"Outstanding boots. Didn`t have time to break them in-no blisters-nothing! after the 1st 8 miles+ hike with medium load. The same was later on longer hikes with 60 pounds pack. Was a bit critical about GTX on summer time. Wrong-it really worked (hiked in the rocky close-to-desert areas with T~90-110F - socks were dry). Vibram sole has good traction, ankle support is sufficient even for heavy loads on the rocky terrain.
Before tried: Vasque-cheap boots, that`s it; Lowa Tempest-too soft and bad toe design (maybe it was in my size 13) and North Face Triple Divide Mid-returned to the store-too rough, didn`t feel good and seemed hard to break in."
"This boot rocks the house. I did get some blisters on my descent of The Priest in Virginia, but that is rocky and steep. I don't expect them to be perfect. They have been great on every other trail that didn't have a 5 mile descent. Very confortable, waterproof lining is excellent. Great boot for the price."
"WOW! My first trip in these boots was a 6 mile (one way), 2200 foot gain hike with a heavy over-night pack. The terrain included streams and marshy high mountain lake shores. My feet never got wet, however, I would recommend treating the outside of the boots with Nikwax suede protectant. The outside of my boots soaked up a lot of water and, while my feet were dry, the boots were noticeably heavier. I even took them on a climb of a snow-covered peak on this trip and they performed great. These would go well with strap-on style crampons, too.
I experienced no blistering or hot spots on my feet (incredible considering my mountaineering boots still give me blisters after several years wear).
I highly recommend these boots for the backpacker that is looking for a light-weight boot that will provide the correct support for carrying a large pack."
