1. With its fully gusseted tongue and a smooth sock liner, the Aether Tech just fits great. The easy-to-adjust Boa Lacing System provides a uniform snugness all around the foot—no pinching or pressure points. The foot-sculpting midsole is made from just the right amount of soft, single-density foam to provide the ideal blend of cushioning and rock-hopping agility.
2. Solid rock, loose gravel, mixed scree, wet logs—it didn’t matter. On every sort of trail, we found the multidirectional lugs were up to the challenge, without collecting pebbles or cramping the shoe’s nimble handling or flexibility. It can also handle the heat: The tightly woven upper efficiently wicked away sweat, even during 90-degree runs in Moab.
3. Though light enough for fire-road tempo runs or extended climbs, the Aether Tech doesn’t skimp on protection. Supple plastic sidewall reinforcements protect the breathable mesh upper from scrapes, while the toe is shielded with a soft yet stub-proof rubber toe cap. Quick fit tip: Our narrow-footed testers found the heel cup a touch wide.
12.2 oz; vasque.com