ProsDurable, Great Value, Comfortable, Performing as Expected
I took a chance on these boots 12 years ago, mostly because they were offered in the narrow width. My size (9N) was spot-on, wearing a polypro sock liner and a midweight hiking sock. They were comfortable right out of the box, and they took me up and down Mt. Kilimanjaro later that same summer. They've gotten quite banged up over the years, but they're as comfortable and supportive as ever. One of the best purchases I've ever made!
I bought these boots to go to Alaska. They are great boots. Very well constructed with excellent soles. The leather is just too stiff. I worked to break them in before the trip but still ended up with sore spots on my ankles and heels, even after much re-adjusting and changing of socks. My husband's boots have broken in very well but mine never have; they're still just too stiff. I am confused by the reviews that are exactly the same for both these and for the fabric and leather version, saying the boots are comfortable right out of the box, because these most definitely were not for me.
ProsDurable, Great Value, Comfortable, Performing as Expected
My husband and I are both on our second pair, each about five years old. The first set lasted us about ten years through several day and overnight hikes through the Cohuttas, the Nantahalas, the Smokies, and the Scottish Highlands. These show no signs of slowing down with similar wear. Great traction, waterproof, extremely comfortable with little break-in time. I have short wide feet, impossibly high arches, and I am naturally a bit pigeon-toed--any footwear is a challenge for me. A 7 Wide feel like a dream. I feel compelled to weigh in on the "weight issue.' My diet scale weighs each of these at 18 oz. a piece. Most popularly reviewed "light" hikers weigh in between 22 and 25 ounces per shoe. THESE ARE VERY LIGHT HIKERS FOR THE LEVEL OF SUPPORT YOU GET. I spent last weekend on the Cumberland Trail. It was lovely, but I nearly stepped on three copperheads on the trail. I will never, never hike with low-rise boots. Ever. These are the best hiking boots for the money you will find. I swear.
ProsDurable, Great Value, Comfortable, Performing as Expected
These boots are incredibly well constructed and durable. I bought my first pair in 1998 in high school and after 14 years of moderate use (day hikes and 2-5 day backpacking trips), they're still fully functional. The only thing that's changed is the leather is beat to heck, and the rubber vibram soles have worn close to the base as you'd expect, but absolutely nothing has broken, and only small cracks exist. And I haven't really taken care of them (rarely clean and oil the leather). The water proofing lasted about 10 years, with occasional re-proofing. Time for my 2nd pair, but still keeping these for the really hard wear days. Most comfortable backpacking boot I've worn too. A bit heavy would be the only downside, but well worth it for the construction and durability.
