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EMS Summit GTX II

rated 4.5 of 5 stars

The Summit GTX II has been discontinued. If you're looking for something new, check out the best backpacking boots for 2024.

I just got them so can't speak to durability yet, but for anyone with WIDE feet these boots are great. I wear 4E width shoes and sneakers and could never find a great hiking boot that fit well or was wide enough. The room in these is very generous, the comfort of the footbed is great and they have all the great features you want in a day or few day hiking boot.

I knew I found a great boot when 3 out of 4 of the EMS guys were wearing them and the 4th guy said he was going to get a pair. I asked one of the techie guys about them and he said he's had his over a year and he loves them, one of the best boots he's owned. They will take a beating and still keep you confortable. He's hiked all day in them and his feet never got worn out. I also noticed his boots still looked good after a year of use.

I'll keep you posted, but for now this hiker is pretty physched to hit the trails in new comfort.

Materials: Leather & Gore-Tex
Use: day hike or multi-day rough trail heavy pack hikes
Break-in Period: 5-6 weeks
Weight: 3 lb. 8 ozs
Price Paid: $160

I love these boots. Very comfortable, durable, sturdy and an all around good boot.

Not to take away from the rating but I found the sizing a bit weird. I was recommended these by a friend who implored me to get these boots. I'm a US 14 and the GTX only goes up to size 13 (I think, the largest size in EMS at least). A size 13 wide fit in the store, however i found that on a hike that my foot slid, hitting the toe. That doesn't detract from the boot itself, in fact i purchased another GTX 13 regular before my next hike. So I recommend trying these boots out before you buy.

The only complaint I have about this boot is that after a few hours of hiking in the rain/mud they did soak through, staining and discoloring the leather. However. a few coats of waterproofing boot protector took care of that issue.

Even after 3 years and heavy use they are still looking great and are my go to boot. Definitely worth every penny!

Materials: leather, gore-tex
Break-in Period: 10 mi
Price Paid: $120

Great boots right out of the box. A little heavy/clunky for trail/path walking/hiking. Def. better suited for rougher terrain with a pack etc.

Update: June 22, 2007

Very comfy boot. But I'm struggling over whether to keep them. I find them to be a little heavy/clunky for regular 'trail' hiking. They seem to be better suited for tech. hiking w/a moderate load. I also found the soles to be stiff and slippery on hard, wet surfaces (rocks, wet wood). I haven't worn them enough, but I see a lack of breathability becoming an issue.

Materials: All leather
Use: General outdoor use
Break-in Period: Unk.
Weight: 2 Lbs. ?
Price Paid: $100

After disposing of my Montrail Torre GTX boots I went on the hunt for some new boots. I was skeptical at first because of the Nubuck. I was sure that they would turn to dust after a month. However after multiple trips in the Adirondack high peaks and wearing them daily at work I was astounded at the performace. One year later I still have them and am looking to get another pair soon. They never leaked a drop of water. The only reason I need to replace them is because the soles are getting thin.

Materials: Nubuck/Gore-tex
Use: work, backpacking
Break-in Period: none needed
Weight: about 3 lbs.
Price Paid: $160

Bought these boots to replace my Sundowners, and have been extemely happy. Comfortable out of the box, never one blister!! I wore them until the sole nearly fell completely off while hiking the GR20. Perfectly waterproof, supremely comfortable both around town and with 40lbs on my back for weeks.

Little protection on the toe area left them in poor shape down the road... nevertheless I would happily buy another pair. For $160 they are a steal.

Price Paid: $160

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Specs

Men's
Price Historic Range: $160.00
Reviewers Paid: $75.00-$160.00
Women's
Price Historic Range: $160.00

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