The North Face
Verto S4K GTX $350
The Verto S4K is The North Face’s entr y into the three-season alpine boot market, and it packs quite a punch. Hybrid leather and synthetic constr uction creates a light weight boot that’s comfortable on long approaches but maintains exceptional breathabilit y. Cradle technolog y wraps the heel and ankle with t wo tensioned bands that secure the foot for a slop-free f it, while a gel heel inser t absorbs trail impact. The sole has great traction and a f lat, sticky-r ubber climbing zone under the big toe and is semi-automatic crampon compatible. Gore-Tex keeps the S4K dr y and a str ip of stretchy gaiter at the calf keeps rocks out. The Verto S4K is a light, comfortable threeseason boot that can keep up with the best out there.–