Hi-Tec Boots Review
During the summer of 2009 we reached out to a few product companies to discuss advertising and Hi-Tec was kind enough to send us a few pairs of their boots and outdoors shoes for use in our shows. All of us have been wearing them since summer and I thought I would share my experiences thus far, both good and bad.
It’s been at least 6 months since I first tried on this (then new) pair of boots. The V-Lite Altitude Ultra WPi boots are classified by Hi-Tec as a light hiking boot. I would agree they are lightweight, but they have managed to hold together through many productions in Alaska including the sea, the mountains, rivers and the snow.
First off, let me say that the comfort of these boots was immediate and has been great since the day I first put them on. Secondly, the durability has been impressive and their new ion-mask technology has really impressed me. My feet stay extremely dry regardless of conditions and the boots have generally retained most of their “new” looks as a result of this previously British military only technology. Find out more about ion mask at Hi-Tec’s Wet is Dry website: http://www.wetisdry.com/
The short story here is that I really like these boots and have been wearing them almost daily for 6 months. For all practical purposes these boots are lightweight, durable, good looking and really waterproof. Having said all of that, I do have one nit to pick. The shoelaces break prematurely.
I have been through three (3) sets of shoelaces with this pair of boots. It’s not a flaw of the laces that come with the boots, it’s the metal eyelet (third from the top of the boot) that is the culprit. Apparently the design of this eyelet lacks the smooth edge that would keep from cutting into the laces. Unfortunately it’s not an isolated incident with just one boot…it happens on both boots.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Truly waterproof
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Affordable (compare to the other fancy outdoors names)
Cons:
- The need for a shoelace budget
Despite my laces experience, I do like these boots. An excellent balance of weight, performance and durability. Just be sure to pack a few spare laces in your backpack! I would definitely buy another pair to replace these…
A special thanks to Hi-Tec for providing these boots. Find out more about Hi-Tec at: http://www.hi-tec.com
Tags: alaska, boots, hitec, review
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Dec 16, 2009
Hello my name is Dayna and I’m the PR Manager for Hi-Tec Sports USA. Just wanted to send you a note to thank you for such a great review on the V-Lite Altitude HPi recently. I am pleased to let you know that as a result of your comments about many broken laces, we are changing the eyelets on this boot so they are not so sharp. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to perfect these boots even more. Please feel free to contact me anytime for future footwear testing and i hope to work with you on future projects.
Have a great day, Dayna
Dec 16, 2009
Dayna, thanks for the comment. Truly, we’ve put lots of miles on the Hi-Tec gear you sent us and everything has performed above expectations. A minor issue in the scope of things…but it’s great to hear you are adjusting the eyelet design for these boots! Also we appreciate the story on your site. http://www.hi-tec.com/us/news/1664
Thanks again.
Jun 11, 2010
Wow Hi-Tec responded, that never happens dudes! Well my response is a thank you guys for the review! I’ve owned a lot of hiking boots, but my old pair hi-tec boots have outlasted my other boots even when the rigidity of the boot wore out. This season I was going to try something different, then recalled you had this blog post and with a revisit I’m a proud owner of new boots and extra laces
Look out guys I’ll be hot on your trail!
Jun 29, 2010
Scott Slone
Keep up the great podcasts Scott. I’m moving to Alaska in November and wonder what other gear you would recommend. I purchased a pair Hi-Tec boots, not the same ones above, but I love them. I would love a video podcast of you doing product reviews, only because I think you’re plenty qualified with everywhere you’ve been!!! THANK YOU AGAIN (thumbs up)
Jul 06, 2010
Cracking myself up! Let me explain, because I wondered what boots you wear as you’re trekking about. What are the odds I could come here, then to find you blogged about it!
Scott, I love you!
Samantha