by LobeyD » Wed May 04, 2022 9:11 pm
I've had a pair for a couple of months so not a tested to destruction review. Probably about 20 hours on the hills in them and they still look like new so no obvious wear issues emerging. Very light and comfortable from the box. Sole is very sturdy and a lot grippier than the Salomon Ultra Mid's they replaced, which could be lethal. There is quite a bit of cushioning, similar to a trainer. Walking on roads and hard paths was great. Climbing in them is a breeze.
Only caveat is that they have a wide toe box and the stock insoles are rubbish. On the first steep descent my feet moved around a lot which was uncomfortable and not very stable. This is despite them being a good fit. I fixed this with proper insoles with more shape and grip, and getting quite aggressive with the laces. However, the upper is more a soft trainer type than a more rigid walking boot so not quite as stable at times as there is a bit more give in the fabric.
All in all I am impressed, comfy and a good balance of weight and sturdiness. I need a boot as I tend to go over on my ankles and there are the closest thing to trainers I could get away with. Probably will stick to proper boots if I know there is a lot of steep, pathless terrain, but I see them getting a lot of use.