7 p.m., Wednesday
Our lead outdoors writer told me, “It’s a long hike, and there will be lots of snow — so you’d better bring some serious hiking boots.” Just one problem: for whatever reason, I had only one hiking boot in my closet. Shit happens when you move.
7:38 p.m., Wednesday
Among the decidedly dorkier waterproof sneakers stood a sleek, suede version of my favorite Vans silhouette, the SK8-Hi. This version, the MTE, has Scotchgard-treated suede uppers, flannel lining, a reputed heat-retention layer, a lugged outsole that leans heavily on snow boot design, a reinforced toe cap and a padded collar and heel counters. It promises warm, dry feet and great support. So I bought them.
7:45 a.m., Thursday
Laced up with a pair of wool high socks, the test began.
Test #1: Will they repel water and mud?
The verdict: Yes. We hiked through two sets of conditions: frozen and snowy rock uphill, and mud, puddles, and running water downhill. To be fair, I walked timidly around mud and snow for the first leg of the hike, worried that I’d soak my feet and be miserable for the rest of the trip. But by the return hike, the MTEs had gained my trust. I stomped through mud and puddles, and when I felt like my shoes were too dirty, walked in the snow. The Vans essentially cleaned themselves in the snow, without soaking my feet. The weatherproof uppers did their job, and the lining was warm and cozy.