Tecnica Cyclone Low GTX : Redefining Versatile Footwear

Wet, moss-covered rocks are a reality during my springtime hikes over rugged trails.

I need footwear that is up to the challenge of tough trails, or I can expect to find myself flat on my back, cursing the poor footwear (and sometimes the operator error) that gave me “the slip.” Fortunately, the Tecnica Cyclone Low GTX, a low-cut multi-functional shoe, gripped slick rocks on a recent hike better than a suction cup on a window.

Rain was pouring down in buckets in the Columbia River Gorge as I gave my pair of Cyclone Low shoes a rigorous workout. Leaping across a section of boulders, the Cyclones provided a sticky grip with each foot plant—a nice feature, considering that the peak of my agility and sense of balance saw its heyday during Bill Clinton’s first term.

Gorge-sized puddles of mud and water were no match for this shoe. A Gore-Tex liner kept my tootsies warm and relatively dry—water seeped into the low-cut boot only because I had immersed my feet completely in water for lengthy periods of time.

With my very large shoe size, I hate to be bothered with hiking footwear that weighs a ton. I pay a stiff penalty of discomfort for each ounce of extra weight and useless features that are commonly found on hiking boots. So the Cyclone Low is a welcome surprise, providing all of the protection I’d expect in a quality hiking boot/shoe (a traipse through some rough nettles proved that), but not creating a beast that feels like a cement block attached to the end of my leg. Multiple lacing options give a more custom fit than I've experienced with other trail footwear.

Back in the city, the Cyclone Low serves me well in the concrete jungle. The understated color schemes (available in walnut/banana in Men’s models and taupe/muskmelon or gray/vapor blue in Women’s models) are mellow enough to complement daily casual wear or even pass muster at the office.

Whether I'm leaping from rock to rock on the trail or just moving from car to cubicle, my Cyclones keep me sure-footed.

Bottom Line: Multi-day hikers might want to consider Tecnica’s mid-cut boots for added ankle protection, but the lightweight and well-designed Cyclone Low GTX should fit the needs of most day hikers and trail shoe wearing urbanites--G.P. (June‘05)

Price: $109.95

Manufacturer's Site: www.tecnicausa.com

Buy Online: , Altrec.com