Man isn’t meant to stay indoors — our weekly “Trekking” column can attest to that. It’s a column dedicated to the adventurer inside of all of us, the one pining to ditch the office humdrum for a quick surf session or seven-week jaunt in the Grand Tetons. One day we may highlight an ultra-light stove and the next a set of handmade canoe paddles. Life doesn’t just happen inside the workplace, so get outside and live it.
Outdoor activities don’t get much easier than hiking, and honestly, do they always need to? Traversing your nearby trail system — whether it funnels you through winding, foreign canyons or places you beneath a dense canopy of leaves in your own backyard — is one of the most fundamental experiences in human existence. That said, there’s more to think about when choosing a pair of hiking boots than just weight and how they look upon your feet. The best of them provide both lightweight performance and comfort, while still allowing your feet to breathe. Hence, the Vasque Inhaler GTX ($160).
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Since its initial inklings more than half a century ago, Vasque has always been a company that builds performance wear for nature and, in turn, is inspired by it. The outdoor manufacturer’s lineup of performance hiking boots is formidable, peppered with standouts that feature cutting-edge technology designed to tackle obstacles that might fall outside what we’d dub the “norm.” The Inhaler GTX is one such example, though, the durable high-top also happens to be one of our favorites given its featherweight framework and resounding penchant for durability.
The Inhaler GTX is no slouch when it comes to hiking. The rugged boots are built upon the standard fit of an athletic shoe, yet, they tout classic Gore-Tex for thwarting the unexpected thunderstorm and dual-density, EVA footbed for the utmost ankle support. The low-friction lacing takes practicality even further, while the mesh paneling and a constellation of minuscule, air-permeable grids help regulate temperature and improve breathability when temperatures begin to soar. The rigid, rubber outsole ties it all together, allowing you to stick it out on the trail as long as your legs permit — which, frankly, could be a bit longer with the help of Vasque.
Check out Vasque online to make a purchase, for more information, or to simply browse the Minnesota-based company’s solid selection of hiking shoes and boots.
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