My last pair of boots was a pair of Keen Targhee Mid's, that I wore as regular ‘around town’ shoes for three seasons a year, for a couple of years, then just for hiking. The Keens are great, and I like their wide toe box, but after seven years they were breaking down. In addition, I have one weaker ankle, and wanted something with a bit more with a little more ankle support for hiking, and got these. Took them took these on two separate day hikes to break them in, and so far, great boots!
The first hike was about two-hours on dirt and rock trails, primarily low slope, just to try them out. From the get go, the boots felt very comfortable. Although I would still recommend breaking in any set of boots, I didn’t feel like I really needed to stretch these out or fit them to my feet. Like the Keens, they have a nice and wide footbox, while tightening down around my angle and lower calf.
The second hike had a little bit steeper terrain, and covered about 5 miles. Again, the boots worked very well, gave great support, and gripped the dirt and rocks well. The trails were very dry. However, because of this, I washed off a substantial amount of dust in my shower when I got home, and they seem to be completely waterproof. So far, my initial observations, admittedly just from these two hikes are:
Pros:
-Very comfortable.
-Durable materials: Thick leather, grippy and substantial tread (Vibram), synthetic reiforcements on the toebox and heel, and it looks like ball bearings (?) to help tighten the laces. I have never seen that last point on boots, but it works well, and should keep the laces from getting abraided.
-Actually, I would re-emphasize the point above: I feel like these could last 15+ years if I take care of them
-Size was accurate (On average I wear size 9 US, and size 9 in these fit well)
Cons:
-More expensive than Keens, or other more basic boots
-On the heavy side compared to what I am used to, but I suppose light compared to traditional mountaineering boots.
A couple more notes:
-I had never heard of this brand before, and based on the name at first assumed they were Korean (‘Han’ is used in the start of some Korean brands). However, as the box and boots note, they are made in Croatia.
-I will continue to wear a pair of running shoes for day hikes in dry weather and on gentle terrain. But, the boots look like they are going to serve me well in a variety of more intense terrain, in wet or muddy conditions, and when carrying a heavier pack. In short, durable and comfortable boots that -- so far -- work really well.
The first hike was about two-hours on dirt and rock trails, primarily low slope, just to try them out. From the get go, the boots felt very comfortable. Although I would still recommend breaking in any set of boots, I didn’t feel like I really needed to stretch these out or fit them to my feet. Like the Keens, they have a nice and wide footbox, while tightening down around my angle and lower calf.
The second hike had a little bit steeper terrain, and covered about 5 miles. Again, the boots worked very well, gave great support, and gripped the dirt and rocks well. The trails were very dry. However, because of this, I washed off a substantial amount of dust in my shower when I got home, and they seem to be completely waterproof. So far, my initial observations, admittedly just from these two hikes are:
Pros: -Very comfortable. -Durable materials: Thick leather, grippy and substantial tread (Vibram), synthetic reiforcements on the toebox and heel, and it looks like ball bearings (?) to help tighten the laces. I have never seen that last point on boots, but it works well, and should keep the laces from getting abraided. -Actually, I would re-emphasize the point above: I feel like these could last 15+ years if I take care of them -Size was accurate (On average I wear size 9 US, and size 9 in these fit well)
Cons: -More expensive than Keens, or other more basic boots -On the heavy side compared to what I am used to, but I suppose light compared to traditional mountaineering boots.
A couple more notes: -I had never heard of this brand before, and based on the name at first assumed they were Korean (‘Han’ is used in the start of some Korean brands). However, as the box and boots note, they are made in Croatia. -I will continue to wear a pair of running shoes for day hikes in dry weather and on gentle terrain. But, the boots look like they are going to serve me well in a variety of more intense terrain, in wet or muddy conditions, and when carrying a heavier pack. In short, durable and comfortable boots that -- so far -- work really well.