Montrail Stratos XCR

I have a high volume wide foot. Montrails classically run narrow, from what I can tell yet this shoe in a 1/2 size larger fits me great. I love it for everything, it's really lightweight, really stable, really comfortable. I have put about 350 miles on them though and can sense they are starting to go. I had a bit too much faith in them and took 'em off trail up some scree on a wet day. The liner gave way and now I have wet feet. They don't have the stiff sole and lugs for a cross country shoe.

I have taken them on some loops in Yosemite with up to 35 lbs on and they did the job right. They are also great for any trail hike as they are very lightweight. I don't think a gore-tex shoe exists that doesn't eventually spring a leak and so can't be too mad at them for that. The mesh part of the upper is starting to fray, it's not a performance piece by any means and so say don't worry about that.

Also I put some Superfeet in them early on as the stock insole gave out and they began to pulverize my feet. I think all my off-trail side-hilling has stretched them out and they feel really roomy now. It makes me wonder if a 9 1/2 would have done the job after a break-in. All in all I am happy with their performance and wide range of uses. Again they are very light. The ones I own are the men's version, different from the picture up right now.

Bought the Stratos XCR for a Grand Canyon Loop Hike Tuna/Shinumo. Have tried various other hiking boots for other GC Loop Hikes. Have done other GC hikes in Vasque sundowners, sundowners GTX, Montrail Torre GTX. Was looking for something lighter, waterproof, breathable, full length shank type of protection, and good tread on the soles.

These shoes come about 1/2 to 1 full size too small. I knew from other reviews they come about 1/2 size too small so I got a 12 1/2 vs. normal 12. The Stratos do not fit on the same last size as say the Leona Divide or Hurricane Ridge. Should have gotten a size 13 in this model. Toes took a beating on the downhill.

Also difficult was the lacing system. Could not get the boots tight enough to prevent my feet from slipping forward. The eyelets and laces on these boots really suck. The cushioning however was execellent and my feet were not as sore as they usually are in heavier boots. The full length plastic shank was good. My feet did not get as hot as they normally do even though we had 100 degree days.

The tread was trashed after this hike and since the canyon is a reverse mountain getting up the scree slopes the last few days took a few more steps than if the tread had worn better.

Great lightweight trail shoe. Have put over 500 hard miles on my pair so far and they seem to be holding up fairly well. This shoe is by far best on trails. The sole is not very aggressive and mine have suffered from cross country travel in both Glacier and the Grand Canyon. Plenty of support with a pack under 40 pounds and a set of hiking poles. Would recommend them for any day hikes, most multi day backpacking on trails, and wet weather. Not great on scree, wet vegitation, or lava fields. Cool to wear.