Probably my new go-to Long Distance Thru-packing shoe

By kclimb Ranked #25 - Men's Hiking Shoes May 30, 2007

This is a provisional review as I've used this shoe on a few day hikes, some scrambling on local crags and an overnight. I like them a lot---good support, excellent breathability, great sole and in many respects they feel like Hardrocks with a higher cut---but with better rubber. They are not so approach shoe oriented as the Montrail CTC, lacking it's Gryptonite rand and beefier sidewalls but it makes up for this by being a more ventilated shoe. The mesh uppers seem to dry out pretty quickly, an attribute I value. The higher mid ankle cut offers some degree of support that will be appreciated both in rugged terrain and on long thru-packs. The stretchy collar helps to keep debris from getting into the shoe. Some people may not like it's relative tightness but it's a matter of personal taste, I think.
Not an extremely wide toebox, in the Montrail way, but well protected. Heel counter and box lovely for my narrow heels. Materials seem well chosen for both lowish weight and good durability.
I will be using them a lot on my longer distance UL fastpacks and I expect them to do very well for my brand of often off-trail, light mountaineering oriented kind of trips. I think that the Outdoor equipment media has for once, gotten it right with their laudatory reviews.

View Details: Montrail Namche Mid Hiking Shoe - Men's

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