Gore-tex membranes in hiking boots (explanation)
Boots with membrane are worth buying when you plan use them in high humidity, wet conditions. At this case Gore-tex membrane will perform as it was intended, only when there is much temperature difference inside and outside the boot. So boots with membrane work perfect in cold and especially wet conditions. In hot climate conditions boots with membrane will works against you..
Hiking Boots materials - leather types
Leather is still the principal material used to make boots. It is available in 3 main types - full grain, nubuck and suede/split. Depending on the combination of the thickness and the tanning process the suppleness, support, durability and water resistance of the uppers will all vary. Lightweight boots utilise softer leather to give instant comfort and performance. In conjunction with the uppers the foam, stiffeners and lining fabrics in a boot will all vary according to end use.
Full grain leather is used in footwear for its durability, support and water resistance. It is generally used in boots designed for lengthy trips, tough terrain and when support and protection are paramount. Full grain leather boots are heavier than those made with fabric or split leather and are therefore more durable and suited to regular use. They will tend to need some breaking in.
Fabric/Split leatherBoots made with split leather, suede, nubuck and/or nylon tend to be softer, lighter and easier on your feet than full grain leather boots. They are therefore more suited to day trips and shorter overnight trips. They generally come with a waterproof membrane such as Gore-Tex or Sympatex and are therefore guaranteed waterproof.
Hiking Boots care basic
All leather boots need to be maintained periodically with proofing such as Sno Seal or Grangers G-Wax to ensure that they remain supple and water repellant. It should not be necessary to do this after every outing – sometimes a good clean (inside and out) will suffice. Before wearing your leather boots outdoors for the first time, we recommend that you go over all the stitching with one of the above products. A new boot should not need any other dressing at this stage.
Fabric bootsThis type of boot is generally made using suede and nylon with an additional waterproof membrane such as Gore-Tex or Sympatex. Boots with a waterproof membrane still need to be treated to protect the uppers and stop them from absorbing water. It is recommended that after each walk the footbeds are removed to clear out grit, stones and other debris as these can puncture the waterproof membrane if left in.
Hiking Boots Tips - based on hikers opinion.
- During summer I wear low hiking shoes with PU midsole and vibram outsole (if I am carrying a 20lb+ pack). but, its not a rule, its just my personal preference.
- Features I like in warmer weather : Non Gore-tex or non event, Mesh upper, PU Midsole, Vibram or equivalent outsole.
- For wet and cool weather : leather or leather+mesh upper with minimum stitching, PU midsole, Toe and heel rand, Vibram or equivalent outsole. Good lacing system. etc. I do not like boots with lots of stitching on the upper. Stitching usually creates weak spots (leaking) and also causes pressure points and eventually blisters.
- For extreme cold or wet weather: one piece thick leather upper. Full boots with aggressive vibram outsole, PU midsole. quality lacing system (also, lacing system that goes all the way down to the toes). This helps adjusting fitting when necessary.
- One piece leather boots are also heavier. So, if the types of trips you are taking do not require them, its not very practical to go with a heavy pair of boots. Instead, a lighter weight mid weight boots would probably serve the purpose.
- Common rule for hiking boots get the boots a half-size than your normal size, depending on your socks.
- Smooth leather vs Nubuk. Smooth leather perfectly repels water, beautifully shines and is resistant against damages. Nubuck repels water worse. Nevertheless, it is very resistant against damages, it retains good appearance for a long time, and does not have requirements to special care. Relatively bad water resistance can be compensated by impregnations. Actually, in cases of hiking/backpacking I would advise nubuck , rather than smooth leather. It is not by chance that major manufacturing lines of footwear for outdoors are presented by models out of nubuck. Nubuck is far more resistant to unfavorable weather conditions: constant wetting, drying, and temperature changes as compared to smooth leather, and it cracks considerably less. This is one of the main reasons for its use when manufacturing outdoor footwear.
- You should have extra pair - you’ll have what to put on during stopping and lasting halts. Usually it’s light sandals (with foam rubber or foam polyethylene soles and straps on velcro); in the last resort sneakers or fivefingers are also good.
- Buy a brand that is well known. Though its expensive, you can be sure of the quality. There are many manufacturers that make quality boots. Many experienced hikers prefer boots made in Europe: Scarpa, Lowa, Tecnica, Asolo, Meindl, Raichle and Zamberlan.
Narrow vs. Wide Feet - sizing
An easy way to determine your foot width is by identifying your foot shape. Below is a narrow foot shape, followed by a wide foot shape.
At least daily, I’m asked how to tell the difference. Here’s a simple way I have created to visually differentiate the two. A narrow foot is shaped like a rectangle, where a wide foot is shaped like an inverted triangle.
Width alone is not enough to achieve the best fit (for that you’ve got to take into account depth), but at least it gives you a place to start. With very little effort, you’ll be able to match your foot width to your shoe outsole in no time.
Boots leather treatment
Leather treatment, regardless of it's type, consists of two stages:
First: Hot deep penetration
Second: Sparging with spray preventing water penetration.
First: Is usually realized with help of wax-based preparations preparations. The only goal is to recover leather properties (generally, its flexibility). Without it leather begins to dry, shrink and finally begins to tear seams. While animal is wearing its leather, animal’s organism is giving "lubricant" recovering leather properties and providing protection from drying, mechanical damages etc. When leather is apart of its “owner animal “ it does not receive lubricant so in travelling conditions leather boots are made of suffers much more than leather worn by animal in the same period of time. It’s due not only to mechanical damages but generally to that fact that leather is losing certain elements that are impossible to recover as leather is apart from the animal. Of course, First also partially increases water resistance but it is not the most important point. The most important is to recover leather properties. Unfortunately, full recovery is impossible, to be more precise – recovery of leather flexibility for preventing its crispiness and shrinking.
Heating of leather is realized using of hair drier at high heat level (it is necessary to open leather pores). Without heating or at low heating the preparation stays on leather surface so the action renders senseless. Therefore, it would be right to heat a small area of leather with hair drier at low heat level and treat the same place with preparation.
The scheme is as following: a boot is pressed between one’s legs, hair drier in one hand and tube with penetration in another one. Frequency of procedure First. As the aim First is to recover flexibility lost at washing useful elements out of leather, First certainly after backpackings where there was a lot of water. If there was no water influence during backpacking (hard to imagine but it is possible) there is no acute need to do it. In general, it is often recommended to do it First regularly. Leather type is of no importance. Only nubuk changes its color (gets darker), penetration does not affect its other properties (in case of big desire you can "fluff wool" with a brush). By the way, as compared with smooth leather, nubuk is less resistible to water and mud than leather is.
Second: It is clear that just before backpacking sparging of boots at 20 cm distance is needed. They will be dry within not less than 24 hours. It is often recommended sparging onto wet surface (by the way, the best distribution on the surface could be done just after washing). - It is impossible to spoil Gore-Tex by penetration if you always act following the guide. The only known means to spoil Gore-Tex boots when treating the footwear is to chock pores up trying to wash the inner side with washing powder. The membrane itself does not require any care. If there is no membrane, that is backing is also made of leather, it is worth to smear it regularly with usual cream for hand clam. Salt from feet dries the inner side rendering it hard, then crispy. - Certainly, treating boots it is important to dry them (after washing as well as after penetration) only at room temperature. No way, do not dry them on the sun, steam heating or above stove. Everybody is supposed to know it. Otherwise, leather crispiness, shrinking and tearing seams are expected. As to lard, oil, fats, etc, for example, Lova announced: “Yes, fat and oil render footwear almost water proof. But at that, the boot looses its robustness and its pores get chocked up. As a result of this the boot “stops breathing” and we have gumboot effect”. Let’s start with footwear. Usually, boots and some other footwear are kept in backpacking (usually we take light sandals). Boots for tour should be comfortable, water resistant and have a good bottom. In boots for mountaineering, backpacking and extremal tourism most of manufacturers use Vibram bottoms. These bottoms are made of high-duty, wear-resistance gum which does not loose its properties at very low as well as at significantly high temperature, high humidity, and having high “sticking property” to almost any kind of surface.
Best Hiking Boots Brands
Brands like Meindl, Asolo, Lowa, La Sportiva, Raichle, Kayland, Vasque and Scarpa - have good hiking boots.
Best Hiking Boots - based on customes reviews
| Photo | Description | Weight | Rating | Price | On SALE |
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Asolo Men's FSN 95 GTX
Light boots for hiking, backpacking and all around Robust and versatile for hiking, trekking, and backpacking. Many positive reviews |
1.28 kg | 8/10 | $170.00 | no |
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Vasque Breeze
Lightweight hiking boots - very popular model - great deal Lightweight three-season walking boot using Asolo's new Matrix sole construction. Water-resistant suede and hi-tenacity Nylon upper, Active Heel Support, Gore-Tex waterproof insert, Micro Pulley lacing system. Vibram outer sole |
1.162 kg | 8/10 | $104.9 | no |
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La Sportiva Onix GTX-XCR
A versatile, mid-height, waterproof light hiking boot designed for day hiking and short overnight trips |
1.04 kg | 8/10 | $97.46 | yes |
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Scarpa Mustang GTX
high quality mid-weight trekking/backpacking boots Robust and versatile for hiking, trekking, and backpacking. Many positive reviews |
1.191 kg | 8/10 | $179.95 | no |
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Asolo Fugitive GTX
Mid-weight comfortable dry climate boots for light hiking and backpacking | 1.191 kg | 8/10 | $146.88 | yes |
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Salomon Explorer GTX
Lightweight and excellent ankle support hiking/light trekking boots | 1.19 kg | 7/10 | $116.21 | yes |
Asolo Men's FSN 95 GTX— Light boots for hiking, backpacking and all around — $170.00
Asolo FSN 95 - $170.00
Buy at Rei.com (full sizes) Asolo FSN 95 - $124.95 Buy at Sierratradingpost.com (full sizes and colors)
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Decent Durability, Lightweight, yet good support, Soles provide good grip in most conditions, P/Q ratio Metal tag can pull out, leaving hole, Gore-Tex lining prevents fast drying $170.00 2 lbs. 13 oz (1.28 kilograms) per pair Three-season Hiking and Backpacking
Description: "Since receiving the boots in May 2005, I have worn them approximately 25 days. They are comfortable, provide good stability and traction, and keep my feet dry, even on a recent fishing trip where I was caught in a major cloudburst and my clothes were soaked. Thus far, I have not noticed any loose stitching, fraying of material, or pilling of the interior lining. Tread wear appears to be normal. Unfortunately, I do not believe you can resole these boots. I believe the Asolo FSN 95 GTX to be an excellent choice for lightweight, medium height, waterproof hiking and backpacking boots. Furthermore, I recently learned that Backpacker magazine likes them too—having selected them as an Editor’s Choice in 2001. " "It's been 3 years since we awarded this boot an Editors' Choice Award (under the name Fusion 95 GTX), and it's still one of the great values out there. Testers love the easy break-in uppers, which proved plenty supportive even during treacherous tidewater cobble hiking on California's Lost Coast. The light, stiff soles edge and grip well. Fit is good for a wide range of feet, thanks to a forgiving last." For light to moderate backpacking as well as hiking, Asolo's FSN 95 GTX boots hiking are versatile, waterproof, and breathable. Recognized for its great fit, this supportive design features Gore-Tex protection and all-terrain traction. Suede and Cordura nylon upper offers a perfect blend of support and breathability. Waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex lining. Polyurethane midsole provides durable support and shock absorption. Antibacterial footbed. AsoFlex shank gives great lateral stability to the outsole. Asolo rubber outsole for all-terrain traction. Asolo Men's FSN 95 GTX customers reviews: Great pair of bootsGreat pair of boots. I have hiked all over Southern Peru with them and never had a blister. Very durable and lightweight. I have had these boots for five yearsI have had these boots for five years and have hiked in them for more than 1,200 miles ( 1,931 km), mostly in Rocky Mountain National Park between 8,000 ft (2,750 m) and 11,000 ft (3,350 m). I have also traveled up some trails in the Cache La Poudre River Canyon between 9,000 ft (2,740 m) and 10,000 ft (3,000 m). On-trail and off-trail hiking, rocky terrain, steep terrain, slippery ice. The boots have been used on short day hikes and long, multiple-day backpacking trips. I have also used these boots with my snowshoes in the winter. Review Asolo FSN 95 GTXIn my experience with trying different boots, the durability of these boots is by far the best feature. The boots have provided me dry feet for miles upon miles of backpacking. When backpacking with others, I am one of the few that does not receive blisters from footwear. Double-knotting the laces will also allow for less stops to re-tie. The boots, if tied correctly, can provide hours upon hours of uninterrupted hiking. Review Asolo FSN 95 GTXGreat pair of boots. I have hiked all over Southern Peru with them and never had a blister. Very durable and lightweight. Outstanding Boots!These boots fit me perfectly,right out of the box, and required little break-in time. I had a pair of Asolos in Regular width that were a bit too tight. My son is now wearing those as his hiking boots or knock around college campus foot wear! The Wide model gave me the extra room that I needed. No problems at all with traction on rock, grass, or mixed terrain. I even wore them in the mud on my property while cutting firewood. They kept me dry for several days of constant use, never leaking even as I stood in rain and a couple of inches of water. They cleaned up with just soap and water in the sink. I haven't even treated them yet with any aftermarket waterproofing. I recommend these boots for anyone looking for a rugged and waterproof boot with great traction and a comfortable fit. |
Vasque Breeze GTX GTX —Super Lightweight boots for hiking — $119.96
Buy at Backcountry.com — $119.96
on SALE (25% Off) Buy at Moosejaw.com — $145 
Buy at Onlineshoes.com — $159.95 All color and sizes Vasque Breeze (Men's) - Smoke Buy at ShoeBuy.com - On Sale $104.95
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Ventilation ,Lightweight, Sticky sole, Flexibility N/A $104.9 2lb 9oz (1.162 kg) per pair Hiking
Description: "It's been raining for the last three days of your backpacking trip, but your feet are still dry and comfortable thanks to the Vasque Men's Breeze XCR Hiking Shoes. Their mid-height tops support your ankles as you hike with your 40-pound pack, and the Vibram Contact soles provide excellent traction on the wettest, slickest trails. A plastic Flexframe 1 Plate separates the Breeze XCR's midsole from outsole. The frame has an excellent forward flex, but limits twisting to keep your ankles stable. Most importantly, the Breeze XCR Hiking Shoes' Gore-Tex XCR linings keep your feet bone dry even when you're slogging through four inches of standing water on the trail." Vasque Breeze GTX customers reviews: Vasque Breeze GTXI've got the Vasque Breeze GTX XCR (narrow) and found it to be a very reliable boot. Narrow is pretty snug at first, but eventually stretches to a more comfortable fit. I hike in some very wet areas in Western Massachusetts and unless I am actually standing in a puddle that covers the boot or exposed for an extended time to wet areas, the boot keeps my feet dry. Great for all season comfort. I go through a pair/year. I don't know if it's the norm with hiking boots like this model, but I tend to get a lot of pebbles kicked up into the boot at the heel. Laces that come with the boot break quickly due to the friction of loops/hooks when lacing. Have experienced a small section of the toe starting to come unglued, but this is after almost 1 year of daily, year round use. Once the sole wears out, they begin to make a chirping/squeaking sound when walking. For me, the innersole is completely worn out at the 1 year mark. Can almost stick my finger through it. I highly recommend periodic conditioning product be applied to the exterior or else the leather will dry out and fray, especially at the toe. My Vasques take a beating and do a very good job standing up to the abuse. I have had these boots for five yearsI bought these boots for a 15 day backpacking trip in Capital Reef National Park and the San Rafael Swell and they were perfect. Did some slot canyon hiking in water and they stayed quite dry until I submerged them completely; after that they dried out super quick in the sun. I use superfeet insoles (green) in them and they are nice and comfy. I've had them for about a year and have hiked all over the South Cascades with them. No complaints, great boots. Fantastic Boots... If you love you feet these are the boots for you....Great fit, quick to break in, dry like a sauna... I bought these boots for year round hiking. I figured I'd go for something with a goretex liner since I live in the wet coast of Canada, also known as Vancouver. I've used them a few times since and have to say they are fantastic. I've even worn them snowshoeing twice and never had a single complaint or blister. In fact the breaking in of the boots took place on a short (1-2hrs) but particularly wet hike up one of the local mountain. Last weekend I went to one of the local mountain and went for a snowshoe up the hill. It snowed 4-5 inches while we were out snowshoeing and most of the trails ha not been travelled yet this year so we were setting the trails and sinking 6-8 inches into the powder with ever step. After 2.5 hours we went back to the truck and my feet were both warm and dry, which is more than I can say for many other parts of my body. I give them a definite must buy... As I said in the title, "If you love you feet and want them to return the affection you should treat your feet with these boots." Great pair of bootsGreat pair of boots. I have hiked all over Southern Peru with them and never had a blister. Very durable and lightweight. Outstanding Boots!These boots fit me perfectly,right out of the box, and required little break-in time. I had a pair of Asolos in Regular width that were a bit too tight. My son is now wearing those as his hiking boots or knock around college campus foot wear! The Wide model gave me the extra room that I needed. No problems at all with traction on rock, grass, or mixed terrain. I even wore them in the mud on my property while cutting firewood. They kept me dry for several days of constant use, never leaking even as I stood in rain and a couple of inches of water. They cleaned up with just soap and water in the sink. I haven't even treated them yet with any aftermarket waterproofing. I recommend these boots for anyone looking for a rugged and waterproof boot with great traction and a comfortable fit. |
La Sportiva Onix GTX-XCR —A versatile, mid-height, waterproof light hiking boot — $97.46
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Comfortable,Lightweight N/A $97.46 1lb 2oz (0.52 kg) per half pair Day-hiking Good for narrow feet
A versatile, mid-height, waterproof light hiking boot designed for day hiking and short overnight trips The La Sportiva Onix GTX-XCR Men's Hiking Boots provide total moisture protection for your feet, excellent traction in harsh conditions, and great support for your next hike. The Gore-Tex XCR lining ensures not one drop of water gets through these La Sportiva boots no matter how muddy the trail gets. Their Vibram Hiking I.B.S. outsoles grip steep trails and slick rocks to keep you upright and moving. The Onix Hiking Boots also include a 3/4-length polypropylene shank to help you carry your 30-pounds of gear from camp to camp to camp. Bottom Line: Don't let wet trails stop you. Get out there with the waterproof breathable La Sportiva Onix GTX-XCR Hiking Boots.
Backcountry.com — $97.46
on SALE (25% Off) Altrec.com — $134.95 
full sizes La Sportiva - Onix GTX-XCR (Brown/Grey) - Footwear Zappos.com Rei.com — $145.00 
Women's version |
Scarpa Mustang GTX — high quality heavy-duty hiking/backpacking boots — $179.95
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Durability, Quality, Waterproof, Vibram Sole None $179.95 42 oz (1191 g) per pair Backpacking, Trekking Description: Robust and versatile for hiking, trekking, and backpacking.
First Impressions:
Thanks to a very accurately depicted graphic of the SCARPA Mustang GTX boots on the SCARPA web site, there were no surprises when I received my test boots. The SCARPA web site also features a 360^(o) view window which allowed me to preview the boots front, sides and back for even more advance information. While the SCARPA web site does not have a US/European conversion size chart, a quick phone call to SCARPA customer service provided me with their suggested size equivalent to my US size 8-8.5 Women's. SCARPA's suggested 39.5 was slightly smaller than my other boots which range from 40.5 to 40.66. However, it was right on as far as my foot length is concerned.
The first time I put the Mustang GTX boots on, I was concerned they might be too big! However, after I laced the boots up tightly, I realized I had the proper fit. It's just that the boots are wider through the mid-foot area than I am used to wearing. Pulling on the SCARPA Mustang GTX Boots was an easy glide of my foot into the boot. There was no need to loosen the laces. I have plenty of wiggle room in the toe box even with my heaviest socks on and the mid-foot area does not feel overly confined even with the laces pulled as tightly as I could. My ankles feel securely supported with the laces tied so high up on my leg. A quick walk around the neighborhood makes me think I might have to break-in the SCARPA Mustang GTX boots though. They feel a bit stiff. I also noticed some movement of my heel which I will be mindful of when actually hiking. Otherwise, the boots are good-to-go. The first thing I noticed about the appearance of the SCARPA Mustang GTX Boots was the color. The green, which wraps around the heel and hugs the foot edge to the toe rand, is a little more striking in person and despite my husband's opinion, I like it. The green is a little less vivid than a "spring green", but a bit brighter than a "sage green". The "ice" (gray) main boot body is nicely accented with a black toe rand and ankle collar. The fabric is nicely sueded, except for the toe rand and the ankle collar. All stitching appears to be tight, straight and even with no loose, pulled or cut threads. The lacing system on the SCARPA Mustang GTX boots is a tensioned system with just enough laces for me to feel comfortable. No need to double and triple bow the laces so as to not trip on too-long laces. The laces are smooth, round and show no signs of snags or unraveling. A smooth woven material lines the interior of the SCARPA Mustang GTX boot. The tongue is gusseted to within 2 in (7.6 cm) of the top of the tongue. The Vibram sole of the SCARPA Mustang GTX is securely attached to the boot body via a gray PU wedge for shock absorption and a snazzy green striped microporous wedge. The tread on the SCARPA Mustang GTX is quite aggressive for such a lightweight boot. The depth of the grooves from the ball of the foot through the mid-heel area range from 1/8 to 1/4 in (.32 to .68 cm) deep. The pattern is very distinctive and will certainly make a CSI guy's job easy! :) The sole is free of any defects that I can discern, including extra glue, scratched or cut material and ragged edges. Logos are discreetly sized and placed so I won't feel like a walking billboard advertisement. There is a teeny tiny Gore-Tex cloth tag at the outside ankle, a 1 in (2.5 cm) rubber-like SCARPA logo also on the outside ankle and another SCARPA logo slightly larger and of the same material on the back of the boot. The gusseted tongue has a sewn-in cloth tag with the SCARPA logo and a "Go Up" slogan. And that's what I can't wait to do in these boots - GO UP (mountains, that is!). Field ReportDuring the Field Report stage of my testing, all of my "technical" wear of the SCARPA Mustang GTX Boots took place in either the Can~on City area in Colorado or southeast Michigan. There was much supplemental casual wear during this period as well, while walking my dog, doing outdoor chores, etc. Terrain in Colorado ranged from elevations of 5343 ft (1629 m) to about 6747 ft (2056 m) and consisted of rocky to dirt trails up to a 35% grade, including a good deal of rock scrambling in Can~on City's Red Canyon Park and the BLM district near Cooper Mountain. This area is primarily high desert with lots of pin~on pine, juniper and cactus. While it was a wetter than normal winter in this area, I rarely encountered any snow on the ground and not once was hiking in wet conditions during this stage of testing. In Michigan, most of my testing was in deciduous forested areas of rolling hills and flat meadows with little or no elevation gain. There was little or no snow on the ground during the last couple of months and no precipitation.
First, let me say, I generally hike "hot". And during the latter period of this test, the weather got warmer at times, up to a high temperature of 80 F (27 C). The low temperature I encountered was about 30 F (-1 C). At no time were the boots ever uncomfortable due to either cold or heat. I worry whenever I wear "waterproof" boots about sweaty feet and up to now, that has not been a problem at all. Conversely, even though, the SCARPAs are light weight boots, they have been warm enough in the colder temps. I've worn every kind of sock I own from thick wool socks with silk liners to thinner wicking socks with no liners. Mostly, I wear a pair of light weight Thorlo hiking socks. SCARPA Mustang GTX boots on the trail in Pontiac Lake Recreation Area The SCARPAs are easy to put on and take off with the speed lacing system easing the chore. I find I can lace the boots with a double bow at the top and have enough lacing to do it comfortably without overly long laces to possibly tangle with the underbrush. The boots are also comfortable enough that I'm not frantic to get them off my feet at the end of a long hike or the end of the day. They don't feel heavy and/or hot. And they look quite nice too! I've had several people comment on how "cool" the SCARPAs look. I've been quite pleased with the ankle support the SCARPAs give me. I am not the most graceful person in the world and while I'm sometimes literally tripping on the trail, I need to be assured that my ankles are protected. When the SCARPAs as tightly laced - as I'm prone to do - I have had no wobbling or twisting of my ankles. This is very important to me especially on the very rough shale-y trails I bushwhack through in Colorado. I'm often too busy oh-ing and ah-ing over the scenery to notice the loose rock just waiting to send me lurching. So far with the SCARPAs, I've escaped the swollen ankle or two! Tightening the laces of the SCARPAs also has an added benefit. It keeps my toes from banging into the toe box tip when traversing downhill while slipping and sliding on the aforementioned shale-y trails. My foot stays firmly in place with no bruising of the piggy toes which has been a problem for me in the past with other boots. I've experienced no blisters as a result of any hot spots or rubbing from any seams or looseness in the boot. The only discomfort I've encountered so far, is a bit of soreness in my arch. The arch support is not high enough for me and after several hours on the trail with a full pack, I feel some soreness there. I plan to exchange the stock insole in the very near future (before my next overnight or long hike) for something a little more supportive. Traction is one of my main concerns when considering a hiking boot. As I previously mentioned, I'm clumsy! This means I need all the help I can get keeping my feet planted firmly on the ground. The SCARPAs have been very good to me in slick mud, dusty trails and in pretty much everything else in the way of rock, gravel, etc. I have felt fairly nimble when climbing steep hills where I needed to use my hands to help my ascent. The SCARPAs not only held on well, they even flexed a bit to give me more of a toehold. This was a surprise to me because my first impressions were that the boots were rather stiff and unyielding. Yay! SCARPA Mustange GTX boots on the trail in Pontiac Lake Recreation Area After two months, there has been minimal wear and tear on the SCARPA boots. Even though I've scraped against rocks and trudged through miles of dust, the boots after two months still look almost new. There is no shredding on the soles, no gashes in the uppers and the laces haven't started to unravel. So far, so good. On to the next test period! Long Term ReportDuring this phase of my testing of the SCARPA Mustang GTX boots, I was pretty much confined to day hiking in southeast Michigan. My pack weight was generally in the 10 lb (4.5 kg) range except for my roughly every-other-day "training" hikes of 6-8 miles (10-13 km) when my pack was loaded down with 25 lb (11.3 kg). (I'm preparing for a two day trip up Pike's Peak in late September.) The hilly-to-flat terrain was a mixture of packed dirt and loose sand with just a bit of rocks to make it interesting. Temperatures were generally between 80 F and 95 F (27 C and 35 C) under cloudy to very sunny skies. Other than an occasional light shower, no appreciable moisture was encountered during the last two months. I did get to test the SCARPAs' ability to cope with water when on one hike I had to ford several streams. As long as I swiftly moved through the water and the water did not go over the top of the Mustangs, my feet remained high and dry. The one time that the water did go over the tops and my socks soaked through, I stopped and changed my socks. Using a dirty t-shirt, I wiped the insides of the boot dry and was relatively comfortable for the rest of the hike. Even with my 25 lb (11.3 kg) pack on, I never experienced any excessive leg fatigue while wearing these boots. The slightly achy arches I endured during the field testing portion of my report was solved by replacing the stock inner soles with more supportive custom soles. After 4 months and at least 200 miles (322 km) of trail use, my Mustangs are still in great shape. The tread shows no unusual signs of wear and while the toe box looks a little banged up - I'm clumsy - there are no tears or objectionable gouges. Cactus spines haven't torn or snagged the uppers nor have the laces unravelled. I expect many, many more miles/kilometers of use yet! So far, the only care I have given to these boots is a good brushing with a stiff bristle brush to remove excess dust and sand. On a couple of occasions where the insides of the Mustangs received a soaking, I used my Dri-Guy (a boot air-drying appliance) to successfully dry out the boots, but for the most part, surface wetness from rain or shallow water was not given any special treatment. Sadly, out of 9 pages of English language care instructions in the enclosed SCARPA pamphlet, a scant one paragraph is devoted to "suede" boots. The Mustangs' uppers are suede. Apparently, SCARPA didn't spend much time or ink on their boots that "are made from cheaper priced materials than full grain leathers." However, just recently per SCARPA's suggestion, I did treat my boots to Nikwax Nubuck & Suede treatment in anticipation of possible snow on Pike's Peak. (My son encountered snow on Mt. Elbert just last week!) The application was easily accomplished although it did slightly darken the suede. My Favorite Things:
My Least Favorite Things: The SCARPA Mustang GTX boots have quickly become my go-to boots for my summer hiking. Their light weight makes them a pleasure to put on and my feet stay drier both from less sweating and from the GoreTex protection from the elements. The tread while it could be more aggressive - which would make it heavier - is plenty sufficient for the dirt, sand and rocky scree trails I've tested on. The ankle support is very stabilizing without being overly restrictive. Lastly, with custom inner soles to correct my higher than average arches, I now have the cushioning arch support to make the Mustangs the most comfortable backpacking boots in my gear closet. This concludes my Test Report on the SCARPA Mustang GTX. Thank you, SCARPA and BackPackGearTest.org, for the opportunity to test this neat product.
Initial Impressions:
Scarpa Mustang GTX customers reviews
I'd buy them again.
The SCARPA Mustang GTX mid-weight hiking boots arrived in a typical shoe box, with a Gore-Tex tag attached to the boots, and a Gore-Tex guarantee card, and SCARPA owner's manual. The boots I selected are the Pewter/Smoke color, and are attractively highlighted with orange in different areas as visible in the pictures in this report. From the website I preferred the colors available only on the women's Mustangs, but I am pleased at the appearance of the boots I received. The boots came with multicolor laces, and the insides of the boots are lined with patterned material which reminds me of a suit coat. The uppers of the boots are Nubuck leather, except for the mesh area for the ankle tensioners. The Vibram Megane Lite soles have moderately aggressive treads. The biggest surprise for me is the weight of the boots. Each boot weighs and identical 27 ounces (765 grams) and they seem quite light compared to the conventional leather boots I have been using up to this point. The boots appear to be well made and there is no indication of any flaws in the material or construction. Curiously, the speed-hooks on the upper part of the boots appear to be plastic. I typically have experienced that the metal speed-hooks on my other footwear get bent easily, so it will be interesting to see how the SCARPA speed-hooks perform.
The SCARPA Mustang's are made in Italy, and the owner's manual starts off in Italian. The second half of the booklet is in English, with some amusing translations such as "...we hope the following information will help you get the best out of your boots and advise you of the best way to look after them." The care of the boots is detailed by material type, and the manual references that one should look at the label of the box to determine important information on materials used in the specific boots received. However, the guide to the label in the manual is quite different from the actual label on the box, so I am confused as to what exactly all the numbers and codes mean. Beyond the color, model, and size, I believe the Mustangs are suede leather with Gore-Tex linings. SCARPA lists in their literature that Nubuck leather is defined as "full grain leather where the outer surface of the leather has a finely sanded, texturised finish which gives the boot an added appeal. Nubuck is a full quality leather and should not be confused with suede." Unfortunately or not, the Mustang GTX model is suede.
Slipping the SCARPA Mustang GTX mid-weight hiking boots on, they feel soft and comfortable. One of the various size-chart conversions I found on the web showed that a European 46 1/2 = 12 1/2 US. Another chart showed European 46 = 11 1/2 US, while yet another chart showed European 46 = 12 US. I went with the size 46, as my feet measure precisely size 12 (US), and the boots are ever so slightly larger than I would prefer. That being said, I haven't hiked in them yet, and with possibly thicker socks, and slightly swollen feet after being out on the trail, I am comfortable using the boots in the size I received. I should also point out that I am able to tighten the laces sufficiently without them totally closing the gap between them on the top of the boots.
I am pleased with the SCARPAs as they arrived. They are stylish, lightweight, and comfortable. All materials and construction seem to be first rate, and I am anxious to do some serious hiking in these boots. The only areas of confusion so far are in the owner's manual which doesn't define what materials are used specifically on the Mustang GTX. Test Location and Conditions:I have worn the SCARPA Mustang GTX Mid-Weight Hiking Boots on daily morning hikes in the woods and on trails around my home in Eastern Iowa. I have also used the SCARPAs during three overnight trips to Palisades Kepler Park (twice) and Pinicon Ridge Park (once), both in Eastern Iowa. Temperatures have been from around freezing to 80 F (27 C), and the elevation in this region is approximately 860 feet (262 meters). Trail usage has included dirt trails, brush, rock and gravel trails, and a few areas through shallow standing water. The terrain has been flat to hilly, without any dramatic climbs. These activities have been predominantly in dry conditions, although the SCARPAs were exposed to some rain, mud, and shallow standing water. Fit and Comfort:The SCARPA Mustang GTX boots are easy to put on and feel comfortable. The interior length is just about perfect - as before lacing them I can wiggle my feet in far enough that my toes touch the end of the boots, leaving a slight gap behind my heels. The width of these size 12 boots is not as compliant with my feet as the length. I have pretty normal feet, although I would say they are more on the thin side that the wide side. That is where the slight fit issue with the Mustangs comes in. I have more than enough width, but the tongue of the boots on the lower part of my foot has so much material for the gusseting that I can't quite tighten them enough. To counteract this issue I have removed the comfortable but thin SCARPA insoles and replaced them with some thicker Sof Sol insoles I have used in other footwear. This pretty much does the trick, although I would still prefer to be able to tighten the lower part of the boots more. SCARPA Original Insoles Stock SCARPA insoles, which are nice, but thin.
Aftermarket Sof Sols Aftermarket insoles are thicker and improved the fit for my feet.
The boots in general are quite comfortable. Initially they seemed a bit odd in that they were light, yet stiff. I don't really know how to describe it other than they seemed like Styrofoam boots with plastic shells. Of course that is an exaggeration, but they seemed to be ridged as opposed to stiff. That being said, they have loosened up and I don't really have that feeling about them any longer. I should mention that the uppers, the area above the ankles, can be tightened more than sufficiently. Trail Use:I haven't had any issues with breaking in the SCARPA Mustang GTX boots. They have loosened up with use, but right out of the box I took them on a 5 mile (8 k) hike in to a camping spot and my feet were happy. I did discover that backpacking down a hill caused my toes to impact the ends of the boots, which was uncomfortable, but later switching to thicker insoles has pretty much alleviated this problem. Thin / Short Laces Thin laces slide easily, although they are a little short
The laces that came with the boots are rather thin, which makes them travel well through the boot's eyelets and webbing. This also has toughened up the calluses on my pinkies from pulling with all my might to get the laces tight. The laces also slip easily into the speed-hooks, and I have gotten to where I can lace them up in nearly complete darkness for those early trail starting times. The laces are a bit on the short side, but this prevents the ends from dangling long enough to get walked on by the boots. I have, on a couple of occasions, hiked through some standing water which came up roughly to where the ankle/shoelace webbing attaches to the boots. There has been no leakage of water into the boots under these conditions. Traction is as expected, which is excellent on dirt, mud, and through vegetated areas. When ascending rocks, or rocky trails, the combination of the stiff boots and the grippy Vibram soles bodes well for getting up the incline. Wet rocks are slippery… but again the stability of the boots makes the best of the situation and allows me to proceed without much fear of slipping or falling. The stability of the boots also provides the ability to proceed with the smallest of toe-holds on the edge of a rock, and also offers substantial protection from ankle impalements. I generally use boots more for ankle protection than for ankle support, however the Mustang GTX offers both. The Mustang GTX boots after a hike in dirty conditions
Durability hasn't really come into play after a couple of months of testing. I did want to comment though, on the speed-hooks which are ridged and sturdy, and show no signs of deforming in any way shape or form from their original configuration. This impresses me as on all the boots I can remember the speed-hooks were either getting bent closed to where the laces wouldn't go in, or bent open to where the laces kept slipping out when lacing up the boots. This is Cool! Also the suede uppers seem to resist scuffing as I have bashed my ankles into rocks and banged the SCARPAs around quite a bit. The only other comment I have on durability is that I have had the boots rather caked with mud, and otherwise just plain dirty, and by simply wearing them, or swishing them around in a puddle, they have come mostly clean with little or no effort on my part. Summary:In summary, at this stage of the testing I am quite pleased with the performance of the SCARPA Mustang GTX boots. I was originally a little concerned with the fit, but that hasn't been much of an issue. I do wish I could tighten the lower portion of the boots more, but I must say that the design of the laces and speed-hooks is well thought out. These are light but sturdy boots, and I look forward to wearing them as I continue this test series. "Purchased these boots after reading about them in outside magazine. The article said they fit perfectly right out of the box so I put em on and ran up and back down a mountain in them. The heel cup was ultimately comfortable with no slipping. Spot adjustment of fit using the laces was easy and I was able to make changes in small areas without changing the fit along the rest of the boot which prevented any pressure spots from becoming a problem. My last pair of boots had them 10 years could not do this. Living in the desert there are plenty of sharp and dense things at foot level to tear a boot apart but the Scarpa's still looked brand new after a few tough hikes. The only thing I had to do with these boots was buy an insole as the sole of the boot is like granite on my toes and flattened em out. With the insole in place I can hike forever in these boots. Very, Very nice boots." Lots of boot for the money!"These boots are incredible. The fit is perfect for my narrow feet. The breakin period was less than one one hour hike. After an application of Nik Wick the suede was absolutely water proof. Even my kids commented on how I would hike through any hing without a second thought on our trip to Acadia. Great fit, great comfort, great boot." Sweet boots Man!"So I ordered the Charcoal and Orange or whatever and let me tell you these boots ROCK THE HOUSE!!! I wore them for a week straight in the BWCA Boundary Waters Canoe Area without breaking them in and they were still awesome!!! Very comfortable, very dry, very sturdy, and a great fit. They were wet, beaten, muddy, you name it and they held up like a champ. I would recommend these to anyone!" Super stout boot!"A great midweight boot for people with narrow to medium width feet. The boots are comfortable right out of the box, but only get better as they get broken in. Super sticky Vibram sole and durable outers, qnd the quality and craftsmanship you would expect from Scarpa." I love these boots!"Those Italians really know how to make a very sweet boot. They fit nice, look nice, and perform very well." |
Asolo Fugitive GTX — Mid-weight comfortable dry climate boots for light hiking and backpacking — $185.00
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Lightweight, comfortable, cushioned and roomy, popularity Sole (not Vibram, not for rocky trails) , Good on light loads $146.88 (on SALE) 3 lbs. 2 oz (1.42 kilograms) per pair Hiking, All around Features: Water-repellant suede and Cordura upper, Gore-Tex waterproof liner, Duo Asoflex lasting, Asolo Synchro rubber outsole with PU cushioining, reinforced toe-cap ,mens's, women's and wide men's fits available. Description: The perfect pair of hiking boots can make all the difference in your trip. Choose the wrong pair and you can be in for a world of hurt and discomfort. Choose the right pair and you may not even notice you are wearing them. No matter if you are a day hiker who occasionally does multi day hikes or the serious backpacker who never you leave home without his pack, you need a good pair of hiking boots. The Asolo Fugitive GTX Hiking Boots might just be the ones you are looking for. Ultimately, choosing your hiking boot depends on the type of hiking and location of where you will be hiking the most. That said, there are a number of features that every hiker needs in a pair of hiking boots and the Asolo Fugitive GTX Hiking Boots has just about all of them. You wont find and endless list of features on the Asolo Fugitive GTX Hiking Boots. Just the must haves, but this doesn’t mean the Asolo Fugitive GTX Hiking Boots are lacking in pure functionality. All the staples of a good hiking boot can be found on the Asolo Fugitive GTX Hiking Boots. From the waterproof uppers to its extreme breathability, to its super duper traction. The Asolo Fugitive GTX Hiking Boots concentrates on making these staple feature perform well so you have no need for all the other bells and whistles that other hiking boots offer. Why they rock:
If your looking for a hiking boot that offers a lot of what you need and none of what you dont, check out the Fugitive GTX Hiking Boots. From the occasional day hiker to a serious backpacker, everyone is sure to enjoy the design and funtionality of the Asolo Fugitive GTX Hiking Boots. www.outdoorsmagic.com Asolo Fugitive GTX review:The Concept In the 90s, Asolo were perhaps best known for their plastic mountaineering boots in the UK, then, during a period when they were owned by Beneton, they produced a slightly unreliable range of boots which soured their reputation in this country. Since then though, things have changed markedly. The company is now owned by the same Italian outdoor group who bought Lowe Alpine a few years back and have made big commitment to using the latest technologies across their range of walking, trekking and mountaineering boots. The Fugitive is their top-selling model in the UK. so we reckoned it would be an interesting starting point. It's a lightweight suede and Cordura boot with a distinctly continental look and intended as a durable alternative to leather. It's effectively a 3-season boot and we'd happily use it for walking pretty much anywhere below the snowline. Features The Fugitive uses Asolo's Duo Asoflex lasting system. It's called Duo because the system consists of a stiffer unit to give stability and anti-pronation qualities bonded to a softer, shock-absorbing material to increase comfort. You also get a Gore-Tex liner - Asolo is one of Gore's oldest partners in the footwear area - lightweight lace hardware and an Asolo-branded outsole with PU cushioning for, erm, cushioning. In Action As an Italian boot, we half expected the Fugitive to have a narrow, low-volume fit. In fact it's surprisingly voluminous, which should make it a viable option for a lot of us broad-footed Brits. The lacing system with its pivoting rings worked well and we found the boot comfortable straight out of the box. We found the Fugitive's Duo Asoflex construction gave decent torsional rigidity but with enough flex for comfortable walking and worked well on both grassy low-level terain and on rockier paths. The sole seemed fine too. They're not stff enough to edge with on scrambles, but then that's not what three-season boots are intended for. Cushioning was adequate too with dual-density PU mid-sole material doing its job. If you lift the lightweight footbed you can feel the give in the mid-sole. Where the Fugitive does score over most leather equivalents is in its relative lightness. That makes it feel nimble on broken ground and, over the course of a long day, ultimately less tiring. We can't really tell you about durability, but you get tough reinforced toe and heel sections plus Cordura, which makes up much of the upper is known for its toughness and abrasion resistance, so we don't see why it shouldn't continue to do the business, but only time will tell. Two aspects of the Fugitive are either love or hate. The Gore-Tex liner is becoming almost ubiquitous these days, particularly in fabric boots. It will keep the water out, but in hotter conditions and particularly if you're a sweaty-footed person, you can end up with hot, wet feet as the liner is unable to cope. The other like or loath feature is the styling. It's terribly continental, darling, and will either boil your beans or not. We rather liked it. Verdict Light, comfortable and so far, tough with it, the best thing about the Fugitives is that most of the time we didn't really think about them at all, they just got on with the job of providing grip, comfort and protection for our feet, which is pretty much all you can ask for. We reckon they're a good, lightweight alternative to a leather three-season boot for use below the snowline. Some people will prefer a torsionally stiffer boot for heavy pack use, but we found the Fugitives fine and enjoyed the lightweight nimbleness of the boot. The Gore-Tex liner is down to personal preference, as are the looks. Finally, even though we like the Fugitives a lot, bear in mind that unless they fit your feet, they're useless to you and we'd always suggest that you try and range of boots with the aid of an experienced boot fitter before deciding. That said, the Fugitive's shape should suit many UK feet. Asolo Fugitive GTX customers reviews Very happy with my purchase!"I wore these in Glacier Nat'l Park in Auguest 2005. Very important to break in beforehand. I did about 45 miles in 5 days. Very comfortable and stable with my 38 lb pack. Great traction and the gore-tex waterproofness worked great. I never even got a blister. I key is to wear liners under a good pair or wool socks (Smartwool) Very happy with my purchase!" "I've worn these boots for a total of 114 miles..."I've worn these boots for a total of 114 miles, in three seasons and 13 different trails. positives- excellent water protection and durability, keeps my nasty foot odor to a minimum as well. excellent stability, saved my ankles more than a few times while bearing heavy loads. negatives- heavy, boots wear on shins after awhile. mediocre traction on slick rocks, excellent in mud though. Long drying time when fully submerged. Long break in time, but then bliss." These boots offered me comfort out of the box"Unlike others,these boots offered me comfort out of the box. I have wide forefeet and despite Asolos' typicaly narrow fit, the toe box is quite roomy. For me, this results in a snug but comfortable fit along the sides that translates into excellent support and stability that carries upward to the ankle while carrying moderate loads. Coming from leather boots, I find them light aswell. my only concerne is the cemented sole (but time will tell), and the laces need a double knot to stay secure(a pain to undo with cold hands and filled with ice/snow at the end of a day))but fixable of course. All in all, a super friend to my feet." |
Salomon Explorer GTX — Lightweight and excellent ankle support hiking/light trekking boots — $116.21
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Arch support, Lightweight, Traction, Price, Fit Not Vibram sole $116.21 Waterproof Salomon Explorer GTX hikers lighten your load without sacrificing protection or traction. Long-lasting split suede leather and nylon uppers offer flexibility, breathability and lightweight comfort. Seam-sealed Gore-Tex® liners offer excellent protection from water yet allow moisture vapor to escape, keeping feet from overheating. Padded, gusseted tongues relieve lace pressure while keeping trail debris and moisture out. Rubber toe caps protect toes and uppers from bumps and abrasion. Self-locking eyelets help keep laces from slipping as the miles tick by; heel loops assist with entry. Wicking polyester linings absorb and disperse excess moisture for comfort. AutoFIT memory foam at heels wraps ankles and feet for a secure, customized fit. Removable Ortholite® footbeds add shock absorption; antimicrobial treatment deters odors. Dual-density EVA midsoles absorb shock to supply lasting comfort and support. 2D Advanced Chassis™ midsole supports help control twisting on uneven ground and protect feet from sharp stones. Solid traction from Contagrip® rubber outsoles keeps you moving across rough surfaces, both wet and dry." Salomon Explorer GTX reviews Lightweight boot with high ankle support"This is the corvette ship of hiking boots: fast and lightly "armored." If you look at all of the boots that REI carries, this is the lightest model that offers good ankle support, rising a full inch above many heavier models and way above most boots in the hiking category. Salomon managed this by placing split-grain suede leather only where it's needed for stiffness, around the bottom of the boot and up the back of the ankle. The remainder on the foot top is fabric, which gives less protection, but not much is needed there. The toe is protected from scuffs by a rubber bumper. The sole is also light. On rough ground, I can feel rocks through the sole. Because of the thinness of the upper as compared to full-grain leather, this gives less support than I'd want for backpacking with a heavy load. REI lists it as a backpacking boot, but personally, I say it fits better in the hiking category.I've worn these backpacking up to Little Yosemite Valley, then on up Half Dome. The traction was great, except for going down the cables where the granite probably has a layer of grime from thousands of hikers' boots.I've also worn these for several days in the desert. Due to the Gore-Tex lining, they are waterproof, but the don't breathe rapidly enough to keep my feet from getting sweaty. All Gore-Tex boots that I've owned have been like this.Footwear experts [...] said that the average man has a D width foot. Mine are narrower at C width, so they suggested the Salomons (the Vasque Sundowner and La Sportiva Trango are also good for narrower feet). These fit like a glove, so I returned my Asolo Flame boots, which were too wide [...]" Lightweight boot with high ankle support"This boot has a snug fit and great arch support. There was no break-in time; it was remarkably comfortable from day one, and still is 6 months later. I've taken these boots in snow and on rock and in mud. Easy to clean; let the mud dry and it just brushes off. Waterproof - you can walk through shallow streams and not get soaked unless it tops the boot level. One caution I'd give is that this boot's sole is not super-stiff, which means that if you're doing a couple of days on sharp scree, you'll probably want a more heavy-duty boot. Also, should you get it wet on the inside, this boot is slow to dry. Once I fell into a stream and they got soaked on the inside. I had to hike out 7 miles with squishy wet feet, but got NO blisters! I think it's because of the unusually snug and comfy fit." |
Superfeet - premium insoles for hiking
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Buy at Altrec.com — $34.95
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