Garmont Odyssey

These boots were the most comfortable out of the box of all the brands and models I tried on over a period of three weeks. I have wide, flat-fronted feet and these fit the bill perfectly. They are an odd burgundy colour and are made from a full grain leather.

Waterproofness is not their highpoint--the tongue has a synthetic strip down either side of it (sympatex I think)--but a can of Camp Dry Silicon spray alleviates that worry somewhat. NOW COMFORT, that is where these boots shine. Feel kind of like alpine ski boot linings, nice and plush, but firm when laced. The sole is Vibram and the shank is plastic. They also have a rubber toe rand that will protect against harsh scuffs.

Laces that come with them suck (they're round and come undone constantly) and need to be replaced from the get go. These boots have NO hotspots, IF you get the right pair for your feet. As no pair of boots is identical, I suggest trying on at least four pairs of the same size boot. The sales person might look at you funny, but you are after all dropping a couple hundred bones in their store! Pair number 3 was the pair for me!! Raichles hurt my topsole, Zamberlans were knobby, and Vasque... well, they fit, but looked like sh#t! Ha!

Try these out! When I want a more advanced pair of boots, the next pair will probably be Garmonts!