Hi-Tec Cascadia eVent WPi Hiking Boots - Men's - 2011 Closeout

Comments about Hi-Tec Cascadia eVent WPi Hiking Boots - Men's - 2011 Closeout:

These boots are on "closeout" so I don't know how much good my review might be, but thought I would post my first impressions in case anyone was on the fence about these.I've been on the lookout for a good deal on some quality boots for my fairly mild day-hiking outings on the trails in the Sandia Mountains around Albuquerque. I really like the feel of a stiff-soled boot on the rocky sections of trails and have found that many "day-hiking" boots have soles that are just too soft/flexible for my taste.When these showed up as a [$] closeout (note: there are now back up to [$]!) I did some quick internet research on them since I was unfamiliar with the "Hi-Tec" brand. Turns out Hi-Tec is an UK-based company making quite a range of outdoor items, specializing in footwear. They have their own version of breathable but waterproof fabric (think Goretex) that they have branded "eVent." They also have a waterproofing process they call "Ion-Mask." If you Google the boot you will find some informative Youtube videos including some demonstrations of the waterproofing capabilities.I ordered a size 11 and they seem to be just a tiny bit bigger than would be ideal. Shoe sizing is a real crapshoot when ordering online. If these were available in the store I would try a 10.5 for comparison, but I think I can live with the 11's. I always use Superfeet orthotic inserts and with this particular boot I added a 2nd pair of thick hiking socks also. I've only done about 1.5 hours in the boot so far, but first impression is that these are keepers. VERY comfortable and surprisingly light-feeling. Plenty of stability and the stiff sole is great for striding across rocky sections with no discomfort at all. The lacing hardware is all rustproof metal and looks to be very high-quality.REI has a very similar model also on sale, for $10 more that has leather uppers, but I opted for these even with the odd (to me) green color. They are marginally lighter.I checked prices around the internet and these are still selling at [@] for the claimed [$] retail price. [@] has some for [$]. Of course these prices change, especially if these are closeout items or are not going to be manufactured any longer. Since I scored these for [$], I couldn't be happier.

Comments about Hi-Tec Cascadia eVent WPi Hiking Boots - Men's - 2011 Closeout:

These boots are really comfortable and have great Vibram soles. Mine, however, ripped after 2 months of periodic use. They were also NOT waterproof prior to the rip. My feet were soaked after walking through wet grass. The laces do not have a locking system so they come loose quite a bit. Oddly, other than those huge problems, I liked these. Just not for serious use.

Comments about Hi-Tec Cascadia eVent WPi Hiking Boots - Men's - 2011 Closeout:

I needed a new waterproof hiking boot for my occasional forays into the wilderness and found this one reasonably priced. Though I was just buying this boot because it was priced right, I was pleasantly surprised by the high quality. The tough exterior will require a little extra break-in time, but the boot is solid, waterproof, and has a comfortable cuff. I would say the size is off a touch, better go a half size bigger. The lace holes end a little too low, It is nice to be able to tie boots off without tightening the cuff so you can slip them on and off at the campsite, but this is a rather specific issue, and overall these boots are five star excellent.

Comments about Hi-Tec Cascadia eVent WPi Hiking Boots - Men's - 2011 Closeout:

i originally bought due to sale price, but its actually a really good boot. i also use super feet insoles (black) with them. yes i would buy them again

Comments about Hi-Tec Cascadia eVent WPi Hiking Boots - Men's - 2011 Closeout:

Great boots. Out of the box you can immediately notice quality. Well engineered and attractive styling. Putting them on I was a little bit dissapointed as they felt a little bit big and wide. I am a solid 10.5 and these feel like 10.75's (If that was a size!) Have put about 30 miles in them so far, and with thick sock they are great. They don't really break in or at least have not yet because I am assuming the material is synthetic and not leather. Great support though and very little wear. These are my go to backpacking boots now. Aside from them feeling slightly large, everything else was great about them.