Vasque Talus Mid GTX

Great shoe for light hiking, walking, and trail running.

Performance: the outsole provides great traction on almost every surface. It's stiff enough to provide support and protection and flexible enough to break in to a running motion in the trails. Superb waterproofing, stream crossing has never been so easy. Absolutely dry feet. Remember that the shoe is only 4" high, so if water comes from the top, nothing you can do about it.

Fit: fits like a climbing shoe. Snugs the entire torso of your feet and with the lacing system I was able to custom fit my shoes based on my preference. It holds the ankle securely and allows plenty of room for my toes.

Gore-Tex: perfectly waterproof. Breathes well too.

Upper: the colors are not that exciting. Combination of synthetic and leather is durable and abrasion resistant but styling is average.

Midsole: I like the tri-densit EVA. It provides nice cushioning, but exposed surface of the EVA shoes wrinkles after few days use, don't know if that is a mark of shrinking or not. If it is EVA compression, it is a serious durability issue.

Outsole: stealth is superbly sticky. Going up and down the hill is fun. I carried a medium back pack to climb a 400m slope (almost 45° incline), and I felt surefooted and very confident. The way the shoes hug the heel makes a huge difference. The marking outsole is not appropriate for indoor use.

Bottom line: great light hiking, fast packing, trail running shoe that is also waterproof. Unique traction and comfort. You will use this shoe for your every outdoor adventure and more.