I originally bought these shoes just solely for work where I do a lot of physical labor in a warehouse setting, but I liked these shoes enough that they also became my everyday casual shoes. These shoes have taken a great beating at work, been through snowy wet roads and pavements, outdoor activities, and hiking as well. The stiff hard heel and toe bumpers have saved my feet more times than I can count.
I think they even look better in person than they do in these photos, a handful a people have made comments about them and asked me where they could buy them.
Considering everything these shoes have been through for more than 1 1/2 years I'm surprised they have held up quite well as they have while still having plenty of life left.
These were great Italian shoes that I wore into the wilderness with comfort and protection, but it appears they got revised and I worry about their successor. Version 2.0, though also made in Italy, doesn't always improve on V 1.0. The sole is rock solid and I might have considered taking the new Mountain Treads back to the PCT with me next week, but I have a new pair of La Sportiva Wildcats to replace the old Wildcats which gave me 550 miles of loving. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If you can fit into what remains of version, likely you'll like them, too.
My first pair lasted five years, and I just replaced them. These are great boots for hiking. They provide excellent support, protection and traction. Like any sturdy pair of boots, they require a brief break in period, but after that, they will be your friends for a long time. The construction is excellent, and the sizing was perfect for my feet. These are great boots.
I have lost track of how many pairs of these I have bought. I need support for my feet and arches. With poor shoes I get ankle, knee and hip issues, and even back problems. I wear these all year, even in winter, unless it's too cold... but even then I often do. I started buying these many years ago. I have to replace them every year or so, since my gait causes uneven wear. But I wear them everywhere, and they go the distance. As soon as my feet start to hurt, I know its time for a new pair. Once I start wearing them, it doesnt take long to feel better. Now my wife is hooked on them too, and is on her second pair. As a geologist, she needs good footwear too. And they definitely are waterproof! No wet feet walking through dewy grass in the morning..... Awesome boots!
