User Review: Hi-Tec Men's V-Lite Altitude Ultra WPi

Summary

'Ultra' is probably not the best descriptor for this boot.

While we all need to acknowledge that there is no truly/waterproof boot (unless we go to 'rubber'), this boot with the eVent process hype is much less than advertised. This boot has a 'film' on the outer surface of the leather that wears off very quickly and allows water to permeate the leather just as with any other lightly or untreated leather. 

I suspect it can be treated with Nik, Snowseal, etc but I haven't got around to that yet. The rubber toe cap is starting to separate from the rest of the boot and becomes a reservoir for water to enter. I hypothesize that the eVent in the leather prevents good adhesion with the glue for the toe cap.

The fit is 'classic' Hi-tec (the reason I got this boot); roomy, wide at the toe, and somewhat narrow at the heel for people whose feet look like diving fins (like mine).

I have had these Ultras for about 9 months and have worn them with my snowshoes and in the rain and have had them soaked right through in both cases. There is room inside the boot for a pair of Sealskin socks which is what I will take with me the next time I'm in wet conditions.

The Vibram outsole does not disappoint — it is grippy on dry and wet rocks and logs.