How to Choose Hiking Boots

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Garmont Santiago GTX Mid waterproof hikers with Vibram® Megagrip soles are light and less bulky on your feet than similar boots, but just as rugged. They're ideal for on- and off-trail day trips.
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View all Garmont Men's Day Hiking BootsBest Use | Hiking |
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Footwear Height | Over-the-ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Waterproof | Yes |
Upper | 1.6mm suede leather/nylon mesh |
Lining | Gore-Tex Extended Comfort waterproof breathable membrane/textile |
Midsole | Dual-density EVA |
Support | Nylon shank |
Outsole | Vibram Megagrip rubber compound |
Can Be Resoled | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 2 lbs. 1 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | |
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U.S. Men's | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 |
U.S. Women's | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | ||||||||
UK | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 |
EU | 39.5 | 40 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 46.5 | 47 | 47.5 | 48 |
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I got these Santiagos about 3 years ago as a replacement to my beloved ultralight Asolos that are sadly no longer made. These boots are even lighter than the Asolos and they're still going strong. I hauled a 40lb pack up 8 miles in the Olympics, rock scrambled in the Rockies, strapped them to snowshoes, and all manner of outdoor abuse. They performed like champs and felt as nimble as sneakers. If you prefer to actually feel the ground with a lower sole (as opposed to the Frankenstein style soles of heavier boots), these are the shoes for you.
These boots were a great fit for my somewhat narrow foot and required almost no break in. The lacing system works very well for adjusting the fit. They are relatively light and are well suited to day hikes and light backpacking. I have wore them on a couple of moderate to strenuous day hikes and enjoyed their support, protection and comfort. I wear a size 12 in most athletic shoes the size 12 was a great fit for me in this boot. Plenty of room in the toe box on a steep downhill.
Bought a pair of these yesterday and for how firm the heel cup and ankle shaft are, I had no problems breaking them in on a 4 mile trail this morning. Great ankle support and solid insole plus the vulcanized toe gives added protection and there's plenty of room in the foot bed. I went with a half size larger than what my foot measures. Worth the money.
I've had countless boots over the years and these are hands down my favorite. Solid construction, light, and amazingly comfortable. I got them today and they needed zero break in. I expect to order a second pair just in case.
These shoes are pretty mediocre. They have a small toebox, not sure why people think it's wide. I have a wide forefoot and I get pinky blisters on both feet after a day of hiking because my feet are jammed in there. Also, they wet out right away. It must be some discount goretex. Whether it's rain or snow, these boots get wet on the insoles right away. Spend a bit more and get something better.
I switched from Lowa Renegade GTX to these because I wanted something more durable. So far so good in that respect, but these have a major flaw in that anything where you are on rocks and roots, these boots are just too flimsy to offer enough support. The heels are not stiff enough and the sole is not thick enough. I just put 10 miles on these on the Duckabush River Trail in WA state, and have joint pain in my ankle and big toe. It's basically a moderate sprain in both spots. Imagine if I were attempting something more substantial like the Enchantments. I'd be in danger of not making it out without assistance. REI needs to do a better job of pointing out that these are not suitable for anything more than short and light forest walks.
Ordered same size I always wear. Have had them for over a year while attempting to break them in, that NEVER happened. These boots are uncomfortable to the point of blisters, sole is flimsy, boot strings cannot stay tied, even after double knotting. This is the worse hiking boot I have ever owned.. I would have expected more for what I paid for them.
Very comfortable easy break in ,waterproof worked well lol on rainy hikes but not stylish with the words written on the back Heal Lock. I’m happy REI carry’s Garmont Boots great Italian shoe company even though my boots were made in Vietnam.
I loved these boots. The features are great and they look really nice. They are also very sturdy. Unfortunately, I am borderline 8.5EE or 9, but there are no wide sizes and the boots are fairly narrow. Probably great for someone with a normal to narrow foot, but not if you are normal bordering on wide.
Nicely built but did not feel right, too tight on top of foot. Returned and got another brand.