Kayland Convert

These are the best hiking boots I've ever owned!!! I have a rather wide foot, so for me, finding a boot that doesn't crush my foot has always been a challenge.

I had purchased a pair of Asolo hiking boots, but every time I wore them, my feet would sweat and my toes would hurt. I was actually wearing my Asolo's when I tried on the Kayland's. All I can say is wow.

The fit was fantastic, my toes weren't crushed together. The other piece was that after wearing my Asolo's for a few hours, I would take them off, and my socks would be wet.

I don't have that issue with my Kaylands. They are so much more comfortable that I now wear them almost every day. I really like the way the laces are with the boot. They really help hold the boot to my foot, so when I am hiking, I'm much more relaxed because my feet don't really slide around.

I currently just day hike, southern portion of the A-trail, and after a 6 - 8 mile, my feet are still in great shape. No hot spots.

I got a pair of these online a year ago, and really wanted them to work out. My foot is rather wide, and I looked long and hard to find a fit as good as these. I also liked their low weight, the eVent lining rather than Goretex, their flex, and the good aggressiveness of the sole.

But, after using them for 10 or so day hikes and a couple of average backpacking trips here in Washington State, the seam failed during a trip this week, along about an inch beside the ball of my foot on the left boot. So far seams on the right boot are OK.

I wondered if this might happen since these seams are positioned where they are subject to a lot of stress and flex.

So, I like the boot, but regret the seam failure. I have contacted Kayland to see if they will repair or replace, and may update this review depending on their response.

Update: November 24, 2011

Update: Kayland exchanged the boots... and the second pair has held up well.