On approaches that blur the line from rugged backpacking to fourth-class climbing, the Konseal is up for everything. A stable underfoot ride excels across uneven terrain, scree, and snow, even if you’re hauling a heavy load of gear to the wall. The abrasion-resistant upper is built to withstand harsh alpine conditions for long stretches, and a dual-purpose outsole can smear up slabs and descend softer ground with equal confidence. When reaching the climb is a feat in itself, the Konseal gets you there. Need a waterproof version? Try the Konseal GTX Shoe .