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