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Hi-Tec Men’s Bandera Mid Hiking Boots Review

Today I want to take a look at the Hi-Tec Men’s Bandera Hiking Boots. Hi-Tec have been around since the 70’s and so have been making footwear for a long time. They’re a reputable brand and I have owned varying shoes and boots from them over the years.

These are reasonable entry level hiking boots for light hiking but don’t expect to get years of use out of them. There is reasonably good value for money here though.

Check Availability at Amazon.

Pros:

Very reasonable price and value for money
Plenty of cushioning for comfort and minimal break-in period
Perfect for normal day-to-day use
Wide feet option available
Ideal for a newbie hiker testing the waters

Cons:

Insole not adequately comfortable
Laces can be hard to tie to stay securely closed
Not suitable for harder hiking e.g. off-trail, backpacking, etc.
Sizing seems off, but easily rectified by ordering 0.5 a size up from your normal size

Hi-Tec Bandera Hiking Boots for Men Features Summary

Waterproof suede leather and high performance fabric upper provides durability, breathability and comfort
Dri-Tec waterproof, breathable membrane keeps feet dry
Rustproof metal hardware holds up, whatever the conditions
Removable molded EVA footbed delivers underfoot cushioning
Steel shank provides trusted support and stability to every step
Sturdy rubber cup outsole provides greater stability and protection
Weight: 21.1 oz.

Overview

The Hi-Tec Men’s Bandera Mid Hiking Boots are a top seller on Amazon. That got me intrigued so I thought I would look into it a bit more to see what I could find.

The first thing that caught my eye was the price. It comes in and around a very reasonable 50 to 60 bucks so if there was any kind of quality in it, it could really line itself up as a good hiking boot option, especially as a starter model for folks just getting started on the trail.

From a style and look perspective, first impressions were that the Bandera has a very technical style to it. The upper is constructed using waterproof suede leather and mesh with striped nylon straps running alongside it. The Logo is quite prominent both on the tongue and the bottom rear of the boot as well as a logo mold on the front. You won’t forget your branding in a hurry that is for sure. All of that rests on top of a MDT rugged rubber outsole.

There are four color combinations to choose from 1. Brown/Olive/Snow 2. Camo 3. Taupe/Gold 4.Bone/Brown/Mustard. All in all the boot looks pretty good from an aesthetic point of view.

It lists most of the features I would look for in a hiking boot but I wanted to do a deep dive into each of these key areas to see what I could find in terms of performance, comfort, durability and so on.

Comfort

Looking at comfort the first place we’ll start is with the insoles. The boots feature a removable contoured insole made from foam. However from researching into this pair of boots, it seems that many folks had to either replace or shore-up the insoles in them.

Not a big deal perhaps but you may be looking at factoring in another $20 for a good pair of insoles to go with your hiking boots. Not the end of the world if the boots come up trumps in all other areas as the price is so reasonable but something you may need to consider.

Personally, I don’t like to sacrifice any comfort on the trail where I can avoid it and I would expect an insole to do its job adequately on a new pair of hiking boots. I also go off trail very regularly so not ideal if the insoles aren’t giving me the comfort I need.

The collar of the boots are, as you can see in the photo below, very thick, as is the tongue so a good layer of cushioning surrounds the lower ankle and upper foot. I like this feature but it needs to work in conjunction with the lacing, many times extra padding can lead to difficulty tying laces securely.

Hi-Tec Men's Bandera Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

The laces are tied using a Gilly lacing systems and, as mentioned in the last piece, I did find a lot of comments from folks having difficulty with the laces on the Bandera’s.

I have come across this problem with other boots before and it can usually be solved with the purchase of a good pair of laces. However, if I have to buy insoles and laces for a new pair of boots, I’m building up quite a shopping list and I haven’t even put them on as yet 🙂

The laces also have cloth lace retainers on the side which, from my experience, can give quite easily. Once a lace breaks through one of those, your hiking boots are pretty much done as you can’t replace them so go easy!

Now, I feel at this point I should add a reminder about the price tag on these boots being so reasonable. For 60 or so bucks, I wouldn’t be expecting a lifelong love affair with a pair of boots 🙂 As long as they hold up for a reasonable period, I would be OK with some teething problems.

The Banderas come with a Moisture-wicking lining to help keep the foot dry but I don’t think the boots would be overly breathable. Mesh isn’t as good as Gore-tex but I think for a basic two or three season, in fair climates, trail hiking that shouldn’t be a big issue.

The Bandera’s are listed as being waterproof however, waterproof is a very broad term. It really depends what kind of constraints you are putting them under. From reading what many users have written about this particular requirement, it seems that in reasonable conditions they hold up but for heavy hiking off-trail use, they don’t keep your feet dry.

To give an example of what that means, in light to medium rain showers through spring, summer and autumn they should be fine, but if you will be out in heavy downpours, stepping in marsh, near ankle deep water and that type of thing, the Banderas will most likely not keep water out for any length of time, nor would I expect them to at 60 or so bucks

The listed weight is Weight: 21.1 oz. so not heavy. Looking at how the boots are constructed I would expect this to be the case. Not heavy on the feet for light day hiking but probably not sturdy enough for longer any longer backpacking trips or that kind of thing.

The next thing to look at is sizing. The Bandera’s come with a wide option which is great to have for many folks. However, having read about 100 odd reviews on these boots, probably the most common flag to watch out for was in the sizing department. It seems that you need to order a half size bigger than your actual size, some folks even suggested going a full size but I think that would probably be too much. So, if you’re normally a size 10, go 10.5 or, on the outer reaches, an 11.

With regards to break-in, the Bandera’s generally seem to take almost no time to break in. With so much cushioning on the tongue, ankle and upper I would expect that to be the case.

Support, Stability and Grip

The shaft of the Hi-tec Bandera hiking boots for men measure approximately 5″ from the arch which is about typical for a mid hiking boot. The ankle is supported with a steel shank to help shore up support and stability while moving.

As referenced already, the ankle and upper foot area is further protected by a thick padded tongue, approximately 6” in height. The tongue is gusseted, which I think is the only way to go to help keep little bits of shrapnel out of the inside of your boots.

The mid-sole, the piece between the outsole and the upper, of the boot is constructed using EVA. EVA stands for Ethylene-vinyl acetate. It is a polymer that has good stress and impact resistance properties.

In terms of support the insole issue mentioned above is applicable here as a lack of comfort on the insole will have a knock-on effect on stability. The outer sole of the boot is not solid, it is designed with air pockets to provide support cushioning. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing depending on what you need the boots for.

For example, if you’re hiking a lot over heavy rocks and stones this will likely become an issue at some point as the pockets may give as stones break through. If you’re mostly light trail hiking, it shouldn’t be a major problem in terms of support and stability.

The Bandera features a traction rubber cupsole. A cupsole is an outsole like a cup around the sole of your foot. Cupsoles are premolded to fit a boot during the production process. At the end it is glued to the bottom of the shoe. The cupsole is covered on the outside by a Carbon rubber outsole which offers non-marking and features multi-directional traction for added grip.

As mentioned above the soles of the boots are not solid and are cushioned with air pockets. This is common enough in cheaper models of boots and probably ties in with the very reasonable price. Again, this should not be an issue for light hiking use but will cause issues at some point under heavy off-trail use.

Price

The first thing to mention is that the Banderas come with a 1 year warranty from date of purchase but there is a proviso. They are warranted to to be free from manufacturer’s defects, as long as the damage is not caused by wear-related use.

This of course leaves room for interpretation but if something busts after only a month or two I think they would be hard pushed not to offer you something. Short of hiking over hot lava or some other mad and extreme conditions, the basics should be expected to hold up for a period under reasonable conditions.

Based on all the reviews I have read, the construction, the brand, etc. I think that overall, the Hi-Tec Bandera Hiking Boots are good boots for the price you have to pay. You can’t go far wrong for what you’re paying, but you need to set your expectations correctly. Click on the image at the link above to check live price information on Amazon.

Anyone who thinks you’re going to get years of hard hiking use out of a sixty bucks pair of hiking boots will be disappointed. If you are new to hiking or a casual hiker and just like to get out on the trail every once in a while for a light hike in the hills, these could be a fine and economical choice.

If however, you’re an established hiker and / or backpacker then I think you need to look elsewhere as you will probably want tougher boots that can handle a much wider set of terrain and conditions.

Best Uses

I recommend that the best uses for the Hi-Tec Banderas are for light hiking staying on well established trails. I don’t think they’re really suitable for any hard off trail hiking, backpacking or that kind of thing. They’re a lightweight mid hiking boot and so I would keep their use light.

As well as hiking, if you do a bit of fishing, they might work fine as a pair of boots to protect your feet while walking to and from your fishing spots, that sort of thing. If you need a pair of sturdier boots for normal day-to-day use, then the Bandera’s should fit the bill well too.

Finally, if you’re new to hiking and just testing the waters to see if you like the whole Great Outdoors thing, the Hi-Tec Bandera Mid Hiking Boots could be a great option to start with. This is mainly because of the price. You won’t break the bank with these boots and if you decide that hiking isn’t for you, you can still utilize them for normal day-to-day use.

Customer Reviews

As of the date of this post, from about 750+ reviews across multiple retailers, 83% gave the Bandera boots 3 stars or more, 73% 4 stars or more, so they are definitely doing something right and ticking a lot of boxes for a lot of people.

Our Rating 3.5 (Out of 5)

Conclusion

In conclusion, from my perspective, the Hi-Tec Bandera Hiking boots for men are a reasonable entry level pair of hiking boots and are pretty good value for money as long as you don’t expect too much from them.

For the newbie or casual day hiker on light even trails, they should do fine for a reasonable length of time. For anything more, in terms of hiking, I think you would be better advised to part with a bit more cash and get a sturdier pair of boots. However, in saying that, it is worth reiterating that 89% gave the Bandera boots 3 stars or more, 78% 4 stars or more, so they are definitely doing something right and ticking a lot of boxes for a lot of people.

For entry level hiking that will last the course in harder terrain, the Meindl Vakuum boots are an excellent option.

I’ve mentioned the price numerous times throughout this review but I think it is worth concluding with it again. The Banderas offers a good price for a reasonable pair of hiking boots from a respected brand. As clearly mentioned throughout this review too though, be sure to set your expectations of them correctly in advance.

I hope you found this review useful. Please comment and / or share it around your networks if you did.If you’re still unsure what type of hiking boots you should get, check out the hiking boot buying guide and our hiking boot recommendations.

Do you use the Hi-Tec Bandera boots? What was your experience with them?

Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid Hiking Boots For Men Review

Today I want to look at pair of popular hiking boots from Merrell, specifically the Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots.

The Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid Hiking Boots for Men

Merrell Men's Moab Ventilator Mid Hiking Boot

A very popular pair of hiking boots that have been around for quite a while. They're much loved and with good reason, they are a functional and comfortable pair of light hiking boots.

View on Amazon

Summary

Brand and Model	Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid Hiking Boots For Men
Retail Price	Check price on Amazon
Rating
Pros	Very breathable, lightweight and flexible; rubber toe bumpers to protect feet work well
Cons	Not the best option for longer backpacking trips
Best Uses	Day hiking, day-to-day casual use

Overview

Merrell are a very well-known brand in the outdoor gear world. They have a history of making quality gear and many of their models have really stood the test of time over the years.

These boots are very popular with lots of great user reviews. With that in mind I was excited to check out the Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid Hiking Boots. Let's take a look!

Look and Comfort

Well, we always hiking boots to look the part as well as be functional so starting with how these boots look seems as good a place as any to begin.

Overall, I like the look of the Moab Ventilator Mid. They look very much like a more technical pair of hiking boots should. They're made up of mid-height dura leather/nylon ventilator mesh which, as you can see, gives a technical look and style to them.

With that said, they will look great with a pair of jeans or in casual gear so they're not that technical that they would look out of place in normal day-to-day use.

In terms of comfort, the boots come with full-length, compression-molded EVA midsoles which supply cushioning and support for all-day wear. Perfect for a day hike.

After being out on the trail all day, you will of course sweat so the removable 4.5mm footbeds are handy to take out to let the soles and insides of the boots really breathe after use. The footbeds are also anatomically shaped and add cushioning for improved comfort ... that is, they're built specifically to fit feet 🙂

That Moab hiking boots breathe very well, always a much needed requirement on the trail, especially in sunnier climes and times of year.

This is done via the nylon mesh linings which absorb and disperse excess moisture when it gets to hot inside the boots. The tongue is mesh padded and so protects the instep against lace pressure without inhibiting breathability

The mesh also provides a good amount of flexibility too. Support comes in the nylon arch shanks. The Moab Ventilator Hiking Boots are waterproof as well as breathable. The Moabs are great for a generally hot climate, good breathability but that bit of waterproof protection should a rain shower come down.

The heels also feature Air Cushion® pockets which enhance shock-absorption under your heels which helps stabilize footstrike on the ground. All of this goes to helping ensure you can keep putting the miles in on the trail, in comfort!

Finally, in terms of comfort, the boots have heel loops that can be used to help you put your boots on when you're getting started, always handy to have to help get a comfortable fit!

Support, Stability and Grip

The Moab Ventilator boots employ a Vibram® Multi-Sport™ outsole, pictured below, with Trek and Super Trek rubber to deliver reliable traction on both wet and dry surfaces. This is a must for hiking as you will encounter wet and damp terrain at some point.

Merrell Moab Ventilator Hiking Boots For Men Sole

The toe's of the shoes have protective rubber toe bumpers which help ensure durability and abrasion-resistance as well as protect your tootsies from banging of a table corner during your post hike refreshments in the cafe 😉

Price

The Moab Ventilator hiking boots are pretty affordable coming in at lower end of the mod range for hiking boots in this class. You're getting a decent pair of boots for the price tag so I think they're fairly priced. Click on the image at the start of this review or any of the product links throughout, and you will be taken through to Amazon where you can see live prices.

It's worth remembering that there are a lot of very happy users of these boots, we'll look at that in more detail below.

Best Uses

The men's Moab Ventilator Hiking Boots are best suited for 2 to 3 season use on the trail, and ideally on well established trails as opposed to going too far off into the wilderness.

I don't think they're the best option for backpacking but if you have a light pack, they might work fine for shorter backpacking trips.

The Moab Ventilator hiking boots are also excellent for general day-to-day use as well as for other general outdoor activities e.g. when you need something a bit tougher than a standard sneaker or shoe.

Customer Reviews

As of the date of this post, from about 1200+ reviews across various retailers, 90% gave the Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots 3 stars or more, 84% 4 stars or more and 64% 5 stars. As mentioned above, they're a much loved pair of boots and Merell is a quality brand.

Read user reviews on Amazon.

Our Rating 4.5 (Out of 5)

Pros and Cons

Pros

Very Breathable
Lightweight and flexible
Rubber toe bumpers provide good toe protection

Cons

Not the best option for longer treks or backpacking trips
Not ideal for very wet conditions / terrain

Merrel Moab Ventilator Mid Hiking Boots for Men Features Summary

Nylon mesh construction
Rubber Outsole
Removable insole
Nylon shank
5mm Lug Depth on the soles
Weight: 1 Ib 15 oz.

Conclusion

Overall, the Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid Hiking Boots are a pretty decent pair of boots for a very competitive price.

My feeling is that they are definitely specifically built to be more targeted for lighter hiking though, nothing wrong with that. If you do only day hiking and you live in a warm climate, or if you want a good pair of light summer hiking boots, I think these are a viable option.

If you're looking for year round use or if you plan to do longer treks, I don't think these boots are the best hiking boots option available. That doesn't take away from what these boots are made for though. They're designed as a light day hiking boot, most likely for hotter weather, and in that regard, they definitely hit the mark. They also have a lot of happy customers with lots of good user reviews so they're definitely worth a look.

If you'd like to see some other great hiking boot options, check out our top hiking boot recommendations here. Also if you're new to buying hiking boots, check out the hiking boot buying guide, it will cover everything you need to consider before making a purchase.

Have you tried the Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid Hiking Boots? What's your experience with them out on the trail? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

Lowa Women’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot Review

Some weeks back I looked at the Lowa Renegade II GTX Mid Hiking Boots for men, a pair of hiking boots I am a fan of and use for my summer hiking. Today I want to take a look at the version of the same boot for women.

The Lowa Renegade II GTX Mid Hiking Boots for Women

Lowa Women's Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot

The Renegade Mid GTX are an excellent pair of hiking boots. Good for year round use, more a 2 to 3 season pair of hiking boots but they're an overall excellent choice for day hiking.

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Summary

Brand and Model	Lowa Women's Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots
Retail Price	Check price on Amazon
Our Rating
Pros	Top rated hiking boots for women; nubuck leather upper, nylon shank and monowrap midsole provide good stability; waterproof Gore-Tex; Derby lacing system for customized fit; climate control footbed keeps feet comfortable wicking moisture away
Cons	Some customer reviews that the boots are best for narrow feet so folks with wider feet may want to keep that in mind
Best Uses	Day hiking, general outdoor use, day-to-day casual use

Overview

Lowa are a very well established and respected brand so I am not surprised to find that they have in their product arsenal one of the top-rated hiking boots available on the market today. After all, they've been making hiking boots for a long time. As with the Men's version of this boot, the first thing I should say about this boot is that, to the best of my knowledge, it is one of Lowa's best sellers and has been for a while now.

Comfort

The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid boots for women look like a hiking boot should. That is, functional and comfortable. However, it is worth mentioning, for you fashionista's out there, that there are some bright color schemes available for this boot, the red version is pretty hard to miss 🙂 With over 12 color options to choose from, there will be something in there to suit your taste.

The footbed has built in moisture wicking capability and so the internal climate around your feet is controlled. Moisture is wicked away from your feet. This is really good to have and it is an often overlooked feature in hiking boots. Moisture and heat mixed with movement for long periods can lead to blisters, and we certainly want to avoid those while putting in the miles out on the trail.

Support, Stability and Grip

The Nubuck leather upper holds feet firmly and safely in place which all goes to reducing strain on your toes, particularly important on the downhll. The boot is also reasonably lightweight coming in and around 2.3 pounds (1.04 Kgs), and utilizes monowrap midsole technology.

The Renegade is waterproof using breathable gore-tex so you should, pretty much, have a year round light hiking boot here working in both drier and sunnier conditions.

The outsole on the Renegade, pictured above, is Vibram and features thick, nonslip rubber lugs which provide extra traction on the trail. Very important when hiking over wet rocks or terrain on the harder days of the year.

Lowa Womens Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot Lacing System

Finally, the Derby lacing system, pictured to the right, means that Lowa Renegade GTX Mid hiking boots can be adapted to fit most foot shapes.

Best Uses

Functionally, I would put this boot's 'best use' so to speak as average hiking and light backpacking. They're also perfect for general outdoor use as well as for day-to-day wearing.

Customer Reviews

Read user reviews on Amazon.

Our Rating 4.5 (Out of 5)

Pros and Cons

Pros

Top Rated Hiking Boots for Women
Tough Enough to Stand up to Varying Terrain
Nubuck Leather Upper, Nylon Shank and Monowrap Midsole for Stability
Waterproof Gore-Tex for Year-Round Hiking
Vibram Outsole Provides Good Grip
Climate Control Footbed Keeps Feet Comfortable

Cons

Some customer reviews that the boots are best for narrow feet so folks with wider feet may want to consider that before making a purchase

Lowa Renegade Mid GTX Hiking Boots For Women Features Summary

Nubuck leather upper
Monowrap midsole technology
Vibram outsole
Waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex
Thick, nonslip rubber lugs for traction
Stabilizing nylon shanks
Climate control foot-bed
Derby style lacing to ensure customize fitting to wide range of feet
Shaft measures approximately 4.75" from arch
Heel measures approximately 1.5"
Platform measures approximately 1"

Conclusion

As with the men's version of these boots, the Lowa women's Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots are one of the best available on the market today. They're functional and have a very long history and lots of very positive user feedback and reviews.

I think this boot is perfect for an average hiker doing mainly day hikes, sticking mainly to trails and less rugged terrain in generally temperate or warm conditions. These boots should keep you sweet for that and short camping trips too. The jury count is in, all in all, the verdict is they look like a great pair of hiking boots!

If you're still unsure what type of hiking boots you should get, check out the hiking boot buying guide and some top hiking boot recommendations. That will get your search off on a sound footing!

Have you tried the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots? What's your experience with them out on the trail? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

Salomon Comet 3D GTX Hiking Boots For Women

Today I want to look at another member of the Salomon hiking boot family, the Salomon Comet 3D GTX hiking boots for women. These boots are getting some great reviews across the board.

The Salomon Comet 3D GTX Hiking Boots for Women

Salomon are a well known and well loved maker of quality hiking boots. The Comet 3D GTX are a very popular and functional pair of hiking boots.

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Summary

Brand and Model	Salomon Comet 3D GTX Hiking Boots For Women
Retail Price	Check price on Amazon
Our Rating
Pros	Tried and trusted Gore-tex waterproofing; lightweight; gusseted tongue; rubber toe cap for additional protection
Cons	Some user reviiews commenting that the traction isn't great when on slush or snow
Best Uses	Day hiking, backpacking, genreal outdoor use

Review

The first place to start with the Salomon Comet 3D hiking boots for women is on their look. They look pretty smart and they are specifically designed with a feminine eye in mind. That is their sleek and slender look is not accidental.

Looking at their construction, they are a sturdy boot with a high cut profile that provides good ankle support. Perfect if you like to hike in steeper more challenging terrain.

They utilize EVA midsoles which offer lightweight cushioning to provide all-day comfort.

There is plenty of other cushioning across the comet 3D boots so your feet will be kept comfortable across any challenging terrain or obstacles.

The contra-grip sole delivers plenty of traction and optimal grip on a whole range of surfaces.

There are several color combinations to choose from, so there should be something in there to suit your taste. I think these boots seem like good all rounders so perfect for day hiking or longer trips backpacking.

The Nubuck leather upper holds feet firmly and safely in place which all goes to reducing strain on your toes, particularly important on the downhll. The boot is also reasonably lightweight.

The gusseted tongue ensures any bad debris is kept out and the lacing system on the Comet 3D boots will ensure a snug fit for most foot sizes.

The Comet 3D boots are of course waterproof. Gore-tex waterproof liners ensure your feet can breathe, letting sweat out while keeping the nastier elements from getting in. This of course means the boots have moisture wicking ability to control the internal climate around your feet. Moisture is wicked away from your feet. Always good to have on a pair of hiking boots to help prevent blisters.

The boots have protective rubber toe and heel caps. This is definitely a nice to have to prevent any toe stubbing and provide that extra bit of stability on the trail.

Best Uses

The Salomon Comet 3D GTX are a sturdy pair of hiking boots that will work well for all types of hiking. From short day hikes to longer multi day backpacking trips, the Comet should cover most requirements.

I'm not so sure they would be great for day-to-day use, might be a bit too technical looking for walking about town but I'm sure they'd look OK with a pair of jeans.

Customer Reviews

Read user reviews on Amazon.

Our Rating 4.5 (Out of 5)

Pros and Cons

Pros

Tried and trusted Gore-tex waterproofing
Lightweight
Functional gusseted tongue
Rubber toe cap provides added toe protection

Cons

Some reviewers commented that the traction could be better in slush / snow
Be careful with sizing, may run wide for some

Salomon Comet 3D GTX Hiking Boots for Women Features Summary

Nubuck leather upper
Contragrip Rubber Sole
Gusseted tongue
Heel height approx 1.5"
Shaft measures approximately 5.25" from arch

Conclusion

Overall, the Salomon Comet 3D GTX look like another great pair of boots from Salomon. They will suit nearly all hikers and so are a good fit for most types of hiking and trekking. So whether you're a day hiker or a multi-day trekker, these boots should meet most of your needs.

If you're still unsure what type of hiking boots you should get, check out the hiking boot buying guide and these top hiking boot recommendations.

Have you tried the Salomon Comet 3D GTX Hiking Boots? What's your experience with them out on the trail? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

Lowa Men’s Renegade II GTX Mid Hiking Boots Review

Today I wanted to take a look at a top seller from a really well known quality hiking boot company, Lowa. Specifically, the Lowa men's Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots. I recently bought a pair myself so thought I'd add some of my thoughts up on them. To learn more about the ladies version of the Lowa Renegade GTX.

The Lowa Renegade II GTX Mid Hiking Boots

Lowa Men's Renegade II Leather-Lined Mid Hiking Boot

Probably more appropriate for 3 season use as opposed to 4 season but the Renegade Mid GTX hiking boots are still an excellent choice for the day hiker.

View on Amazon

Summary

Brand and Model	Lowa Renegade II GTX Mid Hiking Boots
Retail Price	Check price on Amazon
Our Rating
Pros	Lightweight versatile boots, Minimal break in period, Excellent Grip with Vibram outsole, Made with Nubuck leather and breathable GoretexLightweight versatile boots, Minimal break in period, Excellent Grip with Vibram outsole, Made with Nubuck leather and breathable Goretex
Cons	Maybe not a full 3/4 season boot e.g. may not be suitable for tougher conditions in winter
Best Uses	Day hiking, light backpacking

Overview

Let's start with how these boots look. Overall they look a decent pair of hiking boots and sit easily on the eye. There are a lot of colors to choose from so you should be able to find something in there that suits your taste.

Lowa have been in the hiking boot making business for a long time, over 90 years I believe. With that in mind, the first thing to mention about this boot is that, to the best of my knowledge, it is Lowa's best seller and has been for some time.

That's quite an accolade for the Renegade in a company with that kind of long and illustrious history. That alone is usually a pretty good indication that you can expect a certain level of quality from them.

While the relationship between every foot and boot is unique and specific, I still think popularity is a good starting point yardstick to use when selecting which boots to take a look at when you're on the market for one.

I know myself that among my fellow hikers, we regularly discuss hiking products, what's good, bad, etc. so word of mouth has an important role to play in the success of a boot. I took the plunge a few months back and got myself a pair and I have to say they have not disappointed. So, with that in mind, let's get into the detail.

Comfort

The footbed in the Lowa Renegade II GTX Mid boots for men is climate controlled. This effectively means that the boots have the capability for moisture to be wicked away from your feet. This is really good to have and it is an often overlooked feature in hiking boots. Moisture and heat coupled with friction and movement open the door to one thing, a blister! Definitely not what anyone wants to have to deal with while they're out on the trail.

Form my experience, in terms of comfort some points of note were that first off, there was more or less zero break-in required, they were good to go out of the box. Always handy to have but what I would expect with this style of boots.

I have worn the Renegade now on various types of terrain e.g. rocky mountains, wetlands, etc. To date I am very happy with them in terms of comfort. The boots are breathable and they perform well in this area from my experience with them.

The Renegade are also waterproof and again they perform pretty good in this department, they have a limit though. For example, if you hike in a lot of wetlands, I think you would probably be better with something that bit sturdier, probably a tough Alpine style leather boot. Overall, if I would have one main concern about these boots, it would be there waterproof capability in tough conditions.

Support Stability and Grip

The Nubuck leather upper holds your feet firmly and securely in place and so reduces strain on your toes on descent. The boot is also reasonably lightweight coming in and around 3 pounds (1.4 Kgs), and utilizes monowrap midsole technology. The nylon shank provides stability and ankle protection with the shaft measuring 5" from the arch.

The Vibram outsole, pictured below, on the Renegade features thick, nonslip rubber lugs which provide that all important extra traction on the trail. This is really important when it comes to hiking over wet and slippy obstacles in tougher conditions.

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot Vibram Sole

Overall, I've been very pleased with the grip provided by the Renegade Mid GTX boots. From wet stone to slippery mud, they've performed well and I've no complaints. Vibram outsoles always tends to be pretty good.

Finally, the Derby lacing system means that Lowa Renegade GTX Mid hiking boots can be adapted to fit most folks feet. Good adaptability is a must have for a new pair of hiking boots, especially when you're first breaking them in.

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot Derby Lacing System

Best Uses

The shape and make up of this boot are good for average hiking and light backpacking needs i.e. probably not suitable if you're planning longer trekking and backpacking trips.

Overall I think these are a decent day hiking boots ideal for hiking in late Spring, Summer and early Autumn where the weather is a bit warmer. They could well be used as a year round hiking boot though, depending on where you like to hike i.e. paths and trails, you should be fine.

Customer Reviews

As of the date of this post, from about 100+ reviews I checked out, across multiple retailers, 80% gave the Lowa Renegade Mid GTX boots 4 stars (out of 5) or more, so some great scoring!

Read user reviews on Amazon.

Our Rating: 4.0

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Lots of Positive Comments that they stand up well to Tougher and Varying Terrain
Nubuck Leather Upper, Nylon Shank and Monowrap Midsole for Stability
Waterproof Gore-Tex for Year-Round Hiking
Vibram Outsole Provides Good Grip
Derby Lacing System for Customized Fit
Climate Control Footbed Keeps Feet Comfortable Wicking Moisture away

Cons:

Some customer reviews that the boots life isn't as long lasting as they'd like
Boots may suit a narrower foot better

Lowa Renegade II Mid GTX Hiking Boots For Men Features Summary

Nubuck leather upper
Monowrap midsole technology
Vibram outsole
Waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex
Thick, nonslip rubber lugs for traction
Stabilizing nylon shanks
Climate control foot-bed
Derby style lacing to ensure customize fitting to wide range of feet
Shaft measures approximately 5" from arch
Heel measures approximately 1.75"
Platform measures approximately 1"

Conclusion

Overall I really like the look of the Lowa men's Renegade II GTX Mid Hiking Boots. They have a lot going for them and they have most of the main functional things I would look for in a light hiking boot.

If you're an average hiker doing mainly day hikes, sticking mainly to trails and less rugged terrain in generally temperate or warm conditions, these boots should meet most of your hiking needs all round. They're probably versatile enough for short backpacking trips and for staying dry while walking across town too.

If however, you're heading into a lot of very steep and rocky terrain or more challenging conditions, I would probably look for something with a bit more ankle support and general protection features. All in all though, they look like a great pair of hiking boots!

If you're still unsure what type of hiking boots you should get, check out the hiking boot buying guide and our hiking boot recommendations.

Have you tried the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots? What's your experience with them out on the trail? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

Asolo FSN 70 Gore-Tex Hiking Boots For Women Review

A very popular boot among the lady hikers, the Asolo FSN 70 Gore-Tex hiking boots are a good boot for the weekend day hiker. It should provide adequate comfort and protection on any trail and hiking terrain most of the year round.

Let’s look at it in some more detail.

Links referenced on this page are sponsored links. Please review our full disclosure statement here.

Asolo FSN 70 Gore-Tex Hiking Boots

Average Customer Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (700+ reviews!) $ASOLO FSN 70 GORE-TEX® HIKING BOOTS - WATERPROOF (FOR WOMEN)$

Available Colors: Donkey / Tortora, Light Grey / Gun Metal

Check Price: Sierra Trading Post

Review

Winner of Backpacker magazine’s “Best Backpacking Boot” award, Asolo’s FSN 70 hiking boots feature a Gore-Tex® waterproof breathable membrane that keeps feet dry and comfortable. As with the men’s Asolo FSN 95 hiking boots, these are a top quality pair of boots for the trail.

A waterproof breathable Gore-Tex membrane ensures any external moisture like rain or water is kept out while at the same time sweat and moisture inside the boot can wick away from your feet. In short, they keep your feet in tip-top condition when hiking.

The gusseted tongue keeps water and debris out of your boot while the protective toe rand provides added protection to your feet from hazards on the trail. The rubber Asobrake traction outsole keeps a firm grip on the trail whatever the terrain, going up or down.

These boots look good and cover all the technical bases needed to ensure a good hiking boot. At 2 lb. 11 oz. these boots are of a good weight and so will suit the day hiker or the intrepid backpacker.

Many customers report hitting the ground running with these boots with minimal breaking in time. These hiking boots have 700+ customer reviews with an overall average score of 4.5 out 5 stars! That is a fantastic rating across a large amount of folks! This obviously reflects the quality of this boot.

With all the features above, specs listed below backed up by so many positive reviews, this boot is a winner!

Pros

Waterproof boots can be worn on the trail all year (except in extreme temperatures).
Solid but lightweight and comfortable with firm ankle support.
Gore-tex lining aids supports breathability around your feet.

Cons

Some customers reported that the boots are too narrow for their feet (Main advice throughout though is to stick to your normal size).

Specs (at a glance)

Non-Insulated,Waterproof (Gore-Tex®)
Upper: Suede and Cordura® nylon
Lining: Gore-Tex® lining
Outsole: Rubbermac rubber
Height: 4-1/2″
Weight (pair): 2 lb. 11 oz.

$ASOLO-FSN-70-GORE-TEX®-HIKING-BOOTS-WATERPROOF-(FOR WOMEN)-REVIEWS$

Other Points

Products returned within 6 months refunded by original payment method
Hiking Footwear Guide available
Shoe Sizing Guide available

Conclusion

This boot will see most lady hikers warm, dry and comfortable across the year with no problems. I think this is a very reasonably priced option for a good mid-range functional hiking boot and will meet the needs of most average hikers and will meet the needs of any extended backpacking trips.

If you’re in the market for a new hiking boot, this should be on your review list.

f you’re still unsure what type of hiking boots you should get, check out the hiking boot buying guide and these top hiking boot recommendations. That will get your search off on a sound footing!

Have you got a pair of Asolo FSN 70 Gore-Tex Hiking Boots? How have you found them? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

Salomon Hiking Boots – Quest 4D 2 GTX Boots For Women Review

Not long back I took a look at the Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX Boots for Men and so today I wanted to take a look at the female counterpart of this well known and popular pair of hiking boots.

The Salomon 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boots for Women

Salomon Women's Quest 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boot

This updated version of the Salomon 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boots is a winner with a lot of very satisfied users. It's suitable for all types of hiking and so should meet most lady hikers needs.

View on Amazon

Summary

Brand and Model	Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX Women's Hiking Boots
Retail Price	Check price on Amazon
Rating
Pros	Solid Stability; waterproof Gore-Tex for Year-Round Hiking; contagrip Outsole and 4D Chassis for Sturdy Grip; gilly Lacing System for Customized Fit; orthoLite Footbed Keeps Feet Comfortable (even when running)
Cons	Some folks mentioned the boot squeaks a lot while walking. However, manipulating the Gilly lacing system seems to have sorted this out for most.
Best Uses	Day hiking, backpacking

Review

The way I was actually introduced to this pair of hiking boots was actually by a fellow hiker who swears by them. I was having a chat with her on a hike some time back about what she thought were good quality boots and she pointed to her feet, as she was wearing a pair of Quest 4D GTX boots.

So while I reviewed the men's version of this boot first, I'm kinda coming full circle today by looking at the women's version of them. Anyway, enough back story!

As with the men's 4D 2 GTX, the women's version is also very, very popular with hikers. It has a lot of very positive user feedback which is always a good place to start from when you're looking for a new pair of hiking boots for the trail.

The Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX boots for women have a technical look about them but nothing over the top. They're waterproof and have seam sealed gore-tex lining. The boots are also of course breathable. Except for hiking in really hot or really cold climates, you probably have a hiking boot that will do you all year round.

The boot has plenty of grip and utilizes a non-marking contra-grip outsole. This works by having patterns running in opposite directions for breaking and for extra traction on tougher terrain. The boot has a 4D advanced chassis which again enhances your stability on the trail over challenging terrain.

There is a split suede leather and textile upper that securely holds your feet in place which really helps when you're on the downhill parts of the trail. The boot is also quite lightweight, the molded EVA mid-sole means you won't feel like you're carrying any needless weight hiking or if you happen to be backpacking.

I mentioned this above but it's worth mentioning again, these boots do look pretty cool. They have a no nonsense kind of appeal when I look at them lol 🙂 It's also worth noting here that many women reported a minimal, if not zero, break-in period required for the Quest 4D 2 GTX boots. Always nice if you can avoid the pain of breaking a pair of boots in as much as possible.

Your feet are kept comfortable by an 'OrthoLite footbed'. This is designed with cushioning foam to reduce friction, even when you run. While not always a necessity, the need for running on the trail can present itself for various reasons so nice to have any extra support in your hiking boots when you pick up the pace. These boots have trail running technology incorporated into them.

The Quest 4D 2GTX boots have a gusseted tongue that keeps trail debris out and they're also designed in such a way that the tongues relieve lace pressure which is a nice touch. The boots also have rubber toe and heel caps to protect the sensitive areas of your feet from abrasion.

The final piece of this great pair of boots that is worth a mention is the Gilly lacing system. This is great to help get your boots to fit snugly and should accommodate most feet shapes.

As with the men's version, this is a quality pair of hiking boots that should tick most of your hiking boxes all year long!

Best Uses

The Salomon 4D 2 GTX for women are a great all round pair of hiking boots. They will cover most hikers needs whether you're into backpacking, day hiking or heading off trail into tougher terrain, these boots should be up for most jobs.

Probably a bit too technical looking for a casual pair of boots but they might work fine with a pair of jeans while out and about for normal day-to-day use.

Customer Reviews.

From 100+ reviews, across multiple retailers, 94% of folks gave the Salomon 4D 2 GTX hiking boots for women 3 stars or more, 90% gave them 4 stars or more and 73% went with full marks giving them 5 out of 5! That's good scoring across a decent sample group for sure.

Read user reviews on Amazon.

Our Rating 4.5 (Out of 5)

Pros and Cons

Pros

Boots give Solid Stability
Waterproof Gore-Tex for Year-Round Hiking
Contagrip Outsole and 4D Chassis for Sturdy Grip
Gilly Lacing System for Customized Fit
OrthoLite Footbed Keeps Feet Comfortable (even when running)

Cons

Some folks mentioned the boot squeaks a lot while walking. However, manipulating the Gilly lacing system seems to have sorted this out for most

Salomon 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boots For Women Features Summary

Split suede leather and textile upper is flexible and secure
4D chassis controls flex for stability
Protective rubber toe and heel caps
Waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex Performance Comfort
Gusseted tongue locks out debris
Non-marking rugged Contagrip outsole with multidirectional lugs for traction
Gilly lacing system

Conclusion

The Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX boots for women are a functional and popular option for a lot of hikers. They've been around a long time now and they have a lot of positive user feedback.

When I spoke with my hiking friend about them she reinforced the generally positive experiences I have read about from most hikers using them. All in all, that is always a good indication that this a quality hiking boot that's worth a look if you're in the market for a pair.

If you're still unsure what type of hiking boots you should get, check out the hiking boot buying guide and these top hiking boot recommendations. That will get your search off on a sound footing!

Have you tried the Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX Hiking Boots for women? We'd love to hear about it in the comments below!

Alico Tahoe Hiking Boots For Women Review

The Alico Tahoe Hiking Boots for women are a very popular option and have many very satisfied customers. They're a great looking boot in the classic leather style. Let's take a closer look.

The Alico Tahoe Hiking Boots for Women

Alico Tahoe Hiking Boots For Women Gallery

The Alico Tahoe hiking boots are a good all rounder that should meet most hikers needs. Ideal for day hiking, they can be used most of the year round in most conditions.

Learn More

Summary

Brand and Model	Alico Tahoe women's Hiking Boots
Price	Check price
Average User Rating
Pros	Handcrafted leather upper, resolable for extended life, Vibram soles, classic style just looks really nice
Cons	Some reports in both the men and women's version of the Tahoe Boots that they may be a bit heavier than you’re used to
Best Uses	Day hiking, backpacking, general outdoor use, day-to-day casual use

Overview

Today I wanted to take a look at a classic style hiking boot from Alico, the Alico Tahoe Hiking Boots for women. We've already reviewed the Tahoe bo

ots for men here on Cool Hiking Gear so I wanted to take a look at the experience people have had with the women's version of these popular boots.

The Tahoe's are a deceptively simple looking boot in many ways but they stack up well as a hiking boot across the board. They have a classic Alpine style leather hiking boot look which I am a fan of.

The nubuck leather one piece upper combined with Norwegian welt construction is always a good way to craft a hiking boot and this enables them to offer good comfort and support on the trail.

They feature a Vibram sole and offer a good level of protection from the elements in terms of water resistance and breathability. So, let's take a closer look at the ladies version of Alico Tahoe Hiking boots.

Comfort

By all accounts, the Alico Tahoe's are a very comfortable pair of hiking boots. The insole is comfortable and removable which is handy should you want to air them out or wash them.

The Midsole is EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate). Not to get too technical but this is basically a technology used in boots and shoes to create a polymer that has good flexibility, water resistance, softness, etc. To you and me it looks and feels like foam rubber 🙂 It's commonly used in hiking boots for midsole construction and performs well.

Next up in terms of comfort, we come to Norwegian Welt Construction. Not to go into that in too much detail, but if you look at the picture below, you can just about see a lighter colored strip between the outsole of the boot and the leather upper.

That is the welt and it is usually made from leather, rubber, or a similarly suitable material. Norwegian welt construction refers to a double stitching of the seams that is use to connect the upper to the welt and the outsole, see the stitching along the outsole in the picture below.

Aside from looking pretty sharp, the main advantage is enhanced stability, strength, water resistance and so on. In short, it's a good thing 🙂 The only thing to consider, which may be new to you if you're not used to leather hiking boots, is that there will be a longer break-in period for this type of construction.

The Alico Tahoe's come in a classic hiking boot style and look, and are only available in one color, dark brown. These are of course hiking boots but they won't look out of place with a pair of jeans.

On the contrary, they will look quite fashionable. that isn't really relevant in terms of hiking but I don't think the classic hiking boot look has ever not been in fashion in some form.

They Tahoe's are made with a full-grain nubuck leather upper. The insole is synthetic to enable moisture wicking from your feet. The Tahoe's are currently only available in one color, dark brown, at the links on this page. I do believe other colors are available but you would probably need to source them direct from the company in Italy.

Next up, the tongue is fully gusseted which means that the sides of it are connected to the side of the boots. This is very useful to keep small stones, debris and so on out of your boots and also provides a further bit of water resistance.

In terms of sizing, from all the user reviews I read, the Tahoe's were more or less true to size across the board with the odd exception here and there, so pretty much standard in that regard.

The Tahoe's leather construction offer good water resistant capabilities so they will provide good protection in heavy rain, snow and will keep you dry for small stream crossings.

As with any pair of leather hiking boots, they're waterproof and will perform well up to a reasonable point. Overall, the Tahoe's should meet the needs of most hikers all year round. Extreme environments excluded of course.

Support, Stability and Grip

The Tahoe outsoles are Vibram®, pictured below. Vibram are one of the leaders in technology when it comes to designing a sole for boots that will grip the trail and keep you stable on trickier parts. My personal experience of Vibram soles has been very positive so I am a fan. I find them very effective.

Alico Tahoe Hiking Boots For Men Vibram Sole

The next neat thing about the Tahoe hiking boots is that they are resoleable. With that in mind, if you look after them, you should get many years of great use out of them.

I think the resole option is pretty sweet. If you find a pair of boots that work for you on all counts, it can be a shame to have to go back to the start with a brand new pair, breaking them in again, etc.

A comfortable fitting boot molded to your feet over time is a good thing so if you can keep that going as long as possible, it can only be a good thing. Resoling is available in any good show repairer.

The Tahoe's have a nylon and steel half-shank which provides solid and sturdy support to your foot and ankle. The leather these boots are made from is tough so the whole construction adds to the strength of the shank and so you will have solid ankle support for trickier terrain.

It's worth noting that in the both men and women's version of the Tahoe's, top notch construction of the boots was the main thing folks kept commenting on in all the reviews I read.

I noticed that these boots are marked as 'closeouts' in STP at the link below. I really hope they get another stock of these in as they're pretty sweet and I think a lot of people will be disappointed if they can't get their hands on them 🙁

Price

The recommended retail of the Tahoe's is at the mid to high end of the scale. Prices are always changing so to get an up to date price, click on the image at the start of this review or any of the product links throughout.

As I also said in the men's review of the Tahoe's, in my opinion I think they are well worth their price and provide good value for money.

To get a really good pair of leather hiking boots at a good deal, is something that is increasingly hard to come by in terms of general hiking boot models i.e. they're usually machine manufactured, unless you go for custom made boots which is very expensive. To help illustrate that point, for a custom made pair of boots you will starting off in and around $700.00, so pricey.

If you're taking a shine to the Tahoe's but are still not 100% sure, I suggest you read the reviews at the links below. They will give you a further idea of what to expect with these boots.

The reviews are all mainly very positive so you won't be going far wrong if you buy a pair. As always, be sure you know what you need your hiking boots for and match your expectations to your needs.

Best Uses

The Tahoe Hiking boots are a great all round pair of leather hiking boots. Great for all types of hiking, in most terrains most of the year year round, depending on how severe your winters and summers are of course.

They'll keep you good should you want to go off trail for a bit and they will hold their own for backpacking trips. If you've not ever experienced leather hiking boots before, you can expect them to be a bit heavier than you're used to but that's all good with the comfort, stability and longevity you get in return.

The Tahoe's are also very suitable for all sorts of other outdoor activities so you're not pigeon holed to the trail only with them. They'll look great with a pair of jeans 🙂

Customer Reviews

As of the date of this post, from about 80+ reviews, 91% gave the Tahoe boots 4 stars (out of 5) or more, 62% gave 5 stars so they're scoring well with a lot of people.

I got these for off-trail wilderness trekking in hard desert and mountain terrain. I could not be more pleased with the construction, the performance, the comfort or the appearance....Read More Here.

User Review
Verified Purchase

I loved these boots at first sight--was a bit taken aback by the price--but was able to get a great discount. I've been breaking them in the last week or so. Actually, breaking in isn't the right term; they were comfortable and supportive from the first time I put them on....Read More Here.

User Review
Verified Purchase

Average User Rating: 4.5

Please note that the video below is for the men's version of the Tahoe boots but the features are fundamentally the same.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Handcrafted leather upper
Resolable for extended life
Vibram soles
Classic hiking boot style looks really nice

Cons

The Tahoe Boots that they may be a bit heavier than you’re used to

Alico Tahoe Hiking Boots For Women Features Summary

Gusseted tongue
Water-repellent smooth leather upper
Textile Lining
Removable Insole
EVA midsole; Vibram outsole
Steel shank
Height: 5"
Weight: 2 Ib 10 oz.
Made in Italy

Conclusion

From reviewing what customers are saying about these boots for both the men and women's models, it's hard to see how you could go wrong with them. The Alico Tahoe women's hiking boots have a whole lot of positive user experience feedback which is always a really good sign.

I really like the classic and simple look of these boots, they're functional with lots of practical features so they do what they say on the tin while providing comfort and stability.

The resoling option and the fact they're handcrafted in Italy seal the deal on them I think. Overall, just a quality pair of hiking boots that will keep you good on the trail!

If you're still unsure what type of hiking boots you should get, check out the hiking boot buying guide and these hiking boot recommendations. I hope you found this review useful. Please comment and / or share it around your networks if you did.

Have you tried the Alico Tahoe Hiking Boots for women? I'd love to hear about your experience with them in the comments below!

Merrell Wilderness Hiking Boots For Men Review

The Merrell Wilderness Hiking Boots truly are a classic. They've been around for a long time which, as always, is a good indication of quality. To me, they're a no-nonsense, no frills and does what it says on the tin pair of boots that will keep the average hiker comfortable on the trail.

Merrell Wilderness Hiking Boots for Men

Truly a classic pair of hiking boots, the Merrell Wilderness have been around for a very long time with many, many satisfied customers. They're a wonderful pair of hiking boots.

View on Amazon

Summary

Brand and Model	Merrell Wilderness Hiking Boots for Men
Retail Price	Check price on Amazon
Our Rating
Pros	Boots can be worn all year round and are crampon compatible (Strap-on Only), sturdy but comfortable with firm ankle support, fabric liner is smooth preventing any possibility of chaffing, boots can be resoled, excellent toe box
Cons	Pricey enough, check sizing if you've narrower feet
Best Uses	Day hiking, backpacking, general outdoor use, day-to-day casual use

Review

The men’s Original Wilderness hiking boots from Merrell is a sturdy, comfortable and durable pair of boots. The Norwegian welt construction on these leather hiking boots puts a wide platform underfoot for stability. Plus, the one-piece, top-grain leather upper with bellows tongue showcases the quality Italian craftsmanship of Merrell’s hiking footwear.

These boots have been around for a long time which highlights the quality they consistently give to customers i.e. people keep on buying them so you know they’re solid and reliable. When you’re looking for a long-lasting men’s hiking boot designed to withstand the elements, this is one of the true originals.

Many customers refer to these boots lasting 10- 15 years if looked after properly. These boots can be resoled so you can get a serious lifespan from them with proper TLC. Be sure you take them time to break these boots in. Any good leather boots always take time to get comfortable in for longer periods of use. So don't take them out on 10 miles hikes on day one, you will regret it!

Price

The retail price of the Wilderness boots is definitely on the high side. However, these are a quality pair of leather hiking boots which can be resoled. So, if you take good care of them, you could be getting a lot of use out of these boots for many years to come.

Click on the image at the start of this review or any of the product links throughout, and you will be taken through to Amazon where you can check the up to date price.

Best Uses

The Merrell Wilderness hiking boots are really an all round pair of boots. Perfect for hiking which is of course what we are mainly concerned with. However, they will work well for most outdoor activities where you need a sturdy pair of boots on your feet.

I have read that some folks even use them as work boots, the strong toe box comes in handy for that type of thing. They will also be great for casual use, for example walking around in a pair of jeans.

Customer Reviews

As of the date of this post, from about 30+ reviews I checked out, 91% gave the Merrell Wilderness Hiking boots 3 stars (out of 5) or more, 85% 4 stars or more and 72% gave 5 stars so some great scoring

Read user reviews on Amazon.

Our Rating: 4 (Out of 5)

Pros and Cons

Pros

Boots can be worn all year round and are crampon compatible (Strap-on Only)
Sturdy but comfortable with firm ankle support
Fabric liner is smooth preventing any possibility of chaffing
Boots can be resoled
Excellent toe box

Cons

Long break in period needed (Not a big deal really)
May not be ideal for people with narrower feet

Merrell Wilderness Hiking Boots For Men Features Summary

Leather construction, full grain leather upper
Synthetic sole
Dual density footbed
Microporous rubber midsole
5mm leather/TPR insole
Vibram Trek rubber outsole

Conclusion

Something that really struck me about the customer experience with the Merrell Wilderness men's hiking boots was that so many people seemed to get a very, very long life out of these boots even after putting them through the wars. That's something that's not to be sniffed at!

I get the impression that these are the pair of boots that even when they do reach their final days, you just can't bear to part with them as they are just so comfortable. You know what I'm talking about, everyone has had at least one pair of boots or shoes like that and it's nearly emotional to have to let them go. With the resoling option on these boots, that day can be put off for many years to come 😉

If you're still unsure what type of hiking boots you should get, check out the hiking boot buying guide and my hiking boot recommendations. I hope you found this review useful. Please comment and / or share it around your networks if you did.

Have you got a pair of Merrell Wilderness hiking boots? Whats your experience with them been? We'd love to hear about it in the comments below.