I've had these Maks for two years. They have never hurt my feet and were comfortable from the first day..but real stiff. I have a high arch and wide in the toe box area. I originally purchased them because I intended to do more technical mountaineering (snow routes etc) but find that they mainly end up going backpacking and summit bagging here in the Rockies. They're heavy. Never wet. Traction is the best. Good in the steep snow..very comforting for the casual mountaineer. I am very hard on boots; I destroyed a pair of Vasque heavys in 2 weeks of general mountaineering here years ago. I am big at 210 6' and with a 50lb pack I find I require a little more boot. If you are looking for an indesctructable, chainsaw proof, all purpose mountain boot..get the Maks. If you don't need crampons the Mak Hiker would probably be a better way to go. I have never had boots that I would rate with fives except for these. They are overkill for dayhike or on trail summit assault.

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Vasque, Fabiano

This is a review for the M-Hike, a fantastic Boot.
To begin with, the fact that it laces all the way down to the tip gives the advantage of a more secure fit. I spent last summer hiking and climbing all over Glacier Park. The only draw back is the extensive brek in period. I found blisters on my heels after a number of steep inclines. I love the lace locks which enabled me to lace my boots much tighter. I've been a loyal supporter of Danner products for a number of years, but I found the fit and overall performance of this boot excellent. I would like to recomend a long break in period, and I found that a pair of Spenco inserts helped with my narrow and low profile foot.

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Danner Explorer, Mt. light

Great construction. Appears to be much better built than most other boots in category. Fit is good although I had to replace the standard insole with some Superfeet and they helped a ton. Break in is a bit tough. I like that the sole can still take step-in crampons and has enough rocker that your foot can still move freely.

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One Sport, Montrail, Garmont.

These things are bombproof - everything from the soles, the leather, the tongue, the shank...only problem is that there are hell to break in. Turned my feet into bloody stumps. They're slowly getting better, and I have no doubt that they will last forever.

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None

I have a little problem with blisters but I think they just need more time to be broken in. I have used them for ice climbing, light mountaineering, summer hiking and glacier travel and the have performed admirably in all areas.

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merrel

Went Nepal on a 13 trek with it was super.
Rain or shine it serves well. Rough rocks to slippery ice & snow it good.Just a bit heavier but very stable.Down hill never a problem .
Just love it.

I've put about 250 miles on my pair of Maks so far, and I can say they are the best pair of heavy packin' boots I've owned.
Upsides -
Bombproof, Very supportive, Will keep your feet very dry (even here in soggy Puget Sound!) if you treat 'em right, Very comfortable with mondo loads, Lacing system works very well, Excellent traction, Great lining, Fairly narrow last.

Downsides -
Heavy (but I will gladly trade a half pound per foot for the extra support!), Expensive, Break-in can be a bit long and rough.

My blister-prone feet did pretty well with these boots through the break-in period because I used Superfeet insoles (try 'em, your feet will thank you!), thin liner socks, and Thor-Lo synthetic Expedition socks. A bit of duct tape on my heels helped to alleviate any hot spots. I plan to use these boots for at least the next 10 years! I'm sure they are up to it.

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Hi-tec, Salomon

I use my boots mainly for peak bagging and they have been up nearly 25 peaks of 12,000ft. or higher. They are also my only pair of boots since I bought them so they have also been on countless fishing trips,day hikes,backpacking trips,etc. I bought them in 1996 and they are still going strong.

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None

I love my maks. I just recently jumped back into backpacking and these boots really keep me going. I have not had them very long and been able to use them to their fullest ability. i look foward to testing them at all levels. they are built like a tank and hard to break in, but the craftmanship is excellent.

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vasque, merrell(sp),asolo

Got mine second-hand, but unused, for $260CDN ($175US), which I have come to consider as an absolute steal for these. Even at full retail, I don't know if Solomon Guide 9's are worth the extra quid. I second everything that's been said here--not a purist boot for backpacking (too heavy and stiff) or technical ice (too cold and flexible), but as a go anywhere, get it done boot...terrific. (p.s. great experience with the water-based Nikwax treatment).

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Two pairs of OneSport Morraines for backpacking (love 'em), plastics for mountaineering (hate 'em).