Function and fashion in a light hiker? That’s the Ahnu Sugarpine. Waterproof plus plenty of traction in a comfortable shoe that looks as good around town as it performs on the trail.
Ahnu packs a lot of footwear technology into their Sugarpine. Vibram® is well known for their grippy outsoles, and the one found on the bottom of the Sugarpine has a bunch of self-cleaning lugs to keep you upright over any terrain. A nylon shank keeps overall weight down, and provides arch support without being too stiff. Feet stay cool and dry thanks to the wicking action of the mesh lining. Suede and leather, along with waterproof mesh, form the attractive upper, which also includes a gusseted tongue to keep nature out of your shoe. Up front, the rubber toe protector keeps your shoes looking good even after many miles, while offering some defense against the occasional misstep into, rather than over, rocks and roots.
Mrs. Outsider took a pair for an extended test, which included hiking as well as every-day wear. Here’s what she had to say:
Ahnu Sugarpine in dark greyI really enjoyed my review of the Sugarpine light hiker from Ahnu. One of the hikes I wore them on was the Mt. Timpanogos trail above the Sundance resort in Utah’s Wasatch mountain range. It was a very beautiful early morning hike up to some recent snowfall, and the Sugarpines were awesome to hike in! They were very comfortable on my feet, right from the start. I had a chance to test them out on loose rock and dirt, and didn‘t have any trouble with traction. Their light weight meant they weren’t too heavy, which made a huge difference on the climbs. I chose to wear a thicker sock with them, which gave me a perfect fit, with no hot spots or rubbing. That meant the only thing I came home with was a smile and some great photos, instead of complaints about sore feet or blisters. I also liked the colors – black with a light blue bottom. They are available in a purple as well, which Ahnu calls Winetasting, and also a dark grey. My favorite color would have to be the Winetasting, but they all look good. The reason I chose the black in a low cut was so I could wear them to work as well as hiking. I spend most of the day on my feet at work, and the Sugarpines are comfortable enough to wear all day, every day, not just on the trail.
– Mrs. Outsider
Ahnu Sugarpine in blackWhether shopping for yourself, or the outdoors girl in your life, the Sugarpine would make a great gift. And during the month of October, Ahnu will donate $5 to the Breast Cancer Fund for every pair of performance footwear they sell. That’s very generous on their part, so now would be a great time to buy. They also offer free shipping and returns, making it an even easier decision. ahnu.com
– Brian
Disclosure of Material Connection: we received a pair of the Ahnu Sugarpine for free from Ahnu, in consideration for review publication