Hi Tec Altitude IV
The Altitude IV hiking boots from Hi Tec aren’t getting a lot of attention from professional reviewers, but they are getting some attention from hikers who like the low price tag they offer. With prices starting well under $100 with most retailers, these boots are definitely one of the cheapest options for solid boots designed for the outdoor adventure seeker.
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.
