With the Altra Olympus Mid GTX 2 Hiking Shoe laced to our feet, we trek confidently into the backcountry. The impermeable yet breathable GORE-TEX lining keeps our feet dry without burdening their microclimate, and the leather upper fights off abrasions and tears as the terrain gets more and more rugged. A generous 33mm stack of foam underfoot keeps the ground feeling soft mile after mile, while the aggressive and sticky Vibram Megagrip lugs chew up soft earth and grip to slick rocks to keep our footing secure no matter what we're striding over.