These boots are a great deal. I have had them now for about five years and they still have a lot of life left. I have hiked probably a thousand miles in them- often times on very rocky terrain. They have served me well in the Corsican high country, Swiss glaciers, the Olympics, The whites, and Shenandoha Nat. Park. The break in time is minimal. The tongue is very soft. I have never had a single problem keeping the laces tied or keeping them within the eyelets. They are very very durable! I have worn them fairly comfortably with a wool sock/sock liner in hundred degree temps. Yet, I have also worn these boots when it was around 0 degrees. (Toes got a little cold here) I have only two problems with these boots. First of all, the tongue is guesseted only half way up the boot. So if you stand in somewhat deep water- then you might get some leakage. Secondly, I wish the sole were a little more rigid. With a heavy pack- I could sometimes 'feel' a sharp rock under my foot. (But I am used to mounaineering boots) The soles may have been updated since I bought my pair, however.

Customer Service

Never needed to contact them

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La Sportiva Lhoste, Asolo

I am 40 years old male. I wear these Hi-Tec boots to work everyday. They feel great. I wear them 18 hours a day. I dont have trouble with laces at all. They are a little warm on hot days but most boots are that way. These Altitude boots are the best boots I have owned. A+

Bought these boots and wore them for about half an hour before going on a 42km hike over 2 days. I was very surprised to have my feet in good condition after this hike considering no wear in. They gave a small hot spot under the ball of the foot however I expect them to be very good after they are worn in.

Customer Service

Never been needed

not happy, the tongue design is bad.when laced to the top,the tongue forms a presure ridge that presses into the inside lower ankle,the only way to ease this is not to lace the top loops,warn like this they are not boots!! no other complants but not worth the money and will not buy hi-tec again.

Customer Service

none at all,do not seem to care,"you brought them, your problem" would sum up the "customer service"

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ex army,work boots !! no problems, but getting older and needed something to look after my old feet....silly me!

Very happy with this boot. Good traction. It took a few outings before they were broken in but they work just fine now. I haven't gotten them wet yet so I can't say anything about there waterproofing (it is NOT gortex). Recently did a two day 16 mile trip and they were comfortable and did well.

Customer Service

Responded to email (which says something). They don't have a way to track orders. FREE SHIPPING on continental US!

These Hi Tec Altitude Model 4802 boots seem comfortable and appear durable. I'll never have the chance to see how durable though. I would dearly love to test them in the mountains but I really don't dare. The upper eyelet design is so poor that the LACES WILL NOT STAY IN THE EYELETS for any length of time (like long enough to stand up after tying them or long enough to walk out the door). I have actually had them come out of the eyelets before I have finished tying them! There is something seriously wrong with this pair of boots! And I CANNOT GET ANY RESOLUTION FROM THE MANUFACTURER! I have replaced them with a very comfortable, durable pair from LOWA. (THEIR boots will STAY laced!) I originally chose these boots because of the performance of a previous pair of Hi Tec boots I wore out the season before. But, because of this completely defective pair of boots and Hi-Tec's absolute failure to address the problem I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER HI TEC PRODUCT.

Customer Service

ABSOLUTELY NONEXISTENT!!! I attempted to contact their "customer service dept" on 3 different occasions (via their website and by 800 number) and NEVER received any response - let alone satisfaction.

Similar Products Used:

Lowa, Asolo, Hi Tec

I have had these boots for about a year now and they have served me well. They are comfortable and fairly water resistant. I haven't tried them with a heavy load, but overall I am well pleased.

Similar Products Used:

Other High Tec boots

Great lightweight boots, I wore them on a 25 mile backpacking trip with a 65 lb. pack without breaking them in, and got away with no blisters. Very comfortable. The rubber around the toe will start to peel back with repeated abuse, so I've had to do some minor repairs with contact cement. Overall, I've been very pleased.

Customer Service

none needed