N
Nellie
September 14, 2023
Finally -- a decent hiker
I have tried at least a dozen hikers from the most popular brands (Oboz, Keen, Merrell, etc) and just couldn't find a good fit. I need some toe room in the front and a toe box that is deep enough so my toes don't hit the top of the boot. Also, I need a heel that is snug enough so it doesn't slide around. A decent amount of support with a medium arch support and a really good outsole since I live in the desert SW and the trails are sandy and rocky. I bought these boots after reading glowing reviews from both men and women. And people raved about getting free socks, etc.My boots just arrived in a box that was unmarked. Clearly they had been tried on before - lots of scuff marks on the leather and some grass and dirt on the insoles, but they are comfortable enough that I may keep them. My big toe is close to the end of the boot and I don't want to end up with bruising or painful feet midway through a hike. So I just ordered another pair 1/2 size larger. Normally I wear an 8. I ordered an 8W in the ones I just got. I am going to try the 9W and hope they don't end up being too big so that i can't get a snug fit. Fingers crossed.Here's what I think about these boots. They look good which is a bonus but not my first concern. They are really gusseted to keep out the debris. Some boots are gusseted only halfway down. On these, the entire tongue is gusseted which is better. The laces are long enough and seem that they will stay tied. The soles are nice and chunky and rubbery with great traction and they look durable. The insole is really squishy and thick. I'm hoping it isn't too thick because that can make my feet hot and painful after a few miles.I don't have a replacement insole because I am having trouble finding the perfect insole for my feet which are really sensitive, it seems, because so many insoles are just uncomfortable, regardless of the socks I wear. (I wear Darn Tough, Bombas, Balega, etc) But I just got some WalkHero insoles which come in exact sizes so you don't have to cut them. They are on the stuff side but well cushioned, so maybe they will work if needed.I quit buying Keens because of the crappy yellow and black insoles they started using in all their shoes and boots. Those insoles make my feet burn for some reason. And they are too soft under my toes which makes them ache. So I have been on the lookout for a different brand of boot. I walk/hike at least 3-6 miles per day every single day of the year, so I need a good boot.Oh, yes, I also bought some Ariat Canyon II boots in 8.5W. Perfect fit. Not gusseted, but I'm going to keep them because I love Ariats and they don't wear out easily. The insole is thin and the leather is stiff, but they will loosen up. So that's another good one for people who need a wide toe box, good support, and a long-lasting sole.
✔ Verified Purchase
Have had multiple foot surgeries…
Edit to Update:I bough these for a trip to Alaska for a 3 mile hike that I had signed up for. No blisters. No discomfort. They supported my feet amazingly well and were comfortable throughout the entire hike through the Alaskan rainforest. Ups, downs, rocks, mud, wood, roots you name it we walked over it. Fantastic boots hiking.It has been a LONG time since I have had a pair of hiking boots, but due to a trip I had to get something with ankle support.So I found these. I have had 4 foot surgeries - 3 joints in my ankles are fused and I have slight nerve damage and limited side to side motion (which can make shoes uncomfortable). Due to the surgeries my right foot is permanently a little swollen - so Wide width shoes are too big on one foot and regular width are too small on the right foot.1. These are super cute. Pink and grey are a fave combo and amazingly they don’t make my 10.5 size foot look huge.2. They have a bunch of support. They force my feet to sit flat and not on the outsides and my ankles are fully supported.3. They’re comfortable. They have extra room for thicker socks and they are the PERFECT width. Not too wide for my left foot and not too small for my right foot. Super comfortable and supportive.4. They supply you with an extra pair of laces. They also included a free gift of hiking socks with my order which I thought was awesome.All shoes have a little breaking in to do. I have walked around a bit in these and I can’t wait to walk some more and really get them broken in.If you’re looking for good quality hiking shoes, give these a chance. I doubt you’ll be disappointed.
✔ Verified Purchase
Get these and get your normal size!
***ANOTHER UPDATE 1/25***I've had these for over a year now and they are still going strong! I just used them on the snow for the first time and they work wonderfully as snow boots. I double sock in the cold, and my toes didn't get too cold until 2.5 hours of sledding. Traction is amazing. They are also water resistant in the snow. My feet never got wet. Still love them!***Update! These boots rock! I should have just ordered my usual size 9 because they fit perfectly. The socks that are included in the box are also amazing! I will be getting more! Boots are comfortable at first try-on, plenty of cushion and lightweight. Great ankle support. The color and quality are awesome. I have a feeling these will be my favorite pair of boots ever! Also, my reviews are only days apart because the return/exchange process was seamless!***After reading reviews that the boots ran large, I went down a size. My foot measured 10.25" so I ordered a size women's 8.5. I am usually a size 9. The front of the boots were touching my toes when I stepped down in them. Returned and ordered a 9, will update when I get them. Everything else is great! Boots are beautiful and exactly as expected, lightweight, easy to put on, seemingly durable, lots of cushion. Can't wait to use!
✔ Verified Purchase
