ProsDurable, Great Value, Comfortable, Performing as Expected
Great walking shoes, especially for people like me who have had foot problems. I just purchased my third pair, after wearing out the soles on the first two. They last for years and are good for extensive city walking, which we have done throughout Europen and elsewhere. The shoes also are good on the trail, provided the trail is not terribly uneven and requiring higher, ankle support.
ProsDurable, Great Value, Comfortable, Performing as Expected
This hiker is well built, fit was perfect (10.5 Medium), comfortable and required very little break in. The Goretex liner makes this an ideal shoe for just about every hike or just for everyday wear in all types of weather. This is my second pair, and these are more comfortable than the first.
I am a college professor, and also a photographer; as a result I'm always looking for a shoe to walk around campus, that can also handle hiking. recently found my pair in the back of the closet, and since I was largely disappointed with the them, the rediscovery prompted this review.
My feet are narrow, but the B-width fit nicely -- please offer more shoes in narrow widths!
I've had several pair of these shoes, but the current versions are disappointing and merit low ratings. There are two reasons for the low rating. First, the sole wear is not good. The original version of the sole had harder rubber, larger lugs, and held up excellently under extreme wear. This shoe wore out and was basically smooth-soled after only 3-4 months of occasional use, mostly walking around campus or town. Hard to appreciate the $120 for that kind of wear. Second, the Gore-Tex is NOT breathable. My feet were roasting on warm days, and freezing on cold days. The shoes have low tops, so waterproofing them is not really very effective anyway. It's been my experience that Gore-Tex lining in shoes like these is a sales gimmick; try and find another pair without the Gore-Tex for true all-season comfort.
Just got these last week in prep for a walking vacation in Rome. Very glad to see that my pair was produced in Italy. The quality is impressive, although I am not yet convinced that the wide widths are true. My break-in experience is still evolving but much better than I anticipated. I have been wearing orthodics inserts (high arch) but found that these hikers offer ample support so far (and the botton insert can be removed if neccesary). I look forward to many great journeys!
