Hi-Tec Skamania Mid WP

Good comfy waterproof hiking boot. Sketchy quality control. Okay for backpacking, but with issues.

I've used the men's version of Hi-Tec Skamania WP boots for over a year now, from day hiking to a 7-day backpack trip on the AT. The boots look good and are fairly lightweight for a hiking boot. The fit is a bit tight so I went up 1/2 size and fit was better.

The first pair had a cracked shank after a short neighborhood walk. Sent back with no problems for replacement. With the second pair one of the eyelets ripped out when lacing up for the fourth time. I did not pull too harshly to tighten. These two things indicate a lack of quality control or manufacturing processes. Sent back and replaced with a third pair.

I've used that pair for day hikes in Colorado, Yellowstone NP, and the Grand Tetons. No issues at all and the waterproofness was successfully tested with stream crossings.

I just finished a 7-day backpack trip on the AT in N. Carolina with a max 35lb pack. The boots provided enough ankle support to make it a comfortable hike and the toe bumpers were nice as many boulders were encountered and much scraping ensued.

The only major issue I had with the boots on this trip was the thin soles. I could feel every rock and root I stepped on like I was wearing slippers. This wore out my feet after 7 miles each day.  The soles also don't grip rocks well when wet, but then even some expensive boots I've owned in the past failed in this regard as well.

Overall, a good day hiking boot and light or slack-packing boot, but beware of longer backpacking trips with heavier packs. 

ecently purchased a new pair. Within 2 weeks, the sole tore away from the body of the shoe.

Purchased these shoes, as I have owned these pairs in the past. 

They lasted no more than 2 months. The sole tore away from the body of the shoe. Figured it to be a manufacturing defect and the company would make good on it. I have attempted several times to reach them to see if they would replace. Crickets... not a peep from them. I never leave bad reviews without giving the company time to fix an error. Nothing irritates me more than a company not communicating with their customers. Now the bad review, and will NEVER purchase another product from them. 

Background

Have purchased several times in the past