THE SELL: Big-boot durability, day-hiking comfort. THE TEST: “Since when are leather boots so easy to wear?” asked one tester after pounding out eight miles without a single new-shoe blister. Answer: since they paired a form-fitting last with extra interior padding and a well-oiled nubuck upper that takes all of two nanoseconds to break in. And yet these boots needn’t play gentle. The rigid midsole, bulldozing toe bumper, sticky tread, and supportive above-the-ankle cuffs clamored for steep trails, though the Gore-Tex-lined upper wasn’t as breathable as we’d have liked. THE VERDICT: Don’t let the Taku see itself in the mirror. It’s a real man’s boot, but it’s absolutely convinced it’s a comfy sneaker. 20 oz; vasque.com
Support: 4.5
Comfort: 4.5
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