Note: I am reviewing the Spirit II made by Raichle and sold under the REI name. I bought them 2 years ago in ’01 and may have gotten a model somewhat different from what the others have reviewed (mine have Vibram soles), but I couldn’t be happier with these, and I’d like to give props to Raichle. These are the best hiking boots I’ve ever owned, and I’ve used many. They were clearly superior from the first time I tried them on. Just look at the cut of the tongue and you can tell how much skill and experience when into the design of these shoes. In addition, they had almost no break in time at all despite being sturdy leather boots. They are a bit overkill for anything but true backpacking, but if you’re carrying your kitchen and bedroom on your back for days on end, they are ideal. These boots are Gore-tex lined and really are waterproof, though I treat the leather to preserve it, as I’m hoping these boots will last me ten years. I especially like the rand around the toe. I have clumsy size 14 feet so my toes suffer a lot of wear stumbling over scree above treeline. The soles offer plenty of traction, but wear slower than the classic Vibram pattern. They lace up easily too, thanks to some fancy straight-holed eyes. BTW, these boots have done most of their work in the White Mountains, with an extended trip to the Sierra’s, and another to Baxter S.P. They also get me to school in the winter.

Customer Service

REI service is almost too good. A friend of mine returned a pair of used climbing shoes he bought at EMS for a full cash refund. I returned a pair of climbing shoes I’d worn out in three months for new pair. Hence the name: Returns and Exchange Incorporated.

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I've used a dozen different hiking boots over the years, all worn to pieces. I used Hi-Teks when I was a kid. Beautiful boots for beginners and light users. Though I don't remember the exact models I've used and liked boots by Vasque (2 pair), Merrell (2 pair), EMS, Danner (an obscure boot, but one I liked a lot) , and others.

For the price, there is possibly not a better boot. True, they are not very stiff after break in, but they are comfortable always. I would not recommend a heavy load on these boots, but light weight backpacking is ideal.

I've had a pair of Spirits for about two years. I absolutely love them. I've owned quite a few pairs of boots, and these are the most comfortable I've owned. I wear a 9D and these are one of the few I've found that fit my size, or that even make wides. The sole leave a good bit to be desired as far as durability, and wore out within a year. Of course, I wear them almost daily on cement, which could have had something to do with it. I had them resoled by Dave Page Cobbler with Vibram soles, and now they are even more comfortable. They are as watertight as any non-gortex boots will be, and as long as you aren't wading, they will keep your feet dry. The backpacking trips I've taken in them have proved them to be very supportive, and comfortable with a full pack on.

Customer Service

Have had no experience, but I would recommend Dave Page Cobblers, Their web address is www.davepagecobbler.com They did a marvelous job and returned them in good order

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Danner St. Helens, Zamberlan Civettas, and others

love these boots. in fact they are the best I have ever bought. i got them at REI for $40 and they are amazing. big difference between the hi techs i was using. if i needed to i would buy them again. great waterproofing and rugged outers. can't say enough good things about em.

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I have had my Raichles for three years now. and I have only minor problems with them. I wear them everywhere I go. All I can say is that they're heavy duty, and really comfortable.

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These are very good boots. I bought a pair to use for outward bound in Costa Rica and they performed like you would expect a high quality boot to perform.

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This boot is a good deal for it's cost. After a summer of intensive field work in the Cascades, the soles had significantly more wear than Vibrams would. The rand also started to come unglued after just a few weeks of hiking. This is a major point Raichle needs to work on. The fit is great, however-- the first pair of boots I've tried that have REALLY fit me. They seem to be reasonably well made other than the rands.

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I went through 11 pairs of hiking boots of all the top brands ie: vasque, one sport, ect. the raichle spirits (w/o gortex) are hands down the best out there. I completly wear out a pair at least every 18 mths (1400 miles avg of day hikes)

Customer Service

I ripped a D-ring off my rachiles and gave them a call they sent a replacement at no charge. great folks.

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For backpacking I use the Raichle Mountain Trekker-- a heavier boot with the same great fit and support.