Amazing performance, fit and durability for wet weather. These waterproof hikers handle mucky trails with ease and are a true value.
I Can't Understand These Boots...
Pros: Waterproof, Comfortable, Breatheable
Cons: Poor Traction
Best Uses: Hiking
Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer
These boots are very comfortable. They fit true to size and width. I once wore them on an 18 mile, single day hike on a rocky section of the AT along the VA/WV border and didn't have a single problem. My feet stayed comfortable in them during several overnight trips in Shenandoah National Park in 90+ temps this summer. I would estimate that I put 150 miles on them this summer.
What I don't understand is that while the waterproofing is excellent, the wet traction of the soles is abysmal. I was on the AT in a HEAVY downpour on the 4th of July and the boots repelled the rain and mud but my feet slipped almost every time I placed them on a rock or tree trunk. I was the only person slipping on the trail, and one other person was wearing a pair of trail running shoes without slipping.
Dry traction is what you'd expect from Vibram soles - close to approach-shoe level. But when there is even the slightest coating of water I might as well be walking on ice.
I have slipped and fell every time I have worn these boots when it is wet. I've slipped on dew and condensation, in rain, during stream crossings, in the splash area of waterfalls, you name it.
These boots are like a double-edged sword because they keep my feet bone dry when it is wet but they are so slick I cannot wear them when it's wet.
(legalese)
