I love this new hybrid boot.

By scott.spen2249392 Ranked #65 - Men's Hiking Boots June 9, 2008

I LOVE THESE BOOTS.
This is a new design with few reviews available yet, so I am putting this out after only one hike just to get some info out.
Their looks are deceiving. They are sturdy backpacking boots that look like you might be able to go running in them. These are a step up in duty from the Torre.
Right out the box they fit great and require no break-in period.
The uppers are softer and more flexible than full grain leather which feels nice on the feet but I worry a little about the reduced ankle roll protection. While they provide good ankle support, my full grain leather boots don't flex as easily or as much.
They weigh almost a full pound, per pair, lighter than the Montrail Torre. They have a cushy insole that feels like an athletic shoe but on a sturdy platform.
The one thing that I have always said about Montrail is that they have the best boot shape for wide feet. Why haven't so many makers of top quality boots figured out that when going downhill, having the outside edges of the boots curve aggressively toward the big toe, only provides a great place for your toes to jam into. The outside edges of Montrail's boots are much straighter and only curve inward gradually. This provides room for the foot to slide a little forward without jamming. These boots have a very comfortably snug fit for any normal sized foot and provide great toe wiggle room. Please don't misunderstand, these boots are not designed for wide feet but the toe box provides great comfort for us ducks.
With new boots, I always like to do a catchers crouch test to see how much the sole bends. Most boots soles bend at the ball of the foot. These boots have a firm midsole that flexes but doesn't bend. Instead, the flex is distributed across the entire sole and this causes an interestingly pleasant effect. The firm midsole flexes with each step, storing energy like a diving board. Combine this effect with a rocker sole that starts at the back of the heel and rolls to the tip of the toe and you get a boot that seems to propel you forward when the flex energy is released. But this is where you hit something very minor. At the front edge of the sole there is a raised portion where I felt like I was hitting a mini speed bump with each step. You can see this small raised section in the picture. This effect is minor and noticeable on hard flat surfaces. It's barely noticeable on the trail.
Drawbacks:
The gusset doesn't go to the top of the tongue. If you look at the picture you can see the top of the gusset sticking out between the laces at ankle height. So if you step in water deeper than ankle height your boots are full of water.
I would like to see a longer tongue. The top of the tongue is only about a third of an inch above the top of the laces. When lacing the boots tight I felt the top of the tongue combined with the laces digging into the front of my leg.
I would like to see a wider tongue. When the laces are tied, the lace guides are further apart than most boots. So there is more pressure on the sides of the tongue, putting more pressure on the sides against you.
The locking boot lace guide, at ankle height, doesn't lock very well. I'm thinking of crimping it a little to get it to work better. I have locking lace guides on other boots that work very well; better than these.
I wasn't thrilled about the bright yellow section of the boot heel but after one day of trail dust its brightness no longer frightens small animals.
The first time I wore these boots I did a mountain hike; uphill for 5 miles and 4000 feet. I came home with my feet feeling fine.
Next test:
I am real curious how well the cushy soles hold up to a 50 pound pack. These boots have done nothing but surprise me so far so I am expecting the best.
Mt. Whitney day hike in July.
I will write an update after these tests.

View Details: Montrail Helium GTX Hiking Boot - Men's

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No