New Balance Hiking Boots?

New Balance just came out with a hiking boot...they're even selling them at J.Crew.  Here's a little expert about them from the designer...
Tell us about the 710. What was your hope when originally designing the boot—was there a void you were looking to fill, something that you felt was missing from all the other boots out there?

There was definitely a void. Conventional thinking at the time dictated that climbers wear rigid boots to support the ankle and prevent it from rolling. But a stiff boot is like a corset for your ankle—it constricts the muscles and actually prevents them from developing and building up strength. And the reality is that all a climber really needs—even when carrying a 60- or 80-lb. pack—is to not slip. A boot with good traction and some stiffness in the sole is the key, and the more lightweight it is, the better. That’s why the New Balance 710 was such a breakthrough.

I kind of love this idea.  I had the most awesome pair of hiking boots that I got way back when I was in high school.  Sadly they failed to make it through one of my many moves in college but I haven't been able to make myself buy a new pair because most boots make me feel like a lesbian...I'm feeling pretty optimistic about these though!