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Hey Weston. Just a quick heads up: when you mention that someone died in your videos, you animate crosses over their eyes, like when an animal dies in a cartoon. Just want to let you know that this comes off as not just disrespectful, which is not ideal in itself but even worse, it seems tactless and a bit uncouth. I'm aware that you need some sort of visual metaphor for death, but you can find better ones, like a bell sounding while picture fading, or a black stripe around the corner of the image...a cross? Not to be a killjoy or anything, it's not about being overly sensitive and having this overinflated reverence for the dead, it's more like showing class, discernment. Yeah you cut shoes, you goof of, but still, y'know, that *was* a real person, someone cared for them and maybe still does, and well, some decorum is appropriate. I'm not sure how you'd react if someone animated crosses over the eyes of your loved one who you still grieved for. I hope I'm not overselling this and you see my point. It's all with the very best intentions, I love your channel.
I’m a La Sportiva fanboy but of their higher end mountaineering boots. I climbed a lot of winter alpine, ice and mixed routes in either the Nepal Evo or the Trango line of boots depending upon the route and the weather. Like you I also climbed sport and/or trad rock routes in La Sportiva rock shoes. It would be interesting to see some serious mountaineering boots cut in half. Pretty niche audience though I would guess.
I’ve watched you since the shovel head/ doc marten days. You’re the reason I own top quality boots/leather goods. You’re almost to 1 million subscribers! Keep it up Weston! This category should help!
I do a lot of day hiking, so I sincerely appreciate this channel. Your work has caused me to judge footgear in a completely different light (formerly out of ignorance and pure brand recognition, now out of being a better educated consumer). Thank you, Weston
Hope you'll make a video about Meindl Vacuum GTX, Scarpa Manta Tech GTX, La Sportiva TX4 GTX, Hoka Speedgoat 5 :) Those are the ones I own for different hike types, I'd love to know your point of view about their build. I'm super happy you took on hiking type footwear!
I've noticed in most conditions, most hiking tread patterns perform basically the same. There is only one hiking sole that has been terrible and it was a Salomon
It varies in fringe conditions. Wet and muddy; and smooth and slippery. Durability also varies. Harder rubber is usually more durable and less grippy. Soft rubber can wear quickly but really grip.
I think it0s because most soles are really high quality these days. You make a good point but it's when you're in unusual conditions that the differences really matter - slippery rocks, mud, snow and ice, wet grass, steep descents, etc.
What about Scarpa? I've owned 3 different models of their leather upper hiking boots for maybe 30 years, and won't buy anything else now, because all the other sewn together ones with lots of panels just fall apart. Yes, I walk in granite country a lot, but Scarpa has never let me down, and stayed comfortable even when the soles are past needing to be replaced.
La Sportiva and Scarpa have been my backpacking and climbing shoes for about 30 years. My La Sportivas I bought in 1994 still actually work. They're not waterproof anymore, the inner leather has been torn up, and the rubber has started to seperate from the leather where the sole meets. But after 30 years, I still where them once in a while and they're still really comfortable.
The XS-Trek is a Vibram technology and they have dozens of soles that use a similar pattern and materials that they describe as XS-Trek. And also lots of manufacturers use them. Similarly Meindl have had their "Air Active" insoles for a couple of decades, that use a bellows effect to reduce heat build up. I'm pretty sure other manufacturers will have their versions as well as they tend to copy each other if one comes up with a new concept/benefit.
Nice, I just bought a pair of these feeling unsure about them. I have yet to put any miles on them so will update this after I do. Thanks for the video!
Had these. Very comfortable and did not find the minimal foam and issue when hiking. They are very light for the support they give. Here is the caveat in my experience. The grid pattern on the sides blew out on both sides of both of my boots. They totally gave way and split from the midsole. I had approximately 80 or so miles on them. Your mileage may vary.
I bought the Ultra Raptor 2 mid in leather. So impressed I bought the shoe, again in leather but a different rubber compound. Have had a lot of Quality footwear over the years, shoe, mid and boot. La Sportive Ultra Raptor 2 are at the top of the list for me and my shaped feet.
Hey I have this boot! I have logged 95 miles on it, so I probably have close to double that in real miles, maybe 180 miles. Had no idea of the marketing claims, but I can give my experience, especially compared to my previous pair of Lowa Renegades. These boots are definitely more flexible in the upper and softer underfoot than the Renegades, that part's legit. Even after the miles I put on it's still good. And despite that they're not any less supportive than other boot's I've had, at least when I sidehill with them. So if you're asking if the midsole lasts after miles in the backcountry, yes it does. However I do hear complaints about those synthetic bits coming apart earlier than something like a full leather construction. Traction is pretty par for the course for a Vibram outsole so I'm not getting any of that "enhanced traction" they advertise. Breathability part is BS, these boots are about as not breathable as any other Goretex boot.
I've been wearing the TX5 Low all summer, here in the Swiss Alps, the only Gore-Tex footwear I've worn in years. It shares quite a few features with the boot in the review, the nubuck leather looks similar, it has a similar sole, and insole. I hated the shoe the first few days, felt loose and tight at the same time, just off, then it broke in and fits wonderfully, the lacing system works pretty well. Personally I don't pay any attention to the marketing guff of any brand, just to the materials. I make my shortlists from friends and the people who sell them, the shops here are super honest and have enough different ranges and models to sell you what fits and what worrks, no hard sell or oushing you to certain brands, and being in the heart of the alps if something doesn't work they'll find out real quick, and stop selling it or not recommend it to peole with serious needs. Performance wise, after a few hundred Ks on mountain trails, a few Via Feratta, and a bunch of dog walks in all kinds of terrain from forests, wet grass, paved and dirt roads, etc., I can say it's a pretty great all around approach and hiking shoe, very stable, good grip ascending and descending, even on scree and wet rocks, and the insole is the perfect aount of squish, as you say, and firmness, way better than the Scarpa insoles on similar shoes. They're not a stuffy as I thought they would be on hot days, there's decent room in the toe-box, an improvement on the older models that were just too confining, and I actually really came to appreciate the GTX as it was a rainy summer and I was in wet grass many mornings, I would have previously had to take heavier boots instead of shoes, so it worked out for the better. The only negative is on steep and long descents I have to crank the laces to the point my feet eventually almost fall asleep, have to be careful to loosen them as soon as the terrain levels out, but for these kinds of hikes I'll usually take my all leather Hanwags, they're just a better tool for the job. I'm super happy to have them in my rotation, and just as happy for a bit cooler weather now so I can wear my Russel Moccasins more often, if I could wear them every day I would, but horses for courses and all that. Regarding your rankings, Salomon has always been the king of great tech that just doesn't hold up. Their boots and shoes perform brilliantly and are very comfortable, usually look pretty cool, but they design in too many weak points, joins that fail, parts that wear out too soon. They were popular fr a while here but have been edged out by La Sportiva. Salewa, Mammut, and the big German brands, among a few others.
Have you tried the TX4? I have them and they're great when you can't use trail runners. I heard the TX5 are a bit more rigid than the TX4 so I opted for the latter, can you confirm? Either way, I truly believe the TX4 low are perfect for pretty much any kind of hiking, you don't need more unless you're on snow/ice, these hiking boots are completely unnecessary in my opinion. What do you you think?
@@golDroger88some pretty bold statements there... Lows don't give ankle stability and, the sole on the TX4 isn't optimal for all round hiking. It's optimised for rock and scrambling etc.
@@golDroger88 I haven't used both but did consider them when looking for a new hiking shoe after becoming disenchanted with Scarpas. They have a stellar reputation here and I'm sure I would have been happy with either. The main reason I opted for the TX5 was that I found a pair much cheaper in my size and than the TX4, which were sold out everywhere but in a few very expensive places. The TX5 Low aren't rigid by any measure, they offer a stable platform but flex really well. Not having hiked in the TX4s I can't answer your question. But iff you like the TX4s and they fit well I wouldn't change, they have achieved near legendary status here for a reason, and they are resole-able by La Sportiva, and will continue to be. The TX5 platform is different and might not be easy to resole in a year or so if the model doesn't continue to sell well. Medium height boots have their place, if you're always on trails or not wearing heavy packs an approach shoe is probably all you'll ever need. I like higher boots for the stability and protection, I do a lot of side-hilling, off trail at times through brush and thorns, undergrowth, crossing boulder fields and streams, etc, and a higher boot is really handy for staying dry and uninjured (if you've ever knocked an ankle on a sharp granite boulder you'll know what I mean). But I can't wear a mid height boot as they inflame my Achilles tendon due to the high mileage I do day after day, and I'm not young anymore, so I wear slightly higher boots whenever I know I won't just be on trails (around 7" whose cuff sits well above the exposed tendon and doesn't chafe the area). I would wear trail runners on trails in the summer but for the cost of replacing them, they just don't last long enough to make any economic sense to me.
@@adamr63 Thanks for the answer. What's your opinion on boots? Do you consider them necessary for simple hiking on certain terrain? In my opinion they're counterproductive because you don't train the foot if you're new and aren't necessary if you know what you're doing. I don't see a space for them in hiking when trail runners and approach shoes exist. Now mountaneering boots are a different thing... Cheers from South Tyrol.
@@golDroger88 I had posted by mistake before finishing my comment, have a look again at the post for my experiences with boots. I think boots become necessary at higher altitudes. Steep descents, rocky terrain, snowfields, the occasional need for light use crampons, are all a part of hiking and trekking above 1500m or thereabouts. This is the zone I'll use them most often, when a mountaineering boot is way too much but a shoe might not be enough, even though it might be okay for a large percentage of a hike, it's real nice to have the protection and support when needed. You make a great point about training your feet, I think only using boots that lock your feet in is a mistake. Spending more time in my Russell Moccasins is really good for my feet and ankles, no doubt about it.
Same here. I ordered a pair of these from REI on sale and found the sizing to be wonky, and way too narrow. Fortunately, the local store had the right size in a wide width, and they’ve become my go-to boot. The first time I wore them was on a Grand Canyon rim-to-River hike, and I had no issues then or since.
Reviewing this boot has made me rethink my purchase of the Solomon boots, because these look nice to me. I really love how they have significantly less foam on the bottom of the shoes.
They're very comfortable boots that get destroyed after about two summers of hiking in the rockies. I've had multiple pairs and the same thing happens to all of them - the toe of the boot, and the side where the plastic meets the leather gets destroyed. Most day hikers aren't any more durable, and these fit me well, so I keep buying these (on sale).
For me it's hard to choose a boot that doesn't have a solid front reinforcement - I constantly kick something, my last outing into the mountains resulted with me kicking (accidently) a rock so hard, that one of my toes got bruised badly and I was wondering if I'm not gonna lose the toe nail, but it looks like it's gonna stay. So for me, for that reason the Salomon boots are the best. I've owned my Quest GTX for over a decade now and this feature is really crucial for me.
I have been waering La Sportiva Spire GTX and their predecessor for the last 7-years as my everday shoe, going through a pair (solewise) every 9-months. I can tell you, that the Surround membrane works extremely well, even after literealyl thousands of kilometrs on the same pair of shoes. IF you get water on the inside of your shoe, the tiny tubes will actually eveacuate the water from the shoe out to the sides, leaving your foot warm and dry within minutes. I wear them all your round and sometimes even in deep powder snow and still, they work. I just wish for 2 things: 1. More wear resistant soles for larger sizes (I am 193cm, 135kg wearing EU 46,5) 2. Replacable soles. I could wear my La Sportivas at least twice as long if the soles could be raplaced.
I have a pair from these. The toe has a sticky rubber on the front that let's you walk up a rock face like a staircase. And I can stand in a creek to cool off my feet on a hot day. They're awesome!
You should check out Asolo's hiking boots. I had my original leather pair for over 20 years and eventually picked up a new pair. They are amazing boots but like a lot of brands some models can be hit or miss.
Not a slice a boot in half comment but something I have noticed. I've never had the opportunity to use gaters - high boots and low boots. I first noticecd this with salomon speedcross 4's. Compared with my Salomon quests - my speedcross collect less grass seeds, stones and thorns - because they lack the huge "Funnel for muck on top" So lower cut trail shoes with a decent rock plate are for me!
I had some LaSportiva approach shoes about a decade ago. So grippy, light yet comfortable and long lasting. They were great. Tried to replace them with the new model but I couldn't get past the new styles/colours (call me vain). These boots do look nice though IMO.
Gore-tex surround used to be something else. In boots using this technology there was a void under your foot which was connected to the "outside" through the channels in the midsole. Technically it allows bottom of your foot to breathe. You can see proper GTX surround tech used in TCX Climatrek Surround motorcycle boots for example. Also, I heard rumours that PE based gore-tex membrane is less "breathable" when compared to PTFE made gore-tex.
Hell yea! I’m back, now do some mountaineering boots by them! I wanna see fully rigid boots vs 3/4 shank. I wanna see the insulation in 8000m (Everest height) boots!
I have a pair of these to replace a pair of Keens that I tried on in the store and had a bit of a false positive on the fit. At first they felt a little snug, but after taking steps they seemed to feel really good. I put 160 miles on them between hiking and walking in the winter. They really started to hurt my feet, and I think a big part of it was not upsizing to a 12 from 11.5. My other big complaints is they are not very waterproof, I had wet feet a lot through the tongue either from snow or puddles. The rubber protector over the toe also delaminated and maybe was causing leaks as well? I really wanted to like these but overall I was a bit disappointed in them.
Would it be worth your time to cover the Carolina 28 Series boots? I wore a pair down to removable composite toes after 1.5 years, and I’m convinced they’re the best $200ish yearly pair you can buy.
I would love to see a review of Vasque Sundowners..My go to for the last 20 years. I’m almost through my third pair of them and this last pair didn’t seem to hold up quite as well. I don’t think I have been any harder on these than I was on The older ones.
Speaking about boots, maybe you can do a review on Chiruca boots? Its mostly hunting boots, that are very popular in Spain. Also I've got a pair of those, and I would be really pleased to see, what's inside of them. Also a lot of their boots have a BOA lacing system, which can be very interesting too!
Would love to see some scarpa and salewa boots. Have a pair of galewa mountain trainers and they have some fascinating wire and plastic additions which I think really make them a cool shoe (some issues with the lasting board bunching and causing a high pressure point though)
I'm curious to see Asolo boots, some units in the army use them and here in Italy are quite common for mountaineers and workers I have their HQ nearby too lol
I was looking at their safety shoes for work, I stock at Costco, and I have to look into this brand more. A lot of people in the comments are recommending them but I never heard of them before. A little pricey but if they last and feel good it would be worth it.
I would really love for you to cut in modern danner. Something like the Danner mountain leaf. It’s different from the previous danners you have cut. I feel like they would fit in with the curtain round of hikers you are cutting.
One thing about the camera leather strip, it makes noise because its metal on metal, so it limits the function of the camera, can't be using it when recording.
I would buy these based on the eyelets alone. I hate the kind where laces just are held by tension because when you're hiking and you snag them on a branch or something they either catch and trip you or fall out of place. I don't hike with boots, I'm a huge hiker but I wear hiking shoes (not runners) but this boot might convince me to try it out just for that.
While they look thin, OEM camera straps happen to be same the nylon/polyester weaves as your seat belts. They wont break. Only problem is the huge logo in the neck. Yours look nice but is obviously not black and with brass locks that look a bit undersized for a +2 kg camera
I wore these boots when i worked/lived in Colorado and essentially hiked as my job. They didn't even last a month before they essentially fell apart. They are incredibly comfortable though and i can see them lasting a while for someone who hikes maybe one or two times a month. After a few weeks of wear the fabric on the side of the boot with the black webbing print was rhe first to get holes in it, the rubber toe cap seaparated from the leather, and it just went downhill from there. I would not buy these boots again. I was hiking in rough terrain though whereas i think this boots is better suited for casual occasional hiking. I switched to Nicks leather logging boots and they have lasted me years.
@@golDroger88 yes I've done that and more, easily, with 40-50 pounds on my back. And they aren't stiff forever, the leather gets softer. I had the 8" tall leather boots but something shorter would be better for recreational hiking.
@@Breeski1 That sounds insane to me, I can only imagine the weight on your feet. It's hard to hike in mountaineering boots like the Scarpa Ribelle after a while even for expert climbers.
@@Breeski1 Oh, I'd gladly do it without the need of any monetary compensation, just not in boots. You'd have to pay me extremely well to do it in leather boots lol.
I had a pair of Lowa’s for a Christmas present, I’ve saved them to find the right time to put them to use,which turned out to be more than a few years, however finally and excitedly I put them to work and after a couple of weeks they started squeeking, I checked them out and the soles have fallen apart. I’m shocked and very disappointed. They were kept in a wardrobe at room temperature out of the sun. So I can’t understand it!?!?
Surprised to see this. I have altberg and could never get a long with them. The size was never right either. I do think it’s a very unknown brand only by English soldiers as shown above.
This side panel seems like a recipe for disaster, not only you can snag it or tear it, but imagine having to clear mud out of it. Oof. I'd love to see some Bestard boots cut open - they are a storied Spanish brand that still makes em in Mallorca. Keep it up!
I'm still a Lowa Renegade fan, but I'd be willing to try the La Sportiva next time I buy. I went with Lowa mostly because they have a good reputation and their wide boot fits my foot well, so if the La Sportiva fits as well it's worth a shot.
I used the renegade for years. I find this pair of LaSportiva to be better in many ways. More comfortable, so far they've held up better (I have a tendency to wear out heels. Must be the way I walk), and I get better grip. But I'm a sample size of 1 lol
I have a problem with wear of my shoes. I only walk between 10-12 km per day because I own a dog. No matter which shoe I tried over the past year, they all became disintegrated or worn out over this timespan. Ecco, 2 pairs of Adidaa Terrex. The only ones that seem to be able to last a bit better is Mammut. Let’s say I walk 4000 km per year. Divided through 4 pair of shoes equals 1000 km per shoe. Isn’t that to few? I’m around 260 pounds with muscular legs and I walk quite fast if that matters.
That concept looks great but I want my boots to last for years and live in very wet England, so I feel this would be amazing for one winter then slowly die over the next one.
Keep climbing! Would be cool to see how boots change as you go up in altitude. 6,000 meter mountaineering boots. La Sportiva G2 Evo vs. Scarpa 6000 HD vs. Mammut Nordwand 5000 Lowa 6000. Are they all the same? What's all the cool tech they use to keep your feet warm on top of Mt. Everest in something like the La Sportiva Olympus Mons?
If you want to look at a hiking boot again I would really be interested in something from HanWag. That company has a big Fanbase in Europe. Maybe less so in NA.
I really want to see a review on the updated version of Red Wing Beckman. It is interesting to see the comparison with the old version and other models in the Red Wing lineup. It's appalling that a shoe company that claims to honor its heritage is starting to use padded insoles instead of thick leather. Shameful!
I really dislike seeing that person's chipped painted black nails. They always have their hands so nasty, it's just really unprofessional when trying to show something!!
I really don’t trust Salomon anymore and steer clear. Had a nail go through the sole into my foot on a mid mountain boot and the fabrics tore and wore after minimal use in Cretan mountains on the flex point between toes and foot start. Maybe other boots are better but they looked cool were nice and light and yeah… definitely not worth the price. Didn’t have same issues with Lowa and now trying a light shoe from La Sportiva but still breaking it in
3:07 i would have expected that for all european hiking boots, ski mountaineering and cross country skiing manufacturers: because in certain parts of europe while there were lockdowns that prevented people form gathering together, hiking was always allowed in some places. ski mountaineering and cross country skiing as well as biking also. And there was a huge increase in people going outdoors. They had time and went off. And some kept doing that when the lockdowns and stuff had ended. And they needed footwear. What i think?: The LOWAs are made in europe and cost less than these which are made in china... The wages are higher in europe and there are more workers safety rules and stuff to fulfill in europe than in china. So basically La sportiva makes more money on each pair of boots while doing less for it's workers. So as a european i would tend to stay with the LOWAs i already have and like. I honestly did think (i never tried them) that La Sportiva did make their boots in that price range in italy still, so i am a bit disapointed.
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Hey Weston. Just a quick heads up: when you mention that someone died in your videos, you animate crosses over their eyes, like when an animal dies in a cartoon. Just want to let you know that this comes off as not just disrespectful, which is not ideal in itself but even worse, it seems tactless and a bit uncouth. I'm aware that you need some sort of visual metaphor for death, but you can find better ones, like a bell sounding while picture fading, or a black stripe around the corner of the image...a cross? Not to be a killjoy or anything, it's not about being overly sensitive and having this overinflated reverence for the dead, it's more like showing class, discernment. Yeah you cut shoes, you goof of, but still, y'know, that *was* a real person, someone cared for them and maybe still does, and well, some decorum is appropriate. I'm not sure how you'd react if someone animated crosses over the eyes of your loved one who you still grieved for. I hope I'm not overselling this and you see my point. It's all with the very best intentions, I love your channel.
I’m a La Sportiva fanboy but of their higher end mountaineering boots. I climbed a lot of winter alpine, ice and mixed routes in either the Nepal Evo or the Trango line of boots depending upon the route and the weather. Like you I also climbed sport and/or trad rock routes in La Sportiva rock shoes. It would be interesting to see some serious mountaineering boots cut in half. Pretty niche audience though I would guess.
I’ve watched you since the shovel head/ doc marten days. You’re the reason I own top quality boots/leather goods. You’re almost to 1 million subscribers! Keep it up Weston! This category should help!
RedWings owe him a lot of money, lol.
@@nvcn86 haha yeah! Along with Nicks, Whites, JK, and definitely Jim Green!
I do a lot of day hiking, so I sincerely appreciate this channel. Your work has caused me to judge footgear in a completely different light (formerly out of ignorance and pure brand recognition, now out of being a better educated consumer).
Thank you, Weston
I LOVE ❤ this new hiking series. That area of italy has many surprises: ASOLO, La Sportiva, SCARPA and so on
ASOLO hiking boots is next in this category, old history, cool looking, european brand and style. Regards from Chile
Hope you'll make a video about Meindl Vacuum GTX, Scarpa Manta Tech GTX, La Sportiva TX4 GTX, Hoka Speedgoat 5 :) Those are the ones I own for different hike types, I'd love to know your point of view about their build. I'm super happy you took on hiking type footwear!
I've noticed in most conditions, most hiking tread patterns perform basically the same. There is only one hiking sole that has been terrible and it was a Salomon
I have Lowa Renegade GTX, their sole is very slippery. Do you think Salomon’s sole is worse? I was thinking about buying Salomon Quest Element.
It varies in fringe conditions. Wet and muddy; and smooth and slippery.
Durability also varies. Harder rubber is usually more durable and less grippy. Soft rubber can wear quickly but really grip.
agreed but if you do a lot of wild hiking having tread under the arch is essential. sliding down wet roots sucks.
@@anatolii_obamaon wet surfaces Salomon outsole is awful, unless they changed chemistry of rubber.
I think it0s because most soles are really high quality these days. You make a good point but it's when you're in unusual conditions that the differences really matter - slippery rocks, mud, snow and ice, wet grass, steep descents, etc.
Hanwag or Scarpa would be good. Solomon has gone REALLY downhill in recent years. My GTX 4D's lasted me 12 months before falling to bits.
What about Scarpa? I've owned 3 different models of their leather upper hiking boots for maybe 30 years, and won't buy anything else now, because all the other sewn together ones with lots of panels just fall apart. Yes, I walk in granite country a lot, but Scarpa has never let me down, and stayed comfortable even when the soles are past needing to be replaced.
La Sportiva and Scarpa have been my backpacking and climbing shoes for about 30 years. My La Sportivas I bought in 1994 still actually work. They're not waterproof anymore, the inner leather has been torn up, and the rubber has started to seperate from the leather where the sole meets. But after 30 years, I still where them once in a while and they're still really comfortable.
Definitely check out two other brands of outstanding mountain boots: Asolo (TPS 520) and HanWag (Alaska GTX)
love this hiking boots series! keep it up please
The XS-Trek is a Vibram technology and they have dozens of soles that use a similar pattern and materials that they describe as XS-Trek. And also lots of manufacturers use them.
Similarly Meindl have had their "Air Active" insoles for a couple of decades, that use a bellows effect to reduce heat build up. I'm pretty sure other manufacturers will have their versions as well as they tend to copy each other if one comes up with a new concept/benefit.
Nice, I just bought a pair of these feeling unsure about them. I have yet to put any miles on them so will update this after I do. Thanks for the video!
Had these. Very comfortable and did not find the minimal foam and issue when hiking. They are very light for the support they give. Here is the caveat in my experience. The grid pattern on the sides blew out on both sides of both of my boots. They totally gave way and split from the midsole. I had approximately 80 or so miles on them. Your mileage may vary.
So glad you're finally doing the European and international hiking brands. Always what I wanted to see.
You gotta do Zamberlans next!
I love your content man. Very well done. Keep it up. I don't miss a video on either channel.
I bought the Ultra Raptor 2 mid in leather. So impressed I bought the shoe, again in leather but a different rubber compound. Have had a lot of Quality footwear over the years, shoe, mid and boot. La Sportive Ultra Raptor 2 are at the top of the list for me and my shaped feet.
Hey I have this boot! I have logged 95 miles on it, so I probably have close to double that in real miles, maybe 180 miles. Had no idea of the marketing claims, but I can give my experience, especially compared to my previous pair of Lowa Renegades.
These boots are definitely more flexible in the upper and softer underfoot than the Renegades, that part's legit. Even after the miles I put on it's still good. And despite that they're not any less supportive than other boot's I've had, at least when I sidehill with them. So if you're asking if the midsole lasts after miles in the backcountry, yes it does. However I do hear complaints about those synthetic bits coming apart earlier than something like a full leather construction.
Traction is pretty par for the course for a Vibram outsole so I'm not getting any of that "enhanced traction" they advertise. Breathability part is BS, these boots are about as not breathable as any other Goretex boot.
I've been wearing the TX5 Low all summer, here in the Swiss Alps, the only Gore-Tex footwear I've worn in years. It shares quite a few features with the boot in the review, the nubuck leather looks similar, it has a similar sole, and insole. I hated the shoe the first few days, felt loose and tight at the same time, just off, then it broke in and fits wonderfully, the lacing system works pretty well.
Personally I don't pay any attention to the marketing guff of any brand, just to the materials. I make my shortlists from friends and the people who sell them, the shops here are super honest and have enough different ranges and models to sell you what fits and what worrks, no hard sell or oushing you to certain brands, and being in the heart of the alps if something doesn't work they'll find out real quick, and stop selling it or not recommend it to peole with serious needs.
Performance wise, after a few hundred Ks on mountain trails, a few Via Feratta, and a bunch of dog walks in all kinds of terrain from forests, wet grass, paved and dirt roads, etc., I can say it's a pretty great all around approach and hiking shoe, very stable, good grip ascending and descending, even on scree and wet rocks, and the insole is the perfect aount of squish, as you say, and firmness, way better than the Scarpa insoles on similar shoes. They're not a stuffy as I thought they would be on hot days, there's decent room in the toe-box, an improvement on the older models that were just too confining, and I actually really came to appreciate the GTX as it was a rainy summer and I was in wet grass many mornings, I would have previously had to take heavier boots instead of shoes, so it worked out for the better.
The only negative is on steep and long descents I have to crank the laces to the point my feet eventually almost fall asleep, have to be careful to loosen them as soon as the terrain levels out, but for these kinds of hikes I'll usually take my all leather Hanwags, they're just a better tool for the job. I'm super happy to have them in my rotation, and just as happy for a bit cooler weather now so I can wear my Russel Moccasins more often, if I could wear them every day I would, but horses for courses and all that.
Regarding your rankings, Salomon has always been the king of great tech that just doesn't hold up. Their boots and shoes perform brilliantly and are very comfortable, usually look pretty cool, but they design in too many weak points, joins that fail, parts that wear out too soon. They were popular fr a while here but have been edged out by La Sportiva. Salewa, Mammut, and the big German brands, among a few others.
Have you tried the TX4? I have them and they're great when you can't use trail runners. I heard the TX5 are a bit more rigid than the TX4 so I opted for the latter, can you confirm?
Either way, I truly believe the TX4 low are perfect for pretty much any kind of hiking, you don't need more unless you're on snow/ice, these hiking boots are completely unnecessary in my opinion. What do you you think?
@@golDroger88some pretty bold statements there...
Lows don't give ankle stability and, the sole on the TX4 isn't optimal for all round hiking. It's optimised for rock and scrambling etc.
@@golDroger88 I haven't used both but did consider them when looking for a new hiking shoe after becoming disenchanted with Scarpas. They have a stellar reputation here and I'm sure I would have been happy with either. The main reason I opted for the TX5 was that I found a pair much cheaper in my size and than the TX4, which were sold out everywhere but in a few very expensive places.
The TX5 Low aren't rigid by any measure, they offer a stable platform but flex really well. Not having hiked in the TX4s I can't answer your question. But iff you like the TX4s and they fit well I wouldn't change, they have achieved near legendary status here for a reason, and they are resole-able by La Sportiva, and will continue to be. The TX5 platform is different and might not be easy to resole in a year or so if the model doesn't continue to sell well.
Medium height boots have their place, if you're always on trails or not wearing heavy packs an approach shoe is probably all you'll ever need. I like higher boots for the stability and protection, I do a lot of side-hilling, off trail at times through brush and thorns, undergrowth, crossing boulder fields and streams, etc, and a higher boot is really handy for staying dry and uninjured (if you've ever knocked an ankle on a sharp granite boulder you'll know what I mean). But I can't wear a mid height boot as they inflame my Achilles tendon due to the high mileage I do day after day, and I'm not young anymore, so I wear slightly higher boots whenever I know I won't just be on trails (around 7" whose cuff sits well above the exposed tendon and doesn't chafe the area).
I would wear trail runners on trails in the summer but for the cost of replacing them, they just don't last long enough to make any economic sense to me.
@@adamr63 Thanks for the answer.
What's your opinion on boots? Do you consider them necessary for simple hiking on certain terrain? In my opinion they're counterproductive because you don't train the foot if you're new and aren't necessary if you know what you're doing. I don't see a space for them in hiking when trail runners and approach shoes exist. Now mountaneering boots are a different thing...
Cheers from South Tyrol.
@@golDroger88 I had posted by mistake before finishing my comment, have a look again at the post for my experiences with boots.
I think boots become necessary at higher altitudes. Steep descents, rocky terrain, snowfields, the occasional need for light use crampons, are all a part of hiking and trekking above 1500m or thereabouts. This is the zone I'll use them most often, when a mountaineering boot is way too much but a shoe might not be enough, even though it might be okay for a large percentage of a hike, it's real nice to have the protection and support when needed.
You make a great point about training your feet, I think only using boots that lock your feet in is a mistake. Spending more time in my Russell Moccasins is really good for my feet and ankles, no doubt about it.
I’ve avoided lasportiva shoes because of how narrow they usually are. I might consider a pair of these in wide, though.
Same here. I ordered a pair of these from REI on sale and found the sizing to be wonky, and way too narrow. Fortunately, the local store had the right size in a wide width, and they’ve become my go-to boot. The first time I wore them was on a Grand Canyon rim-to-River hike, and I had no issues then or since.
La Sportiva is only brand that makes boots that fit my narrow foot...
Cool video! Would love to see a review of some Salewa boots (Rapace/Mountain Trainer) or Zamberlan boots (Vioz/Tofane)
I'm really liking my Salomon's, a lot. The lace lock is very useful for me. Great episode, thanks.
Reviewing this boot has made me rethink my purchase of the Solomon boots, because these look nice to me. I really love how they have significantly less foam on the bottom of the shoes.
Love the vids. You should do a series where you compare the most expensive and least expensive boot by popular brands
They're very comfortable boots that get destroyed after about two summers of hiking in the rockies.
I've had multiple pairs and the same thing happens to all of them - the toe of the boot, and the side where the plastic meets the leather gets destroyed. Most day hikers aren't any more durable, and these fit me well, so I keep buying these (on sale).
For me it's hard to choose a boot that doesn't have a solid front reinforcement - I constantly kick something, my last outing into the mountains resulted with me kicking (accidently) a rock so hard, that one of my toes got bruised badly and I was wondering if I'm not gonna lose the toe nail, but it looks like it's gonna stay. So for me, for that reason the Salomon boots are the best. I've owned my Quest GTX for over a decade now and this feature is really crucial for me.
All that talk about expanding their Italian factories and the boots are made in China?
Sad
Make em in Italy and they'd cost 350
I have been waering La Sportiva Spire GTX and their predecessor for the last 7-years as my everday shoe, going through a pair (solewise) every 9-months. I can tell you, that the Surround membrane works extremely well, even after literealyl thousands of kilometrs on the same pair of shoes.
IF you get water on the inside of your shoe, the tiny tubes will actually eveacuate the water from the shoe out to the sides, leaving your foot warm and dry within minutes.
I wear them all your round and sometimes even in deep powder snow and still, they work.
I just wish for 2 things:
1. More wear resistant soles for larger sizes (I am 193cm, 135kg wearing EU 46,5)
2. Replacable soles.
I could wear my La Sportivas at least twice as long if the soles could be raplaced.
I have a pair from these. The toe has a sticky rubber on the front that let's you walk up a rock face like a staircase. And I can stand in a creek to cool off my feet on a hot day. They're awesome!
You should check out Asolo's hiking boots. I had my original leather pair for over 20 years and eventually picked up a new pair. They are amazing boots but like a lot of brands some models can be hit or miss.
Not a slice a boot in half comment but something I have noticed.
I've never had the opportunity to use gaters - high boots and low boots.
I first noticecd this with salomon speedcross 4's.
Compared with my Salomon quests - my speedcross collect less grass seeds, stones and thorns - because they lack the huge "Funnel for muck on top"
So lower cut trail shoes with a decent rock plate are for me!
Great information here, always.
I had some LaSportiva approach shoes about a decade ago. So grippy, light yet comfortable and long lasting. They were great. Tried to replace them with the new model but I couldn't get past the new styles/colours (call me vain). These boots do look nice though IMO.
Ultimately it comes down to how the boot feels. My wife loves La Sportiva. I can't wear Lowas, they are a little too narrow. I go with Salomon.
Gore-tex surround used to be something else. In boots using this technology there was a void under your foot which was connected to the "outside" through the channels in the midsole. Technically it allows bottom of your foot to breathe. You can see proper GTX surround tech used in TCX Climatrek Surround motorcycle boots for example. Also, I heard rumours that PE based gore-tex membrane is less "breathable" when compared to PTFE made gore-tex.
I've got myself Grisport crusader boots recently and they seems quite nice for the money
Hell yea! I’m back, now do some mountaineering boots by them! I wanna see fully rigid boots vs 3/4 shank. I wanna see the insulation in 8000m (Everest height) boots!
I have a pair of these to replace a pair of Keens that I tried on in the store and had a bit of a false positive on the fit. At first they felt a little snug, but after taking steps they seemed to feel really good. I put 160 miles on them between hiking and walking in the winter. They really started to hurt my feet, and I think a big part of it was not upsizing to a 12 from 11.5.
My other big complaints is they are not very waterproof, I had wet feet a lot through the tongue either from snow or puddles. The rubber protector over the toe also delaminated and maybe was causing leaks as well?
I really wanted to like these but overall I was a bit disappointed in them.
Would it be worth your time to cover the Carolina 28 Series boots? I wore a pair down to removable composite toes after 1.5 years, and I’m convinced they’re the best $200ish yearly pair you can buy.
the quality of your videos is insane !!! ♥♥♥
Would love to see you review a pair of Meindl Burma hiking boots, I have a pair and they're pretty solid 👍
I would love to see a review of Vasque Sundowners..My go to for the last 20 years.
I’m almost through my third pair of them and this last pair didn’t seem to hold up
quite as well. I don’t think I have been any harder on these than I was on
The older ones.
Speaking about boots, maybe you can do a review on Chiruca boots?
Its mostly hunting boots, that are very popular in Spain. Also I've got a pair of those, and I would be really pleased to see, what's inside of them.
Also a lot of their boots have a BOA lacing system, which can be very interesting too!
Had these for 3 years now, theyve been good. Broke them in with a 20 mile hike through the Olympics, had no issues with them.
Would love to see some scarpa and salewa boots. Have a pair of galewa mountain trainers and they have some fascinating wire and plastic additions which I think really make them a cool shoe (some issues with the lasting board bunching and causing a high pressure point though)
I'm curious to see Asolo boots, some units in the army use them and here in Italy are quite common for mountaineers and workers
I have their HQ nearby too lol
ooooo Dolomite.. you are getting closer to Grisport..
I was looking at their safety shoes for work, I stock at Costco, and I have to look into this brand more. A lot of people in the comments are recommending them but I never heard of them before. A little pricey but if they last and feel good it would be worth it.
I would really love for you to cut in modern danner. Something like the Danner mountain leaf. It’s different from the previous danners you have cut. I feel like they would fit in with the curtain round of hikers you are cutting.
Please do VASQUE SUNDOWNER and ST. ELIAS XT!
I have these boots. I have a narrow heel and low volume foot. These fit me best. I don't have a lot of miles on them yet though
One thing about the camera leather strip, it makes noise because its metal on metal, so it limits the function of the camera, can't be using it when recording.
I would buy these based on the eyelets alone. I hate the kind where laces just are held by tension because when you're hiking and you snag them on a branch or something they either catch and trip you or fall out of place. I don't hike with boots, I'm a huge hiker but I wear hiking shoes (not runners) but this boot might convince me to try it out just for that.
Great video!
Also, knocked loose!
Arf arf! Lol
While they look thin, OEM camera straps happen to be same the nylon/polyester weaves as your seat belts. They wont break. Only problem is the huge logo in the neck. Yours look nice but is obviously not black and with brass locks that look a bit undersized for a +2 kg camera
have you done the On Cloud hiking boot in that style? can't remember the name off the top of my head
Please review the Jim Green Numzaan, I'd love to see that cut in half. Or maybe the Baobab
I wore these boots when i worked/lived in Colorado and essentially hiked as my job. They didn't even last a month before they essentially fell apart. They are incredibly comfortable though and i can see them lasting a while for someone who hikes maybe one or two times a month.
After a few weeks of wear the fabric on the side of the boot with the black webbing print was rhe first to get holes in it, the rubber toe cap seaparated from the leather, and it just went downhill from there. I would not buy these boots again. I was hiking in rough terrain though whereas i think this boots is better suited for casual occasional hiking. I switched to Nicks leather logging boots and they have lasted me years.
How long can you hike in stiff leather boots? Can you do 20+ km a day?
I can't see myself ever be able to hike in them...
@@golDroger88 yes I've done that and more, easily, with 40-50 pounds on my back. And they aren't stiff forever, the leather gets softer. I had the 8" tall leather boots but something shorter would be better for recreational hiking.
@@Breeski1 That sounds insane to me, I can only imagine the weight on your feet. It's hard to hike in mountaineering boots like the Scarpa Ribelle after a while even for expert climbers.
@@golDroger88 it helps when you're getting paid 😂
@@Breeski1 Oh, I'd gladly do it without the need of any monetary compensation, just not in boots. You'd have to pay me extremely well to do it in leather boots lol.
I had a pair of Lowa’s for a Christmas present, I’ve saved them to find the right time to put them to use,which turned out to be more than a few years, however finally and excitedly I put them to work and after a couple of weeks they started squeeking, I checked them out and the soles have fallen apart. I’m shocked and very disappointed. They were kept in a wardrobe at room temperature out of the sun. So I can’t understand it!?!?
Actually wearing shoes regularly is recommended to prevent hydrolysis in PU midsoles which likely is what happened to your pair.
Do review of 'Craft & glory' boots
I would love for you guys to reveiw Untammed Street shoes/boots etc as they are becomming very popular now.
Please do an Altberg review!
Would be interesting, but I guess altberg quite unknown for people except English soldiers
Surprised to see this. I have altberg and could never get a long with them. The size was never right either. I do think it’s a very unknown brand only by English soldiers as shown above.
A more high end out door boot. Nice to see some tech being looked at here.
You should look at scarpa mountaineering boots
Hey man, Moctober is coming up so I was wondering if you could do the Danner Power Foreman’s!
This side panel seems like a recipe for disaster, not only you can snag it or tear it, but imagine having to clear mud out of it. Oof. I'd love to see some Bestard boots cut open - they are a storied Spanish brand that still makes em in Mallorca. Keep it up!
I was not expecting you to be into Knocked Loose damn
Every goretex boot I've seen has the lining under the insole like a sock inside the boot
I'm still a Lowa Renegade fan, but I'd be willing to try the La Sportiva next time I buy. I went with Lowa mostly because they have a good reputation and their wide boot fits my foot well, so if the La Sportiva fits as well it's worth a shot.
I used the renegade for years. I find this pair of LaSportiva to be better in many ways. More comfortable, so far they've held up better (I have a tendency to wear out heels. Must be the way I walk), and I get better grip. But I'm a sample size of 1 lol
Can you not get meindl boots over there ? German made and pricey but ive found nothing that comes close to them.
Nothing? I actually prefer my Hanwag boots over my Meindl boots. Both are made in Germany.
@@MadDaCube not for my feet anyway. Alt bergs come close but its as if the meindl bhutan are made for my feet. Perfect fit.
@@MadDaCube not for my feet anyway. Alt bergs come close but its as if the meindl bhutan are made for my feet. Perfect fit.
Do some Hanwag pease !!
I always wonder why you don't remove the laces before you cut them in half?
I would love to see a review of a Scarpa boot. Either the Trek GTX or the Ranger... One of those classic styles.
@RoseAnvil Any aspirations of Rose Anvil making WW2 style chest holsters for 1911s and other pistols?
I have a problem with wear of my shoes. I only walk between 10-12 km per day because I own a dog. No matter which shoe I tried over the past year, they all became disintegrated or worn out over this timespan. Ecco, 2 pairs of Adidaa Terrex. The only ones that seem to be able to last a bit better is Mammut. Let’s say I walk 4000 km per year. Divided through 4 pair of shoes equals 1000 km per shoe. Isn’t that to few? I’m around 260 pounds with muscular legs and I walk quite fast if that matters.
Do you guys test the Asolo Booots.
You should do some stiffer b3 mountaineering boots 🥾 🙏 like the Nepal gtx
You should look into offering your camera strap with Peak Design quick release.
KNOCKED LOOSE 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
That concept looks great but I want my boots to last for years and live in very wet England, so I feel this would be amazing for one winter then slowly die over the next one.
Can you review the JK western boots
Keep climbing! Would be cool to see how boots change as you go up in altitude. 6,000 meter mountaineering boots. La Sportiva G2 Evo vs. Scarpa 6000 HD vs. Mammut Nordwand 5000 Lowa 6000. Are they all the same? What's all the cool tech they use to keep your feet warm on top of Mt. Everest in something like the La Sportiva Olympus Mons?
Have you done a non gtx boot line-up im not a fan of gtx my feet sweat to bad
If you want to look at a hiking boot again I would really be interested in something from HanWag. That company has a big Fanbase in Europe. Maybe less so in NA.
Looks like nice boots, as were the previous two.
Did I miss it or did you not tell us if the gore Tex wraps around the entire foot?
What about a video on Norda Run? would be very interesting!
Best boot I've ever owned
La sportive are my go too- climbing shoes, trainers, boots. Not the cheapest but quality and innovative , fit my narrow feet and get the job done
La Sportiva is a great mountaineering gear !
If you look closely, there's a boot in that thumbnail.
I really want to see a review on the updated version of Red Wing Beckman. It is interesting to see the comparison with the old version and other models in the Red Wing lineup. It's appalling that a shoe company that claims to honor its heritage is starting to use padded insoles instead of thick leather. Shameful!
The background music! please. dang.
I really dislike seeing that person's chipped painted black nails. They always have their hands so nasty, it's just really unprofessional when trying to show something!!
I really don’t trust Salomon anymore and steer clear. Had a nail go through the sole into my foot on a mid mountain boot and the fabrics tore and wore after minimal use in Cretan mountains on the flex point between toes and foot start. Maybe other boots are better but they looked cool were nice and light and yeah… definitely not worth the price. Didn’t have same issues with Lowa and now trying a light shoe from La Sportiva but still breaking it in
3:07 i would have expected that for all european hiking boots, ski mountaineering and cross country skiing manufacturers: because in certain parts of europe while there were lockdowns that prevented people form gathering together, hiking was always allowed in some places. ski mountaineering and cross country skiing as well as biking also.
And there was a huge increase in people going outdoors. They had time and went off. And some kept doing that when the lockdowns and stuff had ended. And they needed footwear.
What i think?: The LOWAs are made in europe and cost less than these which are made in china...
The wages are higher in europe and there are more workers safety rules and stuff to fulfill in europe than in china.
So basically La sportiva makes more money on each pair of boots while doing less for it's workers.
So as a european i would tend to stay with the LOWAs i already have and like. I honestly did think (i never tried them) that La Sportiva did make their boots in that price range in italy still, so i am a bit disapointed.
I hate ortholite insole. Those open cell foam soak moisture and keep it tgere even after half an hour removed from your foot.
Hope you try featuring motorcycle boots 🙏
Can you review Supergas pls