8 new light hikers

Photo by Gary Davidson

Salomon Synapse

$130; 1.5 lbs, 698 g; 
salomon.com

Salomon wants you to eat up trail miles like Jennifer Pharr, who wore the Synapse to break the Appalachian Trail record. A mix of trail runner and light-and-fast hiking boot, the Synapse feels like a runner, but is optimized for off-road walking. A curved outsole and proprietary midsole features help propel the foot, while a supportive upper and wide base provide stability on rough trails.

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