The Ahnu Montara Boot in Leather. Photo: Brandon Scherzberg
I was halfway through an episode of ‘Sex and the City’ the other day when I realized I’m something of the antithesis of Carrie Bradshaw. I don’t smoke. I’ve never had a Cosmopolitan. I could care less what ‘Vogue’ has to say. And I most certainly have never wanted to share my relationships and trysts with the entirety of an urban population. But we do have one thing in common: we can appreciate a quality shoe when we spot one.
Unlike Mrs. Big (right, that’s a thing?), I’d sooner chop off a toe than pay $400 for a pair of heels. My shoe of choice is Ahnu’s Montara Boot, which I’ve been hiking in almost exclusively for four years now. I don’t give out gear recommendations lightly. If I’m going to vouch for something as expensive and necessary as a hiking boot, I’m going to take my time and be absolutely sure—so when I say Ahnu makes the most comfortable hiking boot I’ve ever worn, I mean it.
The Ahnu Montara. Photo: Brandon Scherzberg.
The Ahnu Montara Leather Boot is breathable and truly waterproof, made from a buttery soft leather that feels both flexible and totally supportive. It hits the sweet spot as an all-purpose, cross-season, mid-height hiking boot, light yet structured enough to stand up to even the roughest terrain without the bulky fit and weight.
The women’s leather version features dependable Numentum technology “engineered to center and guide the foot,” eVent waterproofing, and Vibram outsoles for protection and traction (what can I say, I might be a label worshipper), while the leather upper, collar, and tongue feel both sturdy and luxe. The foam-padded cuff repels dirt and rocks while the leather lining conformed to my foot, and I felt confident scrambling on smooth rock thanks to the boot’s grippy sole. In wet conditions, my feet stayed totally dry but never felt overly sweaty.
Johnie tested, Rowdy approved Montara Leather Boot. Photo: Brandon Scherzberg
Above all, the Montara is King of Comfort—even on repeated trips down steep trails with weight on my back, I felt no pressure or hot spots on the toes or sides of my feet. Toes felt free, heels felt cupped, and feet felt snug without ever feeling constricted. The ultimate test? After a long day, I didn’t sprint for my camp shoes. These boots stayed on well after the fire burned itself out.
I may never have my own column (that mysteriously pays enough to warrant renting a massive apartment in NYC), but at least I have really nice shoes. And they only cost $165. Take that, Carrie.
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