When my girlfriend, Kristin, and I planned an ambitious three-day backpacking trip across Desolation Wilderness in Lake Tahoe, I was ready to push myself and test my gear. We aimed to start at Loon Lake and end at Emerald Bay, carrying three days' worth of food and supplies. There was just one caveat—I would be wearing a brand-new pair of Nike ACG Torre Mid boots.
These boots caught my eye because they looked awesome—sleek, stylish, and rugged. When I put them on, they felt a bit like platform shoes. They aren’t Gore-Tex or waterproof, but I figured that wouldn’t matter for this trip. This was their first real test—and mine.
Hiking along Loon Lake to start our traverse of Desolation Wilderness. Photo by Dalton Johnson
PROS:
Stylish design
Comfortable even on long, tough days
Good grip on granite and loose dirt
Lightweight feel, despite the platform-like build
CONS:
Not waterproof (could be an issue on wetter trails)
Suede material shows wear quickly
Leaving Loon Lake and entering Desolation Wilderness for our backpacking trip. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Day 1: A Strong Start in the Heat
Our first day was hot and exposed to the relentless sun. I stayed shaded under my sun hoodie as we hiked across granite slabs and sandy trails. Surprisingly, the Torre Mids were performing flawlessly. They gripped well, felt supportive, and gave my feet plenty of comfort.
By late afternoon, we reached our first campsite—a stunning perch above an alpine lake. We wasted no time setting up camp and heading for a refreshing swim. As I explored, I stumbled upon a "rope swing," which turned out to be made of an old garden hose. Sketchy? Yes. Fun? Absolutely.
The sunset that night was magical. The almost-full moon rose over the water, and our sleeping quilts kept us warm against the cooling mountain air.
One of the many lake plunges we made throughout the day while traversing Desolation Wilderness. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Day 2: The Real Test Begins
I started Day 2 feeling great. My feet were still in perfect shape, and the Torre Mids showed no signs of struggle. That was reassuring because today would be the toughest day of hiking.
Kristin and I decided to up the ante with a challenge: jump into every lake we pass. "Sounds terrible," Kristin said with a laugh, but she was game.
The trail took us through a series of stunning lakes, each one a bit colder than the last. The Torre Mids came off at every stop, but slipping back into them was always a relief. The boots stayed comfortable as the granite trails turned into serious uphill grinds. My thighs were burning, my pack felt heavy, and I was grateful for my trekking poles.
At one point, the trail vanished under a jungle of overgrown vegetation. It was clear that few people venture this way. The sense of isolation was both beautiful and a little unnerving.
As the day stretched on, we climbed higher and higher toward Maggie’s Lake. It was tempting to camp there, but we pressed on to Fontanillis Lake, chasing the last light of day. Fontanillis is one of my favorite views in all of Desolation Wilderness, but the wind was roaring when we arrived.
Setting up camp in near-gale conditions, we moved quickly. Dinner, gear prep, and bedtime were rushed. As I finally kicked off the boots, I noticed something surprising: my feet still felt great. Usually, on Day 2 of a backpacking trip, I’d be nursing hot spots or soreness. Not this time. The only sign of wear was the suede on the boots, which was starting to get matted.
The wind battered our tent all night. Neither of us slept much as it flapped angrily, threatening to collapse.
Our campsite in the morning, the tent survived and we were ready to leave. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Day 3: Survival Mode
By the time morning rolled around, the wind was still howling. We were tired, cranky, and ready to get off the trail. Breakfast was quick, and we packed up in a hurry.
Once the sun hit us, our spirits lifted slightly. The hike down to Emerald Bay was a half-day descent through gorgeous terrain. We trudged along like zombies, focused on reaching the car, but the breathtaking views kept me smiling.
Finally, we stumbled back to the trailhead. Kristin and I hugged the car in exhaustion and gratitude. Pulling off my Torre Mids, I inspected my feet. Shockingly, they were still in perfect shape—no blisters, no soreness, nothing. That sealed it: the Nike ACG Torre Mid passed the ultimate test.
The sun soaking us in warmth, letting us know it is time to leave. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Final Thoughts on the Nike ACG Torre Mid
I’ll admit I was skeptical about taking a pair of Nike boots into the backcountry. But the Torre Mids held up well on rocky, sandy, and overgrown trails. They offered solid grip, surprising comfort, and enough support for long days under a heavy pack.
If you’re planning a dry-weather backpacking trip or just want boots that blend hiking performance with everyday style, the Nike ACG Torre Mid is a solid choice. For me, they were far from a mistake—they were a pleasant surprise.
Would I take them back into Desolation Wilderness? Absolutely.
