Montrail Blue Ridge GTX

Summary

Great backpacking boot. Reasonably light for the amount of ankle support, not too hot despite the Gore-Tex. Only boot I've ever owned that required virtually no breaking-in!

Not Perfect, but the best boot I've had so far. Like I said, barely any break in. Montrails tend to run narrow which is great for me. I had to add arch support but I usually do for most shoes.

The rubber rands will make the boot last longer. Laces lock off at ankle allowing different tension on ankle and forefoot. Not for light-niks but they are as comfy with no pack as they are with a 50 pound pig.

I have been a huge Montrail fan over the years, but this boot was junk. It started to fall apart after only 2 weeks. The leather hook on the back of the boot started to separate from the rest of the boot exposing the inner stuffing of the boot. Needless to say, I was NOT happy. I plan on writing to Montrail about this. Buyer beware on this boot.

The reason I gave it 1.5 stars was because the boot is actually comfortable despite that fact that it is falling apart.

This is the most comfortable boot I ever have. It just felt perfect from the first hike. I also added the Montrail footbed with solid arch support which does make the boot even better. However, it's not perfect and I do have a few complaints.

First, the edge of both rubber toe guard came loose after just a total of eight days on rugged trail. I admitted I have been using it rough but still it's unacceptable for a new boot to show such wearing in such short time. Secondly, the leather is not very waterproof and the boot is soaked and heavy every time when I am on wet snow, mud or rain. The water does not penetrate the Gore-tex membrane but I just wish the leather have better water proof treatment.

Overall a VERY comfortable boot with good ankle and arch support but they need to make it more durable and improve the waterproof treatment on the leather.

Would have been the PERFECT pair of boots if it weren't for one thing... a BADLY misplaced seam in the Gore-tex liner that gave me horrible blisters on the back of my heel EVERY time that I would hike in them. I endured such punishment for several trips, hoping that this quality would eventually "break in", but it never did.

If they made a leather lined/non Gore-tex model (provided that it did not have this badly placed seam) I would definitely buy them again.

Minus the above incompatibility, they truly did feel "broken in" out of the box, and had EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT; craftsmanship, fit, gusseting, flex, and eyelet hardwear.

It's a shame that my feet don't get along with these.

Great boot right out of the box. Literally no break-in time. You always hear that but I've never experienced it until getting this boot. If you have a mid to narrow foot with a high arch, this is the one. Fits snug, but not squeezing, from the heel through the instep but the toebox widens out for plenty of room for the ball of your foot and toes. Tried most of the other major brands and none of the other lasts even came close to fitting this well. Lacing system is easy to adjust to get that just snug enough feeling from your ankle to your toes. I live in the NW and the Gore-tex liner is performing as advertised.

This is an excellent boot. I'm an archaeologist and have to depend on a good pair of boots like a scuba diver depends on air. I have a wide foot and a high arch...thanks mom. The boot fit like a glove, in fact I can't remember a boot ever fitting so well. The break-in time was more due to my previous boot being broken down for too long and my ankle and knee needing to adjust to a proper fitting boot with outstanding support. Bottom line: Spend the money, get the boot, you'll be hooked from the try on.

I have to agree with the previous poster who commented on that awful spot in the heel that absolutely rubs you raw. That hasn't stopped me from putting hundreds of miles on these boots but I pay for it every time I wear them. My feet never get wet and besides the heel they are always comfortable and extremely durable. I'd definitely try these on before buying them just to make sure that the heel doesn't rub you the wrong way.

Even though I got a really great price for my boots I still think they are great boots! I think they are definitely for a person who has a narrow foot and has a high arch. And they have no break in period. I very happy purchase of these shoes.

Overall fantastic boot. No break-in time, relatively light, very durable. I have a narrow heel but was able to adjust the lacing to get the support where I needed it the most without cutting off circulation to the rest of my foot.