AKU  Tribute II LTR Hiking Boots - Men's

I had originally bought these boots a year ago because they were on sale. I am a land surveyor and wear them every day and they a lot of abuse from construction sites to mountain work.They still look great a year later, I do use the snow seal on them since they are leather. They are comfortable, have enough toe room for thicker socks and have held up extremely well.Only thing I did do was put in a different insole at the request of my foot doctor after spraining an ankle, doctor said it could have easily been a break but the boots held things together. Doctor now owns a pair of these boots.

These boots were comfortable right out of the box, but get more comfortable after every hike I use them on...the leather liner now conforms perfectly to my feet. The leather and construction seem very high quality. Addressing the white elephant in the room...are they waterproof? With no Goretex liner? Please. Total waterproofness is overrated. These are full grain leather, which is water resistant enough for most trips. Apply Snowseal or Nikwax and they become 99% waterproof. Not as waterproof as Goretex, certainly, but enough for most hikers all of the time, and all hikers most of the time. What is gained by eliminating the waterproof liner: breathability, comfort, drier socks and fewer blisters in warm weather. I actually look forward to putting these on...something I can't say about most hiking boots I've owned!

Really beautiful leather inside and out--just to highlight again, the INSIDE is ALL leather (not just the cuff), which seems very rare now. It isn't like old skool stiff leather, it is buttery smooth and supple. The sole is very grippy with big aggressive treads--much deeper than looks in the picture. The volume seems large, with a spacious toe box. The tongue opens out further than an average boot making it easy to put on. The feel is agile and surprisingly light. Would be great for backpacking and long day hiking. These seem to be unique boots on the market right now, high craftsmanship.

I wanted these boots for several reasons: 1. Leather w/o side stitching. 2. No Gortex (needed a well breathing.but solid cover boot). 3. Over the ankle coverage. They met those criteria well. I would prefer lacing all the way to the toe for better adjustment, but couldn’t find that w/ #’s 1-3 above. For my foot these run large (actual feel is larger than numerical size suggests. For comparison: these in 44 fit same as Scarpa Zen Pro 45, Zamberlan 226 Slathe 45, Asolo Sassalong 45, La Sportiva Ganda Guides 45.5.

Absolutely beautiful boot, but...there was a seam on the inside of the boot on the top/side near midfoot that is completely exposed to the foot, I noticed it immediately when I put it on, I was thinking the pain caused by this might go away after a break in...but then I thought that it might not because it is a very hard stitch and I couldn't picture the actual stitching becoming softer.... my foot was just not compatible with the cut and I didn't want to take a chance it wouldnt resolve itself....but man the boot are top quality leather inside and out...really nice boot.

Extremely comfortable and fits as expected. I wear size 11 street shoes and this boot size 11 fits fine too (D fit). The only issue with these boots is when hiking in hot weather....my feet get hot too. So for hiking in temps under 80F they are very nice but if you hiking in 90F heat they are not the best choice. I bought a 2nd pair size 11.5 (upsized 1/2 size) to wear with heavy socks in winter. I plan to use snow sealer to keep them waterproof.

Fit was perfect! And I’m so glad! Rugged on the outside yet smooth on the inside !

Wear an 11.5D in most shoes and 11D in most boots. Bought these as US 12D and expected some room. Nope, toe near the front, touching will a little force. Toe box is ok, but slightly narrow, most likely, because I need a 12.5D. So, they run small, at least in the larger sizes. Leather exterior/interior, padding, is excellent and high quality. Most likely, from a excellent tannery in Italy. Vibram sole. Untouchable at this price.

These boots are a steal, and I’m kicking myself for not getting extra pairs. They’re comfortable, easy to move it, and look great. Hit them with some kiwi conditioner wax and my feet stayed dry during a muddy and rainy 2gun match that lasted from dawn to dusk. With care I expect them to last forever. I really hope that REI has them again!