I like them - except for the uppers.

By trexpesto Ranked #677 - Men's Mountaineering Boots September 6, 2004

I have worn them a few times now. Overall the feeling is a super-cushy boot with a sturdy toe and heel. A couple problems made me consider returning them.
Out of the box there was some obvious quality control problems with the uppers. On one of the boots, along where the lace hooks are attached, the inner plastic which gives it structure does not go much past the end of the hooks and so there is not a nice defined tongue fold, it just kind of accordions together, even when making an effort to do it neatly.
The tongue and upper in general are too mushy, the inner liner gets small folds in it. Ankle support is OK for my worthless ankles; for such a high boot, you'd think it would be better. The oversized locking hooks at the inner hinge of the ankle can dig in and get somewhat painful going diagonally up 35+(?) degree slabs when you are keeping your heel low. Thicker socks seemed to help.
They seem quite roomy, even with heavy socks I had plenty of wiggle room, almost too much. I ordinarily get my street shoes a tad oversized and got these at my regular size. I could wear 2 pairs of socks and a liner with them, which can be good for winter. That's what I do with my old-style Makalus.
The big sticky front toe rand and the heel cup (counter)are sweet and the soles are very soft. There is maybe a half shank but alot of structural bits that make it seem like a little more. They are light compared to my old-version Makalus, I can actually run with them on and feels great. The new Makalus are only about 2 oz heavier.
I got them because they are cheap, to burn up on regular peakbag workouts around Tahoe. If more socks and/or lacing techniques does it for me, I won't trade them in for new Makalus.

View Details: Salomon SM Lite Hiking Boot - Men's

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