So far I have about 12 miles of trail time in these boots and I'm impressed overall. First I'll get the only negative thing I have to say about them out of the way, the laces were slick and hard to keep tight. They actually ended up wearing out quickly on the right boot and I replaced them with laces from an old pair of Army boots I had laying around. I would recommend this to anyone buying these boots, believe it or not it made a world of difference. Ankle support is great and even with a heavy pack they absorbed the shock and saved my back.
I wore the boots for two days before my hike to break them in which actually seemed to be wholly unnecessary as they fit my feet and were comfortable from day one. The first day I hit the trail with them was an icy and cold day at Meramec State Park ( read about that hike here) . The trail consisted of rock covered in ice in many places and these boots made me feel like a mountain goat, I didn't slip once! For me the traction they provided was huge as I have already blown my left knee out several times and a misstep or slip can spell disaster. Long story short after 8 plus miles on the trail my feet felt fine when I got home.
So if your funds are limited and you are in need of a pair of boots for hiking I can recommend them highly. Will they last? Only time can tell but so far I'm impressed.
Below is a link to the Target website.
Swiss Gear Spring Hiker Boots
10 comments:
Thanks for your review Brian. I'm a person on a budget who wants to get into hiking. So far through Amazon and sales I was able to gear up pretty well, but boots that fit into my budget were still eluding Mr. Your review helped me find a pair of boots that fit my budget.
the boots suck me and my dad got them just have them for two months and they are fall a part
Maybe not as brutal as Cory, but I too, am not impressed.. I bought a pair fo the exact same sneakers from Target, and within 2 weeks, the seams on both sides of the toe section, broke apart.
For $49.99, you would expect a decent pair of sneakers, But.... Target wasn't the only discount store to carry the name SwissGear..
Case in point, WalMart, also carried the coveted brand in the form of a pair of hiking poles. (which, exact same design, it sells under their Outdoor products label)..
While on a hike, I placed one of the poles in front of me, to steady on a steep hillside, when I felt a snap, and it suddenly collapsed inward. (the end piece slid inside the middle section.)
Thankfully, I was able to regain my balance, and prevent a nearly 20-foot tumble down an 18% grade incline.. I was able to loosen the end sleeve, and found that the end of the screw, which expands the plug inside, had shattered, leaving the expanding plug loose.
Mind you, I'm fairly good sized, but not even close to 8Lbs of force was placed on the handle end.
The break, showed the plastic of the screw piece, was very brittle, and pieces fell out, along with the plug and the piece that broke off.
Granted, you get what you pay for, but as said, For $49.99, you expect better...
one last side note, The sole will not stand-up to long-term wear.. I've had them for 3 months, and the soles in the center of the foot, are flat, and the two center of the four knobs, tore out, leaving two holes through to the inside.. (no-longer waterproof!) to say nothing of the thread along the inner and outer edges, are quite hollow.
Agree with Cory,They Suck!. First weekend with them I went hiking and they were great. After 1 month of wearing them the laces feel apart and the seams came apart. Wasn't expecting them to last forever but longer than a month. Not worth $50
I use mine for work and they do fine.
Maybe I don't walk for MILES, but I'm on my feet for many HOURS at a time. They protect my feet on construction sites and I can wear them with street clothes.
they are coming in 18$ only. I like the looks.. i think its a good deal
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American hiker swiss gear boots. I bought them at target. And I must say, they were the best shoes for the money. They kept my feet dry through the long upstate New York winter. My feet stayed warm and dry surprisingly enough all winter. And I was walking in three feet of snow. I definitly recommend them to anyone . Plus they look cool as well.
Amy
Best bang for your buck. I bought the Swiss gear hiking shoes in Arizona at Target. As I loved the way they looked. Then moved to New York. I was amazed they kept my feet warm and dry through the long upstate New York winter. Walking in snow as deep as four feet at times. I was totally impressed. I am getting my boyfriend a pair this year. Mine are still in impeccable condition so I will be wearing them again this year. Thanks target.
Amy
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