The Craft Nordic Fuseknit Hydro Mid hiking boot is built to handle Oregon's wet weather without the bulk of a traditional hiking boot, which means you can move quickly, stay dry, and still feel light on your feet. Right now, it's $105.73 at REI, down from $179.95, and that 41% savings makes it an easy pick for fall.
The hiking boot's upper uses a waterproof knit that keeps out rain but still stretches with your stride. That's the difference between trudging through puddles and actually enjoying a damp trail. The knit collar hugs the ankle to block debris and drizzle, but it doesn't feel stiff like older waterproof models. You can slip these boots on for a hike and keep them on to grab coffee after -- it's that kind of comfort.
Underfoot, the boot's CMEVA foam midsole cushions each step while keeping things responsive. A 9.5 mm heel-to-toe drop helps roll you forward naturally, which makes long walks feel smoother. The outsole grips with a triangle-pattern tread that's built for mixed terrain, whether that's wet pavement, loose gravel, or soft mud.
Reviewers call the Nordic Fuseknit Hydro Mid "light, dry, and surprisingly warm," praising the balance between protection and flexibility. A few mention that the collar feels snug and that sizing runs narrow, so you may want to size up if your feet are on the wider side.
This shoe isn't made for heavy backpacking, but for Oregon's in-between season -- the drizzly trail runs, muddy park loops, and quick hikes that end at a brewery -- it's perfect. Dry feet, steady grip, and a look that fits right in from trail to town.