Outdoor Retailer Trend: Hiking Boots Get Trail Running Tech

For years, lightweight backpackers have been ditching their hiking boots in favor of lighter, more nimble trail running shoes. Now manufacturers are responding to that trend and revitalizing the “light hiker” category (traditionally based on watered-down backpacking boot concepts) with materials, construction, and designs pulled directly from their trail running lines.

Montrail Hardrock Mid GTX	Montrail’s new Hardrock Mid GTX is a mid-height version of the brand’s popular Hardrock trail runner. The Hardrock Mid GTX adds a supportive mid-height cuff, gusseted tongue, and GoreTex waterproof-breathable membrane. Montrail has also redesigned all Hardrocks to be lighter and lower-profile. The result? The mid-height version will actually be several ounces lighter than the current low-top. The Hardrock Mid GTX will be available this fall in men’s (12.6 oz., $175) and women’s (12 oz., $150) versions.
La Sportiva FC3.0	The La Sportiva FC (Flex Control) series applies lessons and features from La Sportiva’s trail running line, including dual-density EVA midsoles with a “flex control” feature that allows the boot to flex more naturally at the ball of the foot. The FC series will include four models each for men and women: the FC1.1 ($105) and FC2.0 GTX ($140) low day hikers, the mid-height FC3.0 ($150) and the full-height FC4.0 GTX ($170).
GoLite Footwear Speed of Lite	GoLite Footwear is back. After being discontinued earlier this year by Timberland, the brand has been resurrected by former Timberland employee Doug Clark. The Spring 2009 line will bring GoLite’s signature “Soft Against the Ground” outsoles to several models of lightweight hikers and fastpacking boots. The Speed of Lite and Pak Lite mid-height boots feature co-molded leather and EVA uppers, as does the multi-purpose Versa Lite low hiker.
	Hi-Tec is bringing its 4:SYS midsole technology to two hikers, the Rainier eVent and the Cascadia XCm eVent. The 4:SYS midsole incorporates eight different densities of foam, mapped to the specific needs of different parts of the foot, for increased comfort and efficiency. Both boots also feature eVent waterproof-breathable membranes. The $200 Rainier is a full grain leather boot, while the $180 Cascadia incorporates a synthetic mesh upper.