REI Co-op  Swiftland Running Gaiters

Purchased these a few days before a 50k trail race when we saw the weather forecast called for non-stop rain. Trail conditions where horrible, deteriorated rapidly through the day, and we were all covered in mud, but these gaiters kept all the rocks and sand out of our trail runners, and they were very comfortable. Never had to stop to get rocks or sand out of our socks or shoes. Highly recommend. I used the heel velcro and lace hook -- my husband wore his with the lace hook and underfoot elastic, and both methods worked very well.

I used these gaiters for 1400 miles of my Appalachian Trail thru-hike. I was replacing a cheap internet pair that did not have a replaceable bottom band. Other than two snags, the fabric held up very well. I first replaced the elastic with a thin cheap elastic that lasted less than 200 miles - if this is your only option, try doubling it? My best strategy was to use a thick 3/16" elastic as a single strand, not folded over, with stopper knots on both ends. This lasted at least 500 miles and was less prone to snagging on branches and things.

I use these with Altra Olympic 4s and Lone peak 5s and run about 15miles of trail per week. Super light weight, breath well and very comfortable the only issue is durability, sewing around the top starts unraveling after 50 miles(unacceptable given price). As most have complained, I have had to replace the shock cord every 2-300 mi but I feel like this is ok given where it sits on the shoe, how easy it is to replace (2mins, I keep cord on hand) and how it enhances the fit which is excellent. Do not use these for hiking overgrown trails they are UL running gaiters folks

I hiked for two days, around 25 miles total, and the cord that hooks under the shoe broke. I plan on just buying some more cord to replace it because I really like the design otherwise. Very lightweight, kept all the dirt out, reasonable price. Five stars if the cord didn’t break almost instantly. If they replaced it with stronger cord or different material all together it would be a great product.

I used these on my first 100 miler…they kept the rocks out, but after 100 miles of trail running (lots of hiking) the elastic cords under my feet were trashed and I ended up getting horrible rashes around my ankles from the grippy ankle cuff. So yeah….they worked, but I had some issues. Hopefully higher socks will help with the chaffing/rash.

I first used these gaiters for a regular hike with dry trails. They were able to prevent any pebbles and leaves from going into my shoe which was great. I wore them again a second time on a more wet trail that involved puddles, lots of mud, moving through shrubs and rocky terrain. By the end of my 3 day hike, the gaiters were ripped, the elastic that grabs onto the sole of the shoe had come out and the clip that hooks onto the shoelace was broken. For the price it was a good product but not made for harsh environments.

I *love* these gaiters. A size Medium fits my small ankles and 44.5 Bushido’s perfectly, and the silicone strip allows a good seal to keep debris out of my shoes. I’ve tried Dirty Girl and Ultra Gam but they did not fit me as securely as these. The underfoot strap is not necessary if you glue some velcro to the heel of your shoe; tension will keep the sides in place unless post-holing in snow. Even then they do a pretty good job. NOTE TO REI: please change the toe hook, the current design flips up too often.

Wore these on the 35.5 mile River to Cloud Route on Lookout Mountain in the Chattanooga, TN area. The route included everything from asphalt road, gravel road, single track trail and technical rock hopping. I wore them attached to my Altra Olympus trail shoes and they worked perfectly, they stayed in place and kept the garbage out of my shoes.

These are very small vis-a-vis what you'd expect for their listed sizes. Furthermore, the front lace attachment is incredibly stupid. It's sewn half an inch back from the front of the gaiter causing the gaiter's front to lift up.

I love these gaiters. BUT, the shock cord that wraps underneath the shoe broke after about two month.