Colorado Trail AT

La Sportiva Colorado Trail AT
La Sportiva's new AT had the experts working toward sole perfection. The design team put some serious brainpower into enhancing an outsole that would conquer 14,000-foot peaks no problem and then finish with a confident run downhill. New this spring, the Colorado Trail AT ($85, www.sportiva.com) has car-engine complexity enveloped in a sleek, sporty package. The boot has a non-marking FriXion sticky rubber outsole that provides a softer landing with more impact absorption (important for those wanting a softer underfoot while logging major mileage). The increased grip and edging capabilities stand up to the varied conditions of trail running, while a "composite rock guard" runs like armor down the center of the sole to bat away rocks and stones. Although the Colorado Trail AT falls into our light hiker category, its sturdy design allows some overflow into longer jaunts.

Mizar Mid GTX

Tecnica Mizar Mid GTX
Ankles get the full protection in Tecnica's new one-pound six-ounce Mizar Mid GTX ($150, www.tecnicausa.com). A high-quality, durable ring of nubuck leather maintains stability in the upper, while a polyurethane midsole supports the arches. The Gore-Tex liner provides waterproof protection and allows breathability. And the rubber outsole, injected with a proprietary polyurethane cocktail, not only has serious grip, but it self-cleans so you won't track the backcountry into the house. If you're not looking for major ankle support, the Mizar Low GTX ($140) offers all the same amenities in a smaller, lighter, slightly less expensive shoe.

All Hail the Mizar:

Taiga

Scarpa Taiga
If Jack was wearing a pair of Scarpa Taigas ($165, www.scarpa-us.com), then nimble and quick wouldn't be required; he'd be leaping over the candlesticks. These boots maintain an impressive lightness (two pounds ten ounces per pair) for their high level of comfort, stability, and durability. Their immediate break-in quality ain't bad either. The three-layer outsoles—polyurethane foam, nylon exoskeleton, and Vibram sole—protect your joints from jolting and jarring. Along with shock absorption, the platform sole has the traction of a mountain goat with more padding than a hoof. The secure heel cup and one-piece leather upper add to the inner comfort, while the rubber toe rand and full-gusseted closure keep external discomforts out. One warning: although these boots eat up the miles, when immersed, the fabric tongue gussets have minor leakage.

All Hail the Taiga:

Asolo FSN 95 GTX

Asolo FSN 95 GTX
These are the oldies but goodies of the crowd. They may not boast the versatility of their younger brethren (their sole purpose is day hiking; they don't cross over to long treks or trail running), but they're day-hiking stalwarts that will get the job done. It takes a few outings before the Asolo FSNs ($150, www.asolo.com) get fully broken in, but they remain a favorite for a reason: guaranteed stability and cushioning, thanks to the trail-hungry Asogrip rubber outsoles and air-injected polyurethane midsoles. The uppers are fashioned with water-resistant suede leather that can take a dunking. Cordura nylon enhances breathability and helps reduce the weight of the boots to a slim two pounds 12 ounces per pair. Reinforced toe boxes and heel counters for added durability complete the winning formula.

All Hail the FSN:

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