GO ANYWHERE, FAST
If we entered a shoe in the Dakar Rally, the Storm would be the choice. It’s tough, thanks to split-grain leather and plastic reinforcements on the upper. It’s light (16 ounces per shoe), due to details like nylon instead of metal eyelets and an absence of unnecessary extras. And it’s fast, with a flexible Vibram sole that curves up at the toe like a trail runner. After testing them for weeks on boulder-strewn trails outside Flagstaff, Arizona, one tester deemed them a near-perfect do-it-all shoe. Fit is forgiving for a variety of foot shapes. raichle.ch
Bonus: Mesh along the top of the foot, in low-wear areas, enhances breathability.
Bummer: Arch support is minimal, though that’s easily remedied with an aftermarket insole.