Garmont Sitka Gore-Tex® Hiking Boots - Waterproof (For Women)

The boots are very well made and I selected them for day hiking. The way the tongue is constructed, makes them uncomfortable while walking - at least for me - they feel restrictive and bulky. Also the hooks for the top two laces don't keep the laces in when going to tie the knot.

I just slogged through driving rains with slippery, muddy conditions and these boots were troopers. Dry feet through streams and puddles. Great traction and kinda cute. I just wish there was a little more room in the toes. I wear thick socks and the fit was fine, but the toe is almost rubbing and it makes it hard on the downhills.

As a professional dog walker and an "outdoors person", I purchased these for their reputation mainly, their waterproof construction secondly, and their fit thirdly. I had read that flat-footed people like me would benefit from these shoes, and I believe that is correct. I have been splashing about in these for a few weeks and my feet are staying nice and dry, with minimal sweating. I feel I can keep a good pace as well, without tiring. I chose uncomfortable from the above "cons" selection due to the fact that they have to be laced "just right" to hold the foot in position properly. When I got it right, I was like, "oh wow!" Then I noticed the "a.d.d." feature (I rarely pay attention to those things) on the tags. In this case, the lacing system does exactly as it was designed to do - it holds the foot in position and forces you to walk correctly. If you're not used to this, it might take some adjusting. Order a half size larger if you want to wear thick socks.

Work outside all elements, I bought two pairs to have to switch out.

I need a wide boot with good arch support - these give me both. Garmont's anatomical design means these boots look a bit different than conventional boots. But the comfort and support are incredible! A very solid boot. Wore them 2nd day (not much break-in time) to Red River Gorge in very wet conditions. Traction was excellent, and my feet stayed dry even after several stream crossings!Great lateral support edging sideways down a slope. I would recommend a coat of waterproofing on the nubuck although the gor-tex does the job of keeping your feet dry.