Montrail Sabino Trail

Summary

Best fitting pair of shoes I've ever worn. I'll never wear my hiking boots again. Trail-ready right out of the box.

First pair of trail running shoes. I'm transitioning from a lifetime of using heavier hiking boots. The familiar long break-in period to get the shoe (and your foot) conditioned to each other is a thing of the past.

I'd read a post by Andrew Skurka about how his required ZERO BREAK-IN and he'd shipped them to resupply points on thru-hikes for quick shoe refreshes. I took a risk and ordered these on close-out from REI. I wore them around the house and from the first time I put them on I knew these were going to change my hiking experience.

The best fitting and feeling shoe I've ever worn, hands down! I yanked the insoles to insert my favorite versions and I was up and hiking with no hot spots, no blisters and no abrasion areas. Lacing system allows specialized tying to tighten or loosen where you need it. A very large and round toe box leaves plenty of room for wiggle, while the well formed heal area griped my feet just right.

The light weight, extremely grippy sole and cool mesh material made me not have to consider the state of my feet at all on my inaugural 25 mile hike. I even felt the breeze on my toes a few times...hot feet solution! There was no need for a separate pair of camp shoes. Either lace these looser or remove the insoles for a comfy fit while making camp.

Never will return to hiking BOOTS. I'm a trail runner believer.