Hi-Tec Tecproof

Very satisfied of these boots. The best model of a cheap make.

Positive points:

Vibram soles, adapted for use of step-ins crampons.

Used them in summer and winter (OK above -15 to -20°C, but feets were freezing below that) Anyway, I use them even at -25°C.

Walked more than 400 miles of use in snow, mud, ... and still in good shape. Expect to keep them for about 1000 more miles.

If waxed properly (after 400 miles), can stand up for about an hour in 4-5 inches of water. (I didn't try just for fun; had to make drainage through ice in my father's yard)

Negative points:

I have to wax them each 100 miles. After 10 miles, water gets in after about 10 minutes of walk in a shallow brook, or in deep mud.

I bought a pair of Hi-Tec boots that had the "Tecproof Waterproof" leather upper. The first time I stepped in a puddle, the boot tongue leaked like a sieve. When I called the manufacturer, they said the boot wasn't waterproof, and they wouldn't do anything for me. The brochure enclosed with the boot says "Tecproof Waterproof" and has an arrow pointing to the upper most part of the boot just below the scree collar. Unless you are planning to lay on your back with just your heels in the water, you will get soaked immediately. The company representative said they will only replace "manufacturers defects", I guess false and deceptive advertising is not a defect in Hi-Tecs opinion. Beware!