Lowa Vertex GTX

$225

Nigel Cox

Why they rule: "Biomex" sounds like genetically engineered food from El Paso, but it's really just Lowa's name for an external ankle support. The hinged, rigid-plastic cuff locked my ankles in place on loose, off-camber talus—even as I teetered under a 35-pound backpack. Indeed, they aced the hairiest stability test I know of—the skating-rink scree surrounding Arizona's Courthouse Rock. » Uppers are synthetic leather and microfiber with a Gore-Tex bootie. The combination breathed well and shed water flawlessly. » Ankle support is nothing without a sturdy sole, and the Vibram treads both edged and stuck with enthusiasm. » A polyurethane midsole and nylon insole round out the support package, making the Vertexes a sweet fit for extended backpacking. »

Hmmm . . . For all their technical wizardry, at four pounds per pair, these are not light boots.

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Timberland Alpine Trail	$100
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Tecnica Mizar GTX	$150
Teva Murk	$75
Columbia Omnitorial	$75
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