I picked up some lightweight hiking shoes last week at the Sportshoe Center in Scarborough. A pair of Adidas Kumasi Low Gore-Tex.

My old Salomon's have long since given up the ghost, so the purchase was overdue, but I couldn't quite find want I wanted. Until now.

I gave the new shoes a good workout last weekend in Baxter Park on a couple of day hikes. A 10-mile circuit one day that took in 5 ponds and 3 waterfalls with awesome views of Doubletop Mtn. and Mt. OJI and Katahdin. And the next day, a stiff 10-mile round-trip climb of Doubletop, in my opinion, the most strikingly beautiful mountain in Maine.

The skinny?

The shoes held up very well over a variety of terrain. Comfy over a long day, good support, a reasonable grip on slippery rocks and roots, and excellent waterproof-ness.

Can't complain at all. I'm pleased. So much so that I think I might wear them on a planned hut-to-hut trek in Europe later this year.

They're certainly a nice alternative to my heavier leather boots (which I love too) when carrying a day pack or a light weekend load on the back.

My new Adidas lightweight hiking shoes.

Katahdin from Grassy Pond, Baxter Park.

Doubletop Mtn. from Deer Pond, Baxter Park.

Post-hike, my feet in Waldies, in a canoe on Kidney Pond, Baxter Park. Hey, how did that beer get in the picture?