Greatest Gear For 2015: ‘Best In Show’ At Outdoor Retailer

Ultra-Cush Hiking Boot — Known for its big-sole running shoes, the TOR Ultra Hi WP from Hoka takes the maximalist philosophy and applies it to the boot world. Under the ultra-cushioning midsole there are five millimeter lugs on the outsole. The upper is made of leather and nylon mesh with an eVent waterproof membrane.

For years hikers have used trail-running shoes because they are light and, well, good for hiking. Is this boot from Hoka the inverse? Not quite, but it makes sense that a trail-running shoe company has decided to build a new kind of hiking boot. ($230; fall 2015)