Norvan 4 Nivalis Waterproof Running Shoe

These fill a specific need for mixed conditions in winter, as my local mountains experience a lot more rain at high elevation than just ten years ago, which then often transitions to snow as I hit high summits. Feet getting wet (then icy) in normal boots had become a persistent problem. With the solid upper these have been much more reliably waterproof than anything else (other than a double boot, which is too often overkill). I have over 100 winter miles on these now. Only once did they start to get very slightly damp inside, a high elevation SAR mission in which they were initially in wet snow, then solid rain and slush for eight hours, so I would cut them some slack for that day. The sizing runs a half size large. I have had almost every Arc boot and shoe model in the past decade, and always taken a US11.5 (US12 in the Acrux double boot). The 11.5 in these was a little sloppy, but has worked well in coldest conditions with a liner-plus-sock combo, but I got a US11 for a broader range of temps for use with just regular socks. I am a little perplexed by the reviews that say they are hard to put on. True the collar is snug (it is supposed to be) but you put your forefoot in perpendicular to the shoe, then turn the shoe through 90 degrees as you pull it on, just like you would with a double boot liner. The only issue I have encountered is getting the speed lacing right to dial in the fit, especially as my feet are slightly different sizes. Cranking down the lacing can make it a bit uncomfortable at the front of the ankle, and there’s no good way to evenly snug up the laces with the enclosed design. On the plus side, making fit adjustments in the field is really quick with the speed lacing, and the width in the forefoot is the best yet of any Arc footwear for those with wide feet (like me). Grip is excellent, even in greasy and icy snow, and has allowed me to skip putting on spikes many times. For changeable inclement winter conditions, these are highly recommended, and I haven’t found anything else on the market that fills the specific niche I describe.