$180

by Ben Hewitt

Shana Novak

1. Lots of support, very little weight—that's the Vert Light's recipe in a nutshell. Built on the same last as the company's much burlier Vertigo High, the 20-ounce Vert Light actually weighs less than some of the low-cut hiking shoes we tested. But it's much sturdier than all of them, thanks to its stiff leather rand (the piece that joins the sole and the upper), sturdy ankle support, and precise toe-to-heel fit.

2. Don't hesitate to set out with a 30-pound pack. This boot can take it. The Vert Light's nylon-and-polyester-weave uppers are remarkably abrasion-resistant—our test pair still shows nary a scuff or scratch. The sole also boasts a rockered profile that lends a lively feel. A note of caution: Although the slightly concave outsole grips well on soft surfaces, it felt a bit less sure-footed on slick and steep rock.

3. The Vert Light's Cocona lining helped keep testers' feet impressively dry on hot days. And with its breathable eVent membrane, three-quarter height, and ample tongue overlap, it was the most waterproof boot we tested, making it great year-round. One tester's feet stayed bone-dry after plowing through wet, early-season snow all day. Note: It fits narrow-to-medium-volume feet best.

(20 oz) kayland.com

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2009 Summer Buyer's Guide Hiking Boots Reviews

Kayland Vertigo Light Gear of the Year	$180
Danner Ascend GTX	$170

2009 Winter Buyer's Guide Hiking Boots Reviews

Hi-Tec Multiterra Ultra 200 Killer Value	$105
Merrell Snowmotion 8 Waterproof	$120
Keen Summit County	$140
Keen Summit County	$140
Salomon Tundra Mid WP	$160
Hi-Tec V-Lite Gemini 200	$90
The North Face Vanton	$125
Merrell Winterlude 8	$120
Timberland Woodbury Shearling Boot	$120

2008 Winter Buyer's Guide Hiking Boots Reviews

Kayland Apex Trail	$160
Ulu Crow Rabbit	$180
Lowa Echo GTX	$165
Asolo Elysium GTX	$160
TSL Nordic Race	$259
La Sportiva Ultranord GTX-XCR	$125
Hi-Tec V-Lite Recon Mid eVent	$125

2006 Buyer's Guide Hiking Boots Reviews

Lowa Jannu Lo Gear of the Year	$125
Tecnica Prima Mid GTX-XCR Killer Value	$119
Zamberlan 140 Paso	$95
Montrail CTC Mid XCR	$140
Aku Energy Mid XCR	$125
Scarpa Enigma XCR	$129
Vasque Kota	$90
Merrell Passage Ventilator	$100
Five Ten Prodigy	$90
Columbia Skamania Pass	$120

2005 Buyer's Guide Hiking Boots Reviews

Garmont Eclipse XCR Gear of the Year	$120
Hi-Tec Vector Killer Value	$75
Vasque Breeze Low	$90
Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo	$145

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