Longevity of stiffer synthetic boots

[JeffRaines]

Hey guys,

After having the opportunity to try out many different styles of boots, I will say that my favorite so far have been the synthetic light mountaineering type boots like the trango cube or salewa crow. The weight is awesome!

My only hiccup when it comes to this is durability. None of these style boots are “cheap” - and the last thing I want to do is buy a boot that is going to either be worn out in a year or is going to completely lose its waterproofing after a few trips.

I’m not married to any specific boot or brand - what has been your experience with these style boots, longevity of the boot itself and the waterproofing?

If I have to go with a heavier leather boot I don’t have any qualms with that - but I’d prefer the weight savings of synthetics if what I’m looking for is realistic. Feel free to offer some lightweight leather options if you want.

Thanks.

 

[Mulemania]

Meindls, don’t come much better for a lightweight durable boot,

 

[ndbuck09]

I had the trango cubes for 2 months and they were leaking, sent them in and they cut me a check. My wife had the womens trango cubes for about 8 months and they were leaking so she sent them in and she got a new pair warrantied. My brother had a pair of cubes and they were leaking within the first 3 months or so and he sent them in, got a second pair and those leaked within a year as well (he lived in Tennessee so didn't use them much). He sent that second pair in for warranty and they cut him a check as well.

My brother and I moved to Scarpa Grand Dru's for our caribou trip in AK last year and those puppies are bulletproof when it comes to waterproofness. Mine have all last fall, tons and tons of mileage on them and they still don't let water in, even in all day wet conditions. Thing is, they're way overkill heavy for summer scouting and warm weather mountain hunting. The trango cubes fit me far better than the grand dru's..I have to cinch them down to touching since I have small ankles and a low volume narrow foot.

I'm strongly considering trying the scarpa charmoz with outdry as they fit my foot well since they narrowed the last, and are very light like the trango cubes. I just wish la sportiva would do whatever they need to do to get the trango cubes dialed for some better waterproofing durability. When I;ve spoken to them, they all act like all these warranties are flukes lol. I personally think they're doing something in manufacturing that predisposes the boot to wearing a hole in the goretex bootie with minimal use.

 

[wyoguy]

Go leather if you're looking for durability, I've a pair of Lowa Irox had them leak after 2 trips warrantied that pair and the orhers now. They are great light weight option my legs can definitely feel the difference between them and leather boots after all day hikes. But if there is any chance for bad weather I'll be wearing my leather boots.