The Merrell Radius hiking boot is a stylish, ultra comfortable boot that may be better suited to casual users for less intensive use. Could it be the boot for your needs? Let’s see what others are saying about them so you can find out…

Consumer Compliments:

What consumers seem to love most about the Merrell Radius mid-height hiking boot is the comfort. They feature a soft air cushion in the middle of the sole which seems to be doing a great job keeping feet happy.

Many consumer reviewers even remark that they wore their Merrell Radius boots brand new out of the box with very little to no wearing-in and they were completely comfortable for the duration of their outdoor adventures. Some even noted that they received no blisters, which would of course be the usual punishment for wearing most hiking boots untrained.

Much of this comfort may come from the nicely designed tongue which does a great job at keeping sticks, dirt, and other debris out of the boot and the EVA foot frame which does offer some extra cushioning as well.

While there are some minor warnings out there from consumers who purchased the Merrell Radius without realizing the design of a mid-height boot, most consumers find the foot support to be adequate as well. Those who aren’t accustomed to this height of boot have remarked about a lack of ankle support, but for hikers who like this style there is plenty support for a reasonably functioning boot.

Going along with the excellent comfort and adequate support is a sole with tons of grip for a variety of terrains. When you turn this boot over you see a colorful array of deep grooves that are designed to give traction when it is needed, and consumers have responded well to that aspect of the Merrell Radius boot as well.

Common Consumer Complaints:

The biggest complaint against the Merrell Radius boot regards the manufacturer claim that they are completely waterproof. While there are some consumer reviews that state they are waterproof to some degree, the general consensus is that they will not withstand consistent or deep wetness without leaking in.

According to many consumers, a long hike through wet terrain will leave your feet soaked and uncomfortable, which is never a good situation for hiking long distances! While the reviews are excellent in dry conditions, it seems these may not be the best boots for those rainy day hikes.

One other tip that has been pointed out in the reviews which anyone interested in purchasing the Merrell Radius boot will find interesting: they run a bit small. Many consumers are noting that you should purchase this boot about a half size larger than your typical size if you want a comfortable fit.

The Professional Recommendation:

There aren’t too many professional reviews of the Merrell Radius hiking boot out there, but those who have given their opinions are generally in consensus that it is a great boot for hikers who won’t put too much strain on them. For someone who just wants something extremely comfortable and stylish for the occasional hike or perhaps short hikes, this is a great boot.

On the other hand, avid hikers who put their boots through many miles on rough terrain, a more durable boot may be warranted. While these boots are one of the more comfortable pair on the market, they may not be the longest lasting.

To see reviews of other hiking boot options click here.

What makes the Asolo Fugitive GTX boot stand out in the current market is its choice of construction materials. Rather than being constructed from leather, which is usually the best pick for a durable and comfortable boot intended to be worn through three seasons of the year, this boot was designed from suede and cordura, both which are water resistant.

So, do they live up to their expectations as a sturdy, waterproof option for outdoor adventures summer through fall? The only way to find that out is to look at consumer as well as professional reviews of the boot.

Professional Reviews:

Due to a variety of comfort features built into the boot, most professional reviewers agree that the Asolo Fugitive GTX is a very comfortable boot that does a great job keeping out moisture thanks to the Gore-tex liner, which not all boots in this category have these days.

Some of the comfort features of this boot include a special lasting system that attaches soft material designed to absorb shock to the harder materials that are essential for a stable boot and extra padding on the outsole. Reviewers found that much of the comfort of the boot comes from the natural flex allowed in the materials of the boot.

Professionals who have worn and tested hundreds of different boots tend to come down favorably on this boot, noting that it is comfortable, flexible, extremely water resistant, and delivers adequate grip for walking on a variety of surfaces. They also note that this boot is built from very durable materials and that the design should hold up through consistent use for quite awhile.

The one questionable thing that some professionals debate is the aesthetic design of the boot. While some particularly liked the looks of the boot, some may not like it all.

Consumer Reviews:

How a boot holds up on the feet of paying consumers is the real test of durability and comfort. Luckily, the Fugitive GTX boot gets mostly applause from consumers, though most agree that the price can be a bit steep depending on where they are purchased. Yet, you take home a lot of value and many benefits for the price so most consumers are okay in the end.

Some professionals may not like the looks of the boot, but consumers tend to really like the way they look. They also really like the way they feel, noting that they are very comfortable in a variety of conditions and keep the moisture away from their feet when moving through moist terrains.

They also appreciate the ankle support and some like that they offer a roomy fit even for those with wider feet. Even those who tend to over-pronate receive adequate support from this boot.

The biggest cause for complaint with consumers is with the water resistant liner. While most consumers are okay and really appreciate the protection against water, others who wear the boots in extreme heat find that the liner allows their feet to sweat and sometimes collects moisture that is uncomfortable.

There are many consumers now writing reviews years after initially purchasing these boots. This is a good thing as it shows the Asolo Fugitive GTX is a very durable boot that stands up to routine use without lacking in support.

Overall, comfort seems to be the biggest virtue of this boot. It has definitely proven itself a good alternative to heavier leather boots.

To see reviews of other hiking boot options click here.

The Asolo Stynger GTX boot has been well received on the market by women who are looking for sturdy boots that have great grip on a wide variety of terrains. The typical buyer is someone who is serious about hiking and who knows that an excellent pair of boots with adequate foot support and protection isn’t always cheap.

Let’s take a look at what consumer and professional reviewers are saying about this boot…

The Professional Reviews:

Professional reviewers seem quite pleased with the lightweight design of the Asolo Stynger. The way the boot is laced up keeps the heel very snug, which eliminates the moving which can make hiking in some difficult terrains difficult.

Since this is a lighter boot, moving fast through difficult terrain is also noted to be much easier.

Of course, the Gore-Tex lining gets a lot of praise from professionals who know their boots, not only on the Asolo Stynger but on other boots from the brand which feature the same lining. This liner makes the boot completely waterproof so hikers never have to worry about wet feet that become uncomfortable and itchy while out on a long adventure.

Something that is often noted by the professionals which the average consumer may not realize is the difference in materials on this boot. Rather than using some type of durable leather like many other boots, Asolo has used waterproof suede and Cordura, which is light, flexible, as well as very protective against moisture. This material looks very similar to other modern boots made of leather, which makes it a great alternative to leather.

Consumer Compliments:

What is quite remarkable about the consumer reviews for the Asolo Stynger GTX women’s boot is that both casual hikers and avid hikers who put in serious miles all over the world really love them. Not only does the innovative design that combines harder materials for support bonded to softer materials that absorb shock make them an extremely comfortable fit, but the liner and outer materials keep them completely waterproof.

Since many other hiking boots which claim to be waterproof get a lot of consumer complaints that they really aren’t, these compliments on the Asolo Stynger for women show that this may be one of the best hiking boots currently on the market for hikers of all ranks.

Consumer Complaints:

The biggest complaint against this boot is really more of a warning note for those who plan to purchase the Asolo Stynger boots online without trying on first: buy a size smaller! They tend to run a bit big, which is actually a good thing for people with wider feet who need a bit of extra room I most other boots.

You can find a random complaint here and there that these boots may not be entirely waterproof, but those reviewers are far outranked by many others who claim they have completely immersed their feet and walked through downpours without a drop of water getting inside the boot. Overall, this is a highly recommended women’s hiking boot with no serious problems to report.

Final Recommendations:

The special design of the Asolo Stynger makes them a great fit for anyone with over-pronation problems as well as a few other gait issues. They are extremely comfortable, completely waterproof, and very durable.

Literally any female hiker who wants something dependable and durable with great grip and waterproofing will find the Asolo Stynger a great pick.

To see reviews of other hiking boot options click here.

Firstly, the boot incorporates fatigue-reducing technology and Gore-Tex lining to keep you mobile and insulated even in deep winter conditions.  The boots density, front and back, ensure you get plenty of support and you heel is protected from shock, which in turn reduces fatigue.  Both the out and mid-soles of the boot include cylinders that are designed to handle excessive impact from your steps, with the aim of helping you channel more energy over longer durations.  There’s also plenty of breathability in the Gore-Tex lining, without any compromise in waterproof quality.  The boots are also quite wide, but are so without any sacrifice in support and stability – so you don’t have to worry about squashed toes.

There are a large number of reviews of the Asolo Men’s Power Matic across the internet, from both professional reviewers and general owners almost all of them uniformly praising the boot.  In the words of the Gear Guide; “Bottom line: an all around top performer and one of the best fitting full-grain boots we’ve seen”.  But of course…high performance comes with a price tag!

To see reviews of other hiking boot options click here.

Vasque Breeze hiking boots were constructed with some of the brand’s innovative technology to create a perfect fit for different foot types. The boot is available in a variety of widths and is a part of the company’s Ultimate Fit program, which is the result of extensive research into how different types of feet move.

Yet, no amount of research and innovation is worth mentioning if the boots do not live up to the test of real consumers. So, what are consumers and professionals saying about the Vasque Breeze GTX?

Professional Opinions:

Most professional reviewers who have worn the Vasque Breeze boot out on the trails for trial runs praise the overall construction of the boot. They report that the lighter uppers combined with a more rigid and sturdy bottom works well together, giving support to the ankles and feet while still allowing easy movement of the feet.

Some report that the boot feels more like a sneaker but gives the protection and support of a good boot, which fits right in with the aim of the advanced technology Vasque has instilled in the boot. The design was intended to e extremely comfortable and easy to move in.

One feature of the construction that gets plenty of mention is the plastic piece that separates the mid and bottom soles. This piece allows the foot to flex and move forward as needed but still gives rigidity so the ankle does not twist and become injured.

Comfort and overall construction seems to be the virtues of the Vasque Breeze, with little mention of the grip on the soles which seems to be the biggest area of contention with consumer reviewers.

Consumer Compliments:

Consumers seem to praise the construction of the boot, just as professional reviewers. They note that the boots are lightweight and feel lighter on their feet. Yet, many report that they still deliver a stable feeling and the construction is sturdy enough to give support as needed out on the trails.

The Gore-Tex lining is definitely doing its job as most consumers report that the boots are completely waterproof as advertised. There are some reviewers claiming the boots left their feet soaked, while other reviewers are reporting the exact opposite. This may be a defect in some pairs of the boots or it could be the way they are laced or worn as openings may allow water to slip in through the top or on the sides of the tongue.

Consumer Complaints:

The biggest complaint against the Vasque Breeze GTX involves the outer sole, which may not deliver adequate grip to easily pass over rocks and other smooth surfaces which are wet or slippery. Many consumers report feeling unsteady or slipping under those conditions, with a few reporting they had no problem on slick rocks.

The complaints generally report that even on mossy rocks, the boots do not hold well to wet surfaces. Since they receive great handling reviews when worn in dry conditions they may be better suited to sunny days.

The General Consensus:

A waterproof boot that doesn’t handle well on wet, slick surfaces may seem like a bit of a let down, but there are many consumer reviewers that highly recommend the Vasque Breeze GTX regardless. This is because of the excellent fit and the light, comfortable construction which makes them easy to hike fast in.

To see reviews of other hiking boot options click here.

The question that must always be answered with a low cost boot is what corners were cut to get the price points down low. With the Altitude IV, the corners were cut in the durability. These are very lightweight boots that provide adequate support for most users, but which do not have the durability and solid construction that you will find with higher priced hiking boots.

You also won’t find the Gore-Tex waterproof linings on this boot. Rather, you get leather that has been treated to resist moisture, which still delivers adequate protection against wet feet for most users. The waterproof linings are typically criticized for allowing the feet to overheat and become sweaty, but without the lining the Altitude IV boots allow more free air flow which avoids that problem.

Some hikers actually prefer a boot that doesn’t have the lining, and since most consumers report keeping dry feet even in most conditions with these boots, they could be an economical option for those who find the waterproof lining in expensive boots uncomfortable.

There are some other aspects in which the Altitude IV boot is being compared to expensive boots by consumers. They reportedly are some of the most comfortable boots many hikers have ever worn and they include enough padding to protect as well as support the feet adequately.

Most high priced hiking boots today are designed with special technology to be extremely comfortable or to function more in line with a sneaker while keeping the durability and support of a boot. While you won’t that advanced technology on this lower priced boot, you will get a supported, lightweight boot that is extremely comfortable.

Yet, there are more unhappy reviewers with this boot than you will find with many of the boots put out by top brands. For instance, some have purchased the Altitude IV boot because it is advertised as being fully gusseted on the tongue which can make a difference for some hikers. Reviews are noting that the tongues are only gusseted halfway up the boot, not all the way.

Another complaint with a few reviewers is that the stitching in some areas of the boots are not consistent or properly placed. This is probably a reflection of the lower priced boot where the advanced construction and manufacturing may not be used in order to keep the prices down.

Overall, there are many very happy hikers wearing the Altitude IV boots to complete satisfaction. They are wearing them on the trails as well as in their everyday life because they are comfortable and have a simple yet stylish design and color. They are also lightweight and are water resistant, and many hikers like that they do not have the Gore-Tex lining which can become rather hot on warm days.

Those looking for an inexpensive boot for hiking or everyday life will likely be satisfied with these boots, though they lack the advanced technology and specialty fitting that you get with some of the higher priced brands.

For the women’s Altitude IV click here.

To see reviews of other hiking boot options click here.

There are numerous glowing owner reviews for this boot across a number of online stores, many applauding them for being comfortable, well made and durable, all at a fantastic price.

If you find other boots a little too wide for comfort and you aren’t planning on attacking the Appalachian trail, then these boots may be worth a try.

To see reviews of other hiking boot options click here.

Professional Opinions:

The benefits that are most often pointed out by professionals in the industry are the grip ability on the sole and the support of the ankles. Many hikers do not appreciate a mid-height boot because they seem to offer less ankle support, the design feature son the Keen Targhee boot make it rather supportive which is a great thing.

The bottom soles feature 4mm lugs and ample grooves to give adequate traction in most terrains.

Other features that professionals praise include the stylish appearance and the ability of the liner to block out rain and other water sources. They recommend the Keen Targhee boot for hikers as well as backpackers, as long as the load does not exceed about 35 pounds.

There aren’t many professional comments on the durability of this boot, which seems to be the major point of contention for  many consumer reviewers, as noted below.

Consumer Compliments:

The biggest compliment for the Keen Targhee Mid-height boot is its comfort, but that simply isn’t enough in the current hiking boot market. There are many boots from the top brands that are praised for their extreme comfort, so the Targhee needs much more on its side to rise to the top.

The other compliments that are typically found listed in consumer reviews include superior ankle support (which is something many mid boots fail to deliver) as well as great grip on the ground through a wide variety of terrains. Many hikers also note that these boots fit more like a shoe than a boot since they are quite flexible, which is a great thing for fast hikers who don’t like to be slowed down by oversized, clunky feeling boots.

Consumer Complaints:

Keen has claimed that the material used to line this boot should not trap in heat the way the popular Gore-Tex linings of boots like Asolo, but this has not been supported with many consumer reviewers. Many claim that their feet still overheat in the Keen Targhee boot because of this lining.

This tends to be a common problem with hiking boots that are designed to keep out moisture, since the materials that naturally block water will also naturally hold in more heat.

Another common complaint against the Keen Targhee boot is that they tend to come apart easier than some users expect.

Final Conclusions:

Due to the numerous consumer complaints about the durability of this boot, it may be a better option for more casual hikers. They should hold up to shorter hikes or those that do not go through overly demanding terrain. For those who put in serious miles through a wide variety of terrains or who want one good boot that can be taken on long hiking tours in various areas of the world, this boot may not be up to the journey.

That said, hikers looking for something for the occasional Saturday afternoon stroll through a local national park may find this an affordable option that stands up perfectly well to their demands.

To see reviews of other hiking boot options click here.

You should get plenty of trail time with these boots so at the price they’re offered they can be a real bargain if you are on a budget.  Its worth pointing out though that he heel cups on the boots are quite wide and some reviewers have found this uncomfortable on longer treks if you have narrow feet.

To see reviews of other hiking boot options click here.

The boot also features eVent Cocona fabric lining which allows it to breathe in the summer and quickly shed excess moisture, whilst still retaining its water resistance for when the rains arrive. And its Vibram Mars outsoles provide a firm foothold when moving over steeper terrain.

Numerous consumer reviews do highlight significant drawbacks with the boot, however.  Most notably are many owners highlight their lack of durability, with reports of the sole separating from the boot (on both feet) after only a relatively short time.  It has also been highlighted that the boot has quite a narrow around the toe, so if you have broader, larger feet it may be best to avoid this boot…but it many be a good boot for a small, narrow foot.

To see reviews of other hiking boot options click here.