Emma,
9/01/2008 4:29 PM
I just got back from a trip (Labor Day Weekend) where I hiked 14 miles in one day - by mile 10, my feet hurt; by 12, the only reason I wasn't crying was because I didn't want to make wounded animal noises in the woods.
I bought these just before Memorial Day weekend - the salesman told me they have a 100 mile break-in, so I wasn't worried that I'd wear them in by this trip. For kicking around the barn or short dayhikes they were fine (though a bit cumbersome). For a larger backpacking trip - well, I'm still recovering. I'll sell them for the price of the Merrell's I plan to replace them with.
Pros: Solid upper, protects the ankles. Waterproof is wonderful.
Cons: Doesn't breathe. Heavy. Sole just too stiff -- like walking barefoot on hardwoods all day.
Never again!
And don't trust the salesman who tells you it takes 100 miles to break them in -- it doesn't work!