Clever: Salewa supplies two thin, flexible plastic shells for an optimum fit. Velcroed under the insole, they reduce the shoe volume more than the (not quite optimal) lacing can. The pair is also pleasing in other respects, proving to be a light, agile trailblazer that encourages a brisk gait...

Top hiking shoe. The test winner convinces both in practice and in the lab. Plus points are above all fit, wearing comfort and surefootedness. The shoe is also relatively light and very durable, even in our ageing test. If the sole breaks, it can be resoled. Little transparency...