User Review: Montrail Stratos XCR

Montrail Stratos XCR
Above: The current Stratos XCR, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed May 3, 2006 by Scott Patterson

Rating:
Materials: Gore-tex
Use: Rough trail w/ heavy pack
Break-in Period: none
Weight: 185
Price Paid: $140

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.