In summer-like conditions, when temperatures are mild and the snow has melted away, choosing a light hiking shoe makes sense. The popular Garmont Women's Eclipse XCR Hiking Shoe, recipient of an Outside Magazine Gear of the Year award, is an excellent choice. The Gore-Tex XCR upper is both breathable and waterproof, the ideal combination for piling up the miles on a wet path. The G3+ Spine midsole provides the underfoot support traditionally reserved for over-the-ankle, all leather hiking boots. While on the other hand Anatomically Directed Design features and a polyurethane midsole give the Garmont Women's Eclipse XCR Hiking Shoe cushioning and flex that reminds one of a running shoe more than anything else. A rubber toe bumper offers protection and durability for rocky trails, steep ascents, and roots that seem to pop up and grab you from out of nowhere. The Garmont Women's Eclipse XCR Hiking Shoe is also equipped with a Vibram outsole that not only excels on hard rock, soft mud and everything in between, it also offers both forward and reverse angled treads for improved traction on aggressive climbs and steep descents.