Kayland Contact 1000

I have flat feet, weak ankles and a damaged nerve in my foot. I have tried various boots and inserts over the years and had never found any combination that would let me go the distances that I would like without a lot of pain.

Backpacker Magazine gave their award to Kayland Vertigo High boots and so I thought I would try them. They were so new they were still hard to find. I called the company rep and he suggested I try the Contact 1000. He said he really liked them for his own use and wasn't planning to go to the Vertigo High even though he had tried both. I ordered a pair and after replacing the insert with the Spencer heavy duty backpack insert gave them a go.

I walked 12 miles round trip into a favorite lake in Yosemite. My feet didn't hurt! Since that time I have several hundred miles on the boots and am now trying to wear out a new pair. They still are wonderful. Its been my experience that when I find a product that I really like invariably they stop making it. I have 3 more pair of Contact 1000 in my closet just in case!

This is absolutely the best boot I have ever used. I am 65 years old and so have tried a lot of them. Thank you Kayland!

Top notch, bombproof, best boots I've ever worn.

These boots fit great from day one (even better with a Superfeet orange insert) and I never experienced any discomfort. They provide great ankle support yet are flexible enough to be worn while driving (most backpacking boots kill my feet while in a car or lounging at home).

Lacing system adequately snugs the foot in all of the right places but doesn't cause pinching. I love the style and the ruggedness of this boot.

So far I have only used these on day hikes and their performance is outstanding. I'll report back later this summer after a few multi-day trips.

My only complaint thus far concerns the smell produced during a spirited hike. These boots can stink quite badly. This could be due to my feet, the insoles, or the eVent lining.

Okay, back from my trip! As promised further review of Contact 1000. Put it this way- at the Wasdale Head there was one hiker with dry feet. Me. My boots were fantastic. Over Scarth gap in 80mph winds and terrible rain and later through Black Sail Pass, Kirk Fell and Sca fell in miserable conditions my boots were a dream. No Blisters, totally comfy. Oh and...And no my fellow hikers had decent boots- two had Salomons, albeit not brand new now, Another Braishers- (soaked through in minutes) another a cheaper Hi-Tec - not that bad!....

So far this boot has been top drawer. It fits like a glove and with the vibram soles is very comfy. The front scuff protectors look invaluable and the quality or design and leather speaks for itself. Yet to try in really tough conditions, to check waterproofing of EVENT - Off to Sca fell Pike New Years day so will see- as looks like rain...But so far they really feel the business and feel confident. Will write again to say how they faired.