The Rove sports a knit and TPU upper with a breathable mesh lining and features Merrell Air Cushion in the heel to absorb shock. Merrell's Kinetic Fit Base removable contoured footbeds offer flexible support. It also has a Vibram Megagrip outsole and BOA lacing for a secure fit. Adidas Outdoor Terrex Free Hiker, $200 The Footprint: The athletically-inspired Terrex Free Hiker has an Adidas Primeknit upper as well as a Boost midsole for energy return, as well as a Continental rubber outsole. The hiking boot aims to provide protection, fit, breathability and flexibility. Available in men's and women's sizes in February 2019. FOOTWEARINSIGHTCOM *ULY!UGUST ^ &OOTWEAR )NSIGHT s