Don't judge a book by its cover or a shoe for that matter especially when it comes to the Montrail Namche Hiking Shoe for Women. The Namche is supportive enough to be a hiking boot giving you a snug fit around the arch and heel and enough lateral rigidity to control your steps when traversing a scree slope on the North side of South Sister but has the cushion and lightweight attributes of a trail runner. The large toe box will save your toenails as you descend back to the trailhead and the mono-filament mesh helps to keep you feet cool throughout the day. This shoe runs small order 1/2 size larger than normal.