Nike's ACG division has been making great strides toward differentiating their All Conditions Gear line from the mothership for the past few seasons, culminating with 2001's introduction of the "Oregon" Series of footwear. Full of subdued colors and quality materials, the latest offerings from Nike demonstrate that even a big company can think lean and mean - evidenced by one of their newest hiking boots, the Air Tumalo.

We spent a few weeks in the Air Tumalo this winter, hiking Southern California trails - as well as the snow at Mammoth Mountain. And, after putting miles and miles in these stylish black boots (we even wore them out into the LA nightlife a few times), we're duly impressed with the Tumalo's workmanship, fit and features.

The heart of any good hiking boot is the combination of a sturdy foundation (the sole) and comfortable uppers (the body). To that end, this boot features a new shanking system - placed under the mid-sole - for stiffness and comfort and in all conditions. The mid-sole has an "encapsulated heel Air-Sole Unit" and uses a material called phylon.

But the big seller down there is the Vibram Rubber compound, the famous little yellow logo adding value and cachet - along with great grip on all types of surfaces.

The uppers (now brown-colored for the 2002 season) feature a waterproof nubuck. Gore-Tex Membrane system, dri-FIT and gussetted tongue, which combined with the high collar to keep the mud, water and snow out.

Other touches include a nylon webbing loop in the back to help pull the boot on, and rubber reinforcements above the heel - great for strapping snowshoes or crampons onto these winter-ready boots.

The only issue I have with the Tumalo is the heel cup. While everyone's feet are different and fit various manufacturers' shoes differently, I found that my heels were not held quite as snugly as I would have wished for - especially considering how light the boot is (23.4 oz), as it encourages long hikes.

Otherwise the Air Tumalo is a perfect boot for all sorts of activities - from Winter to Spring - and could easily replace several other boots in your gear closet. We're actually looking forward to a big, cold mud puddle to walk through on our next hike.

msrp: US $140
www.nikeacg.com/go
800-344-6453

Special thanks to Mammoth Mountain for hosting the MountainZone testing team for this review. Contact them at 800-MAMMOTH or www.mammoth-mtn.com for your next Sierra visit.

— Reviewed & Written by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Gear & News Editor

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