(from the manufacturer)
The classic look of a seamless leather backpacking boot, though lighter on the foot with a sturdy backpacking sole and full rubber rand for durability. Leather lined for close to the foot comfort. Top performer for hard-duty backpacking on and off-trail. Excellent knee and back support for a 30+ pound pack.
* Water-repellent 2.5MM thick seamless Nubuck leather (one piece) upper.
* Comfortable leather lining
* VibramĀ® 'Tsavo' outsole with shock-aborbing mid-sole and climate-control insole with pronation/supination zones.
* New SPS System: Optimum stabilization of the foot for excellent walking comfort
* 'C4' Tongue
* Lowa's AWP (Asymetric Walking Position)
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STW - Sep 23, 2005 4:45 pm - Voted 5/5
Untitled ReviewThis is a bombproof, supportive heavy-duty backpacking boot. It's a nicely constructed leather boot with beefy hardware and an added rubber rand. Inside lining is soft glove leather. This might add a bit of weight to the package, but it also adds a ton of comfort. It has a real stiff shank and vibram soles with a nice bit of rocker. It's a fairly high-cut boot - which I like.
This is the kind of boot you want when you're going into the backcountry for a week or more - carrying a heavy pack over tough terrain. When you can't afford to twist an ankle or have something go wrong with your gear. Everything about these boots says protective and reliable.
I found them supportive and protective enough so that my feet still felt great at the end of long days. Yet, they were not so clunky and heavy that I felt awkward on talus slopes, steep trails and bushwacks.
Like many heavy backpacking boots, they don't offer much in the way of shock absorbtion. I swapped out the stock insoles for some 'shock doctor' insoles. These added a bit of extra arch support and a bit of cushioning under the heel. This has worked well for me...
With a nikwax treatment they proved to be as waterproof as I needed them to be in terms of crossing streams and sloshing through melting snow fields. No leaks at all nor wet-throughs.
They did require some break in but nothing outrageous. They were pretty comfortable out of the box, but I did get some minor hot spots on some initial break-in hikes - but pretty soon, they were like old friends.
Another nice thing: they are available in narrow, regular and wide sizing. I tried a regular and a narrow and went with the regular. Sizing felt true to the label. I wear an 8.5 street shoe, and an 8.5 in the Banffs. When you're looking for boots like this, it's great that you can get the best fitting options!