Leather is an incredible material, and one that can be extremely durable when it's maintained properly. We've seen many old leather baseball mitts, jackets, and work gloves that have undergone decades of use and remained functional (and surprisingly comfy). However, compared to modern synthetics, there's no denying that leather is heavy. Compare a pair of solid leather hiking boots to one made of textile and you'll feel an immediate difference.

In an effort to blend the durability and classic appearance of a leather boot with the reduced weight and breathability of synthetic footwear, Vasque has introduced a new LTR version of its Saga GTX hiking boot. The Vasque Saga LTR GTX features an upper made from 2mm waterproof full-grain leather and a collar made of soft Nappa leather. Despite the use of this material, the weight is listed as 3 lbs 5 oz — that's just 13% more than the standard Saga GTX boots.

The Saga LTR GTX also features a dual-density high-rebound footbed, dual-density All-Terrain Compound (ATC) midsole, and TPU shank. The exterior is finished with a Vasque-exclusive Vibram Contact Grip sole formed from Megagrip rubber compound. Ventilation ports at the toe and heel provide airflow, but include a GORE-TEX barrier to keep the boots waterproof.

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The Vasque Saga LTR GTX is available in Coffee Bean and black two-tone colorway for an MSRP of $240. Sizes range from 7 to 14 in Medium width, and 8 to 13 in Wide. For more information, go to Vasque.com.

Written by Patrick McCarthy