Let me start this review by saying. I have been a Salomon GTX wearer for the last 15 plus years and love them. The main thing I was looking for in a new boot was something that was more waterproof. I tried them on and they felt great in the store. I don't have a local store that sells them, so it was a 2 1/2 hour drive. The first 2 miles were a little bit rough on my feet. Having been used to Solomon's where there was no break in period at all. The soles leave much to be desired so I added a pair of Superfeet hike. After the next three miles I took them off and was unable to walk for the next 20 minutes because my feet hurt so bad. All of this was with a #60 pack on
At this point I had planned to return them and looked for the box and receipt. To find out, my significant other thought it wise to dispose of them both. My next process would be to try and break them in properly, since I would be unable to return for or try a wider pair. So, this story has 2 parts and now my new and future planned break in process. Took the new boots slid a plastic bag inside and fill them with water place them in the freezer overnight for the ice to expand and stretch the boot. I took them out the next day and placed them inside of the laundry tub with warm water filling the inside and outside of the boot until the ice had completely melted. Pulled the bags out and filled the inside of the boot with warm water to the top. Let them sit for a few minutes and poured them out. Put the soles back in and strapped them on my feet soaking wet
I wore them the entire day approx. 11 hours and made sure I put a decent amount of walking into the day. I wore them until they were almost dry. The next 3 days I wore them to work every day all day. On the 3rd. day I did a 3-mile hike with the pack with little foot discomfort. Since then, I have put on about another 20 miles and every time they become more and more comfortable. Looking back, I may have gone with a wider boot, but they definitely needed way more break in than my Salomons. There has been no blistering even with purposely wet feet and socks, and the boot gives a lot of support in the ankle and foot. They are great with resisting water as I have hiked through water almost up to the top on 2 occasions with no issue. They are very durable boots, and the laces do not come undone as I have experienced on other boots.
There is a loop at the ankle that you can use to draw your foot in to the heel if needed but I did not need it as mine stayed tight. Great traction while climbing hills after snow melt and rain. I believe with a few more weeks of preparing for spring bear they will become even more comfortable and form fitted. I am looking forward to putting them to the test in the Idaho backcountry and will gladly follow up with any issues that may arise. At this point I wouldn't have any reason to not recommend them to someone knowing they may need a good break in.
For the price point it's a big decision and at first, I was disheartened by the immediate outcome but am glad I made the decision and look forward to years of use.
At this point I had planned to return them and looked for the box and receipt. To find out, my significant other thought it wise to dispose of them both. My next process would be to try and break them in properly, since I would be unable to return for or try a wider pair. So, this story has 2 parts and now my new and future planned break in process. Took the new boots slid a plastic bag inside and fill them with water place them in the freezer overnight for the ice to expand and stretch the boot. I took them out the next day and placed them inside of the laundry tub with warm water filling the inside and outside of the boot until the ice had completely melted. Pulled the bags out and filled the inside of the boot with warm water to the top. Let them sit for a few minutes and poured them out. Put the soles back in and strapped them on my feet soaking wet
I wore them the entire day approx. 11 hours and made sure I put a decent amount of walking into the day. I wore them until they were almost dry. The next 3 days I wore them to work every day all day. On the 3rd. day I did a 3-mile hike with the pack with little foot discomfort. Since then, I have put on about another 20 miles and every time they become more and more comfortable. Looking back, I may have gone with a wider boot, but they definitely needed way more break in than my Salomons. There has been no blistering even with purposely wet feet and socks, and the boot gives a lot of support in the ankle and foot. They are great with resisting water as I have hiked through water almost up to the top on 2 occasions with no issue. They are very durable boots, and the laces do not come undone as I have experienced on other boots.
There is a loop at the ankle that you can use to draw your foot in to the heel if needed but I did not need it as mine stayed tight. Great traction while climbing hills after snow melt and rain. I believe with a few more weeks of preparing for spring bear they will become even more comfortable and form fitted. I am looking forward to putting them to the test in the Idaho backcountry and will gladly follow up with any issues that may arise. At this point I wouldn't have any reason to not recommend them to someone knowing they may need a good break in.
For the price point it's a big decision and at first, I was disheartened by the immediate outcome but am glad I made the decision and look forward to years of use.
