Cheaper shoes exist, but you’ll be hard pressed to find one that beats the Prima for dollar-per-mile value. It’s light enough for a day hike and sturdy enough for a week in the Grand Canyon, and its midcut height and waterproof-breathable Gore-Tex XCR liner will handle the sloppiest edges of spring and fall. The midsole’s heel-to-toe layer of polyurethane and nylon adds rigidity for heavy loads and rough terrain. Even with all the stiffeners, the Prima flexes well at the toe, and EVA foam in the heel ensures a cushy ride. The soft leather upper reduces break-in to nil, but it still withstood bushwhacking abuse. www.tecnicausa.com
Bonus: Mud won’t cake in the widely spaced lugs.
Bummer: The performance is 30 years ahead of the style.