Salomon Symbio Shoe : Sleek and Soleful

Can hiking shoes really be this good looking?   Salomon's Symbio hiker is so streamlined, they look like they were desgned by Jil Sander.

A week after receiving my Symbios, I embarked on a trip to a posh wilderness resort on the infamously rainy coast of British Columbia. I'd be doing plenty of hiking, but there would also be formal dinners and cocktail hours to attend. The Symbio seemed the perfect shoe for all occasions. I decided to put them to the test. (Ok, so I wouldn't wear them with an evening gown, but they're fun enough for a wilderness resort. And BTW, the Symbios are available in men's sizes, too.)

They passed with flying colors at dinner. A woman wearing uncomfortable looking high heels leaned over and asked where I got my "stunning runners." Three more compliments ensued before the night was over. The following day, my stylish hikers were put to the real test - a day-long hike the resort dubbed the "wild coast."

The Symbios performed brilliantly on the craggy, slippery trail. Salomon's Contragrip sole provides a level of traction I'd expect in a much more technical boot. An anatomically designed heel and moulded Ortholite insoles further secured my feet from slipping and sliding. I like the quick lace system, but I did need to tighten the laces several times throughout the day.

Six hours of hiking later, my feet were dry and unscathed, as comfortable in the shoes as when I'd slipped them on that morning.

Available in men's (called the Fusion) and women's sizes (in red, green, black, blue).

Bottom Line: Like a nice pair of black yoga pants, the Salmon Symbio hiker exceeds expectations. Lightweight, with a glove-like fit and surprising traction, the Symbio performs as well as it looks. In sleek black with silver accents, their functionality goes well beyond the trail. --N. P. (Oct '06)

Price: $123

Manufacturer's Site: www.salomonoutdoor.com

Buy Online: , , Women's Symbio, Men's Fusion