Since the spring snows have finally eased and the trails are starting to clear of snow we wanted to tell you about a relatively new foot wear manufacturer called Ahnu.

Cool name aside, Ahnu has been making footwear for 4 years and they have 'balance' at the core of their design philosophy. They have developed a a neutral positioning system called "Numentun Technology".  What does that fancy term actually mean? basically that their foot wear is designed to centre your foot so that you are balanced as you walk and thus become more efficient and stable.

So why Ahnu? why choose their products to tout to all of you – well they seem to be a company who is forward thinking, and have the environment in mind when they design and manufacture their products.  Here are a few of the things that Ahnu does to be a better corporate citizen:

- They adhere to Deckers Ethical Supply Chain Standards, which are among the toughest standards in the industry.

-  Use certified post-consumer recycled fibers in their catalogs and packaging.

- For every pair of women’s performance shoes purchased between March and May 2011, Ahnu donated $5 to the Breast Cancer Fund and raised $100,000 in the process.

- Ahnu actively contributes to The Conservation Alliance's community-based campaigns to protect threatened wild habitat, particularly where outdoor enthusiasts recreate.

- Ahnu participates in a donation program by 'Souls 4 Souls' which distributes shoes to those in need worldwide.

- Ahnu is the exclusive footwear sponsor of Team Farsight which is an inspirational team of hikers dedicated to raising public awareness and changing societal expectations for the blind

So we know that Ahunu has its company philosophy in the right place but can they make a decent hiking boot? We requested to test out the Men's Elkridge Mid boot as it had some features that make up a good light hiking boot:

- Leather lined collar and tongue

- eVent® breathable and waterproof bootie

- Padded mid-cut for comfortable secure fit

- Gusseted tongue to help keep out debris

- Durable leather/Nubuck upper

- Rubber toe protector

Have a peak:

The men's Elkridge Mid boot is a mid-cut waterproof/breathable hiker which uses Ahnu's Numentum technology, comes in two colours Smokey Brown and Gun Metal  and will run you $140 US.  They won't get you up the Ingraham Glacier on Mt. Rainer but it will let you conquer lesser mountains and trails to keep your 'off season shape' from setting in. 

We've been wearing the Ahnu Elkeridge boot for a while now and find it to be a well constructed boot for a reasonable price given that it is uses eVent fabric (to keep your feet dry). The fit is super comfortable with adequate room for wider feet but there is not a lot of ankle support so if you like 'em super stiff these may not work for you. Great treads provide a solid grip on the trail and a sure footed ascent.

If this company intrigues you as much as it did us, give them a look on their web site Ahnu.com which has a full line of boots, shoes and sandals.Happy summer hiking (ski season is only 3.5 months away).