BACKCOUNTRY VOYAGERS
The Mercury rolled over everything in our path: Its sturdy construction includes a nearly punctureproof upper reinforced with PU nubuck and abrasion-resistant toe and heel bumpers. And during soggy runs in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Gore-Tex XCR liner kept our feet dry. 14.5 oz; vasque.com
Bonus: It also makes a great light hiker. One tester wore this shoe on a speed-hiking ascent of Colorado’s 14,270-foot Grays Peak and reported, “It’s off the charts when it comes to protection, stability, and comfort.”
Bummer: The thick midsole cushioning and stiff construction decrease agility.