I went on a 3 and a half week Colorado Outward Bound trip two summers ago. I can't lie, when I was at the store I figured I should've taken another boot for my purpose but, ended up choosing these for style and looks. However, the boots actually far surpassed what I needed them for. These boots are amazingly comforatable and amazingly durable. For three weeks these were just about my best friends. I went from boulders, to water, to grass, to mud, to gravel. These boots held up great, and actually are still holding up(I'm wearing them as I type this, it snowed today in Boston). They provided great grip on smooth and jagged rock. Kept my feet dry when I went through good up to 8 inch deep creeks. My feet stayed warm during the night when the temperture fell. And the ankle support was up to par for these boots. I was truly impressed especially when I found out how much other people had paid for there boots and they were having numerous issues around, comfort(i.e: rubbing, not good shock absorbtion, get wet to easily). Now don't get me wrong I still think the boots are expensive. But I look at them as an investment. I still wear them now for hiking,when it snows, or when I just want a rugged image. And they still look pretty good after the mud, water, rocks, and dirt they went through for ruffly 65 miles.

These boots are suprisingly deceptive. Thier bomb-proof construction might lead one to think that they would feel more like mountaineering boots than backpacking boots, but they are the most comfortable backpacking boots I have ever worn. They have kept my feet warm and dry in snowy northern Ontario and crossing rivers and streams on the A.T.. These boots are perfect for heavy loads on rough or off trail terrain. Provide ample break in time before taking these boots on any serious outings.

Similar Products Used:

Merrel (not at all pleasd with these boots), and Vasque