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By tough from farm on 09/15/2009 Pros: Ankle Support, Great Traction, Sturdy/Durable Best Uses: Harsh Terrain, Heavy Loads Describe Yourself: Professional/Guide Sizing: Feels half size too small Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend Comments: Use as everyday footwear, like heavy style-requires dedicated breakin period and lots of silicone to speed that up. This is a boot for those that are used to old style heavy hiking boots, not sure those not from the old days would handle the break in period well. Great boot, would buy again--hopefully in 10-15 years.
Have used these for years By Farmer Jon from Chelan, WA on 09/10/2009 Pros: Ankle Support, Arch Support, Great Traction, Sturdy/Durable, Warm Cons: Sporadic availability Best Uses: Harsh Terrain, Heavy Loads Sizing: Feels true to size Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend Comments: Every day work use. Great support and protection.
By jack bull from wyoming on 09/10/2009 Pros: Ankle Support, Great Traction, No Gore-Tex, Sturdy/Durable Best Uses: Cold Weather, Day Hiking, Everyday, Harsh Terrain, Heavy Loads, Light Loads, Long-Distance Hiking, Wet Conditions Describe Yourself: Casual/Recreational, Environmentalist Sizing: Feels true to size Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend Comments: The long break-in period isn't nessarily a bad thing, it's proof that these boots are made to last. Most hiking boots are made to only last a couple seasons.
I also think that the fact that these boots do not have a Gore-tex "bootie" inside is a good thing, as I have had trouble with breathability in those types of boots in the past.
By Alaskan hiker from Mat-Su Alaska on 09/03/2009 Pros: Ankle Support, Arch Support, Flexible, Great Traction, Sturdy/Durable, Warm, Water Resistant Best Uses: Cold Weather, Everyday, Harsh Terrain, Heavy Loads, Light Loads, Long-Distance Hiking, Wet Conditions Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer, Casual/Recreational Sizing: Feels true to size Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend Comments: I stumbled on these boots and after a lot of comparison shopping I bought them to replace my 14 year old 'Fabiano Mountain Master' boots. Slight differences in a few details but these boots are every inch the equal of my Fabiano's.
Yes, they are stiff and heavy and do require a longer break-in period than most of the soft, easy boots marketed and sold today. The average hiker will turn up his nose at these and select a pair of the vastly lighter and cheaper boots available.
I love these boots and expect them to at least equal the quality and durability of my Fabianos. I call them my end-of-the-world boots because they are of the highest quality and I confidently expect that they are more than capable of taking me to the end of the world and back without a whimper.
By Ol Dirty from Nashville, Tn on 08/30/2009 Pros: Ankle Support, Arch Support, Great Traction, Sturdy/Durable, Warm Cons: Heavy, Long Break-in, Not Comfortable, Too Stiff/Not Flexible Best Uses: Cold Weather, Harsh Terrain, Heavy Loads Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer Sizing: Feels true to size Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend Comments: I purchased these boots with the intent of using them for long-distance hiking. Wow. That was a bad idea. They are very stiff and uncomfortable. After breaking them in for a few weeks I thought they were trail ready. But after an overnight hike, my feet looked like hamburger the next day. Maybe good for mountaineering. Not good for hiking.
By 7.62MM from W Oklahoma on 08/29/2009 Pros: Ankle Support, Arch Support, Classic look, Craftmanship, Great Traction, Sturdy/Durable, Warm, Water Resistant Best Uses: Cold Weather, Harsh Terrain, Heavy Loads, Long-Distance Hiking Describe Yourself: Casual/Recreational Sizing: Feels true to size Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend Comments: I was looking for a high quality boot that I would get many years of use from so I don't mind a longer break-in. I will use it for some longer backpacking trips, but mostly it will be used for around the farm and medium/long hikes/hunts. I would compare the stiffness to the La Sportiva Makalu. Well worth the money by my estimate. Don't wear them with normal weight socks, heavy socks only for max comfort at least during break-in.
By Grandpa from Minnesota on 08/22/2009 Pros: Ankle Support, Arch Support, Great Traction, Sturdy/Durable, Warm Best Uses: Harsh Terrain, Heavy Loads, Light Loads, Long-Distance Hiking, Wet Conditions Describe Yourself: Professional/Guide Sizing: Feels true to size Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend Comments: I use these boots for hiking, hunting, and as my winter work boots. They are by far the best boots I have ever had. They do require a break in period, but with the right approach even that need not be particularly uncomfortable. I achieved a 90% break in on one grouse hunting trip. These aren't technically waterproof, but they will keep your feet pretty dry in most situations. wading a shallow stream is no problem. After break in, these boots are like rocking chairs for your feet. Smooth and solid, mile after mile after mile. I doubt it is possible to twist your ankle with these boots on. These are not meant to be a trail or walking shoe, however. Day hikers will not be impressed.
Inconsistent Craftsmanship By Guy that needs a sturdy, all around boot from WV on 08/21/2009 Pros: Ankle Support, Great Traction, Sturdy/Durable Sizing: Feels true to size Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend Comments: The right boot is different than the left boot. The leather of the right boot seems to be set on the sole differently than the left, causing my foot to lean in to the left, and a bulge in the side of the boot. I'd love to keep this boot, but if I can feel this walking around the living room, it will kill me working or hiking.
By old and happy from Florida on 08/17/2009 Pros: Ankle Support, Sturdy/Durable, Water Resistant Cons: Long Break-in, Squeak, Too Stiff/Not Flexible Best Uses: Harsh Terrain, Heavy Loads, Wet Conditions Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer Sizing: Feels true to size Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend Comments: This boot is a stiff, rugged long wearing boot. Requires extended breakin and will last forever. I bought because it is patterened after a boot that I bought in Bavaria 30 years ago. My 30 year old boots are showing some age so I sought a replacement. These boots fit the bill. Do not expect comfort after a few days. It takes weeks and I'm not sure whether the boot is broke in or if my feet are. If you have the time to break in, these boots will last forever. They are heavy and stiff- but they are high on the ankle, waterproof and provide great protection and support. I only wish there were machines to break in.
By Rabbi from Virginia on 08/10/2009 Pros: Ankle Support, Sturdy/Durable, Water Resistant Best Uses: Harsh Terrain, Heavy Loads, Long-Distance Hiking Describe Yourself: Casual/Recreational Sizing: Feels true to size Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend Comments: I actually don't have these broken in yet, but I am working on it. I would buy these AT LEAST a month before I needed them. They are not going to be an easy break in.
The best thing is that these are/will be indestructable. Past experience with an older model/style says they will last virtually forever.
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