Hi tec boots

[steveh72]

I had an interesting experience today,

Hi tec hiking boots were on sale and the dear wife thought she would acquire a pair as they were a bargain and she is the occasional walker at best.

Despite my warnings re quality issues and the sales person claims otherwise my wife decided to try on a pair,

Well we only got one boot on and when the better half went to tighten the laces - snap went the lace holder attached to the boot.

So I guess this is a rare win for a male had advised the wife on shoe purchases and been right

I am talking her into a mid price boot now such as a merril or keens. ( I have scraps kallish) but this may be overkill the a part time walker.

Cheers

Steve

[rock monkey]

If she doesn't have a particularly wide foot, and you were after something in between keen and your 'scraps' (assuming kallish is kailash).. you could check out the scarpa terra gtx (leather) or cyclone (synthetic and suede). They go for $259 and $249 if I remember right, while the keen gypsum mid usually goes for $229 but can be purchased in at least one place in town for $199.. Like you said, maybe overkill, and depends on the fit, but an extra $20 might be worth it..?

[Sonia]

Hi Steve

At least I managed to get a couple of walks out of mine before the same thing happened atop Mt Ironstone!

I had gone the 'cheaper' route for the same reason - potential bushwalker rather than committed bushwalker and the thought of lashing out $300+ for boots seemed excessive for something I wasn't sure I'd continue to do.

Fortunately the local shop I'd bought them from gave me a store credit and I ended up spending some extra $$$ and left the store with a pair of Scarpa Trek Pros which continue to do the business for me. I haven't tried other boots so can't give any other recommendations but there would be no shortage of other folk able to do that.

And I wouldn't overplay your hand about being right - I'm sure you'll manage to be wrong more often than you're right

Cheers
Sonia

[Tex]

I had a VERY good run with Hi Tec magnum boots that I bought in '94 . I only used them while walking in the Flinders and I loved the comfort, support and grip. They lasted me 10 years, 1 week solid use per year, roughly 1000kays.
After getting rid of my Scarpa's this year as they were just too hard/firm I bought another pair of Hi Tec's (not sure which model), on sale for $75. Again they are super comfortable but I have worn out the sole under the ball of my foot in under 300km Not sure what i'll replace them with but hopefully I can afford to spend a little bit more.

[steveh72]

Hi Sonia,

Never correct only temporarily right until proven otherwise

Hi tex

I brought a pair of hitec golf shoes ( different model) but all leather and a bit dearer

Great shoes - very comfy and provided great stability, they lasted less than 12 months, - approx 20 rounds of golf or around 180 km. And this is dealing with the harsh conditions of a golf course fairway not the smooth terrain of bush walking

i even took them to the shoe repairer as they were that comfortable.

The problem I had was that they just kept falling apart, either glue was crap or the bonding process was crap.

I have spoken with a few other golfers who had the same issues.

I then had a chuckle when others on the forum have had similar build issues.


Hi rock monkey

Unfortunately the boss does have a wide fit so scrapa,s will not suit, and yes I agree the extra money is worth it.

My next conversation with the wife revolved around how is blisters worth when there is 5 km to go.

Cheers Steve

[wayno]

aparently the glues bond best when heated to a certain temp. so if the manufacterer doesnt have the heating process right.... they' won't get the glue to bond strongly...

[Travis22]

My first hiking boots were the 'leather' hi-tec's. They lasted 8 years, and the soles were glued back on twice. Never had a single blister.

They were only retired after the soles eventually wore completely through. Original shoe laces and 'attachment points' all remain intact.

These were replaced with the old / original version Scarpa SL M3's. 5 years on, they still give me blisters however the last trip out was blister free, fingers crossed they have finally broken in!

Travis.

[wayno]

question is who made your old hi tecs and who is making them now....
like the dunlop volleys just because they were one a reliable shoe doesnt mean they will remain that way...

[jimbo42]

I have no confidence in HiTec boots.
Bought a pair and they gave me blisters right from the start.
Eventually wore them in , but then the sole peeled away from the boot. This also happened to a friend of mine in our bushwalking club.
I finally burned them ceremonially in a campfire in the Budawangs. Don't do this -- the smell is appalling
That is why I always carry a pair of KT26s as in-camp shoes; when your boots fail or give you trouble, you can still keep walking, as well as have some comfortable shoes to wear in towns.
My favourite boots now? Teva full leather Event. I did 600 km of the Pacific Crest Trail (Sierra Nevada, California) with lots of snow and heavy packs; and got no blisters. Very comfortable, durable, and lighter than Euro-style boots. they have wide toes as well.
When I finished the walk I bought a spare full leather as well as a lightweight Teva boots, I was so impressed with them

[John Sheridan]

Would you recommend HiTec boots for the occasional bushwalk, like every weekend and maybe 3 days a month, they must be able to last a little with that