You've likely heard of Tecnica's Moon Boots, which debuted in 1970 to enhance your après ski (and space travel?) comfort. In 2010, however, Veneto-based-Tecnica re-launched its outdoor footwear line "to provide outdoor athletes with innovative and premium products that deliver true performance with Italian style." The expanded repertoire now includes ski boots, casual footwear, trail runners and hikers.

"Italian style" equates to elegance, quality, sophistication and even luxury. Which, unfortunately, are words not associated with the Tecnica Cyclone Sport Mid hiker. The shoe is average, ordinary, run-of-the-mill.

Wearing the Cyclones is initially like walking with your feet in two cardboard boxes—the hikers are stiff and very roomy. Even folks with wide feet will need extremely thick socks to make the toe box feel less like a black hole. Although the stiffness eases over time, you never get over the sensation that your feet are floating around somewhere inside your shoes.

The silver-grey suede upper offers good ankle protection; the laces are easy to secure, and with a good double knot, they'll stay tied for miles. The Phylon EVA midsole also aids response and support, helping to maintain stability on rough terrain.

The anatomic OrthoLite performance insoles wick away moisture and encourage air flow, while the textile liners offer breathability; your feet stay comfortable in most weather conditions (that being said, carry an extra pair of those extra-thick socks, just in case).

The TRS Hiker Tecngirp outsole has small lugs—not much larger than you'd find on a trail runner—that keep you grounded on most terrain, whether you're plowing down a hill or across a rocky traverse.

So, if you're in the market for an inexpensive, all-purpose hiker, consider the Tecnica Cyclone Sport Mid — especially if you have wide feet and a closet full of thick socks, this could be the hiker for you. (MSRP $100)