FIT FOR LONG DAYS
Can your hiking shoes survive the airplane test? On a long journey, swollen, sweaty feet can drive you mad, but en route to Spain’s Canary Islands mine stayed cool and comfortable while I hustled through three airports and nearly 24 hours of nonstop travel. Credit plenty of breathable mesh in the tongue and forefoot, as well as the Mantra’s precise fit, which boasts a roomy toe box and a perfectly sculpted heel pocket that fit so well one tester referred to it as “a work of art.” On trail it performed just as well. During hikes through the islands’ rolling hills, my heels stayed locked in place for a stable, no-blister ride. vasque.com
Bonus: The impeccable fit works well even for low-volume feet.
Bummer: Minimalist underfoot protection makes the Mantra best for cruising softer trails.