Ahnu Montara II Low

My feet are thanking me for this lightweight, comfortable, hiking companion!

In a former life, I was a runner. I took up hiking after a knee injury, but my feet have yet to catch on. They have rejected pair after pair of hiking shoes, and much to my husband's embarrassment, insist upon sporting running shoes as they carry me from peak to peak.

Hiking shoes have felt to me like cinderblocks wrapped in leather — trapping my feet in sweaty fortresses where they feel protected, yes, but stifled to the point of near immobility. Each and every trial of hiking shoes has inevitably ended with me casting my boots aside and digging my tried and true runners out of the closet.

This, despite my all too intimate experience of the inadequacies of running shoes on the trail: injured toenails from lack of support, wet feet and blisters from an abundance of mesh and an absence of Gore-tex, and skinned knees due to woefully minimal traction. Dramatic? Well, let's just say it's been a rough transition for all involved. 

And then along came the Anhu Montara. They are lightweight and comfortable, while also waterproof and supportive. My feet feel so at home that they think they're in running shoes! Features include eVent waterproofing, which has kept my feet dry even through rain and water crossings. These photos are from my first time out in my Montaras- a really wet spring morning after a rainstorm. As you can see, the shoes are soaked, but my feet remained dry.

    

The material is also breathable. Other waterproof shoes have felt like rain boots, keeping the water out, but causing my feet to sweat and blister due to lack of breathability. So far, no such issues with the Montara. That being said, it's so early in the season that I haven't had the opportunity to test the breathability on really hot days. Traction is great- the Vibram sole is a welcome departure from that of a running shoe, and I was glad to find this quality of support and traction in a lightweight hiker. 

I've found the sizing to run small. I wear a 7.5 to 8, and bought a size 8. It fits well, but I certainly wouldn't want it any smaller. I should also note that I wear orthotics that run from the arch of the foot through the heel. I remove the insole when I wear my orthotics, which means that I have more space in the toe box than one would with a full length insole. If possible, these shoes would be best to try on in person before purchasing to be sure the fit is right.

I couldn't resist including one last photo — my Montara sizing up a moose track. Maybe I'll spot the real thing next time I venture out. Happy hiking!

Most durable trail shoe. Don't need an ankle high boot as Montara gives me plenty of support. Use for any distance hiking with or without backpack. Plenty of arch support. Wife has same and is very happy with it.

We received our Ahnus at the ADZPCTKO (Annual Day Zero Pacific Crest Trail Kick Off) in Lake Morena, CA.

I have hiked with mine well over 500 miles and they still hold up and have adequate tread.

Even the laces are original.