Teva Wapta Mid WP

A very lightweight/waterproof mid for spring-autumn hiking. Good construction, adequate traction, and good level of comfort. Excellent value for money.

The Wapta Mid appears much closer to a running/trail running shoe than a hiker, but provides adequate support, good traction, and good fit (albeit it on the narrow side) for a very reasonable price.

Fit: The fit is narrow, so I had to go one half size up, but after that the fit was snug but very good, and the lacing system does the job quite well.

Comfort: These are fairly light and comfortable and no break-in time was required. Although the fit is narrow, there was no pressure points or friction and after multiple outings, I have experienced no blisters (which I am usually prone to with most shoes) even after a 26 mile hike. However, about 18 miles in, my feet started to become quite sore, and I started to feel every stone underneath, so I would say that for extended hikes, unless you are used to thinner soles, I would opt for heavier boots.

Support: These are mids, so there is a bit of anke support, but it is not at all stiff, so its mostly to guard ankles against scrapes on rocks or bits of gravel getting in.

Water resistance: They are equipped with a waterproof/breathable membrane which works very well, and so far has held up for about 100 miles of hill/mountain terrain. Even on a long day in hot weather, it appears breathable enough to keep my feet relatively dry, and surprisingly not-offensive smelling (relatively speaking). On a recent long hike (26 miles) after stepping repeatedly in puddles and mud, my feet remained dry, and even with weather above 25 C, my feet breathed well enough to remain dry.

Traction: Traction appears to be adequate while crossing wet rocks, and snow/ice. Could be better though as the treads are not very deep and when full of mud its easy to just slide around.

Temp control: They are not winter boots, though I have used them in winter at -15 C, and my feet were adequately warm with heavier socks. I do not find they overheat, but the waterproof membrane makes them much warmer than shoes without one, still as mentioned prior, they appear adequately breathable.

Construction and Durability: Everything appears to be well put together, and after ~100 miles of hill/mountain terrain they still look great, however, because they are a lightweight hiker, with a membrane, I am not necessarily sure how they will deal with heavy prolonged use, particularly the membrane which is usually the first thing to go on hikers.

Conditions: Four-season use in Welsh and English hills/mountains in a range of weather from snow to rain, to hot, dry and dusty.

Overall I would recommend these. For the price they are an excellent shoe and great to wear for times when heavier boots are not necessary. Being a narrower shoe, this would be a try before you buy situation, or at least only order online if there are free returns/exchanges.