User Review: New Balance Hiker

Reviewed April 10, 1996 by jrichard@...

Rating:
Materials: leather + fabric
Use: day hikes
Break-in Period: none
Weight: moderate
Price Paid: $50

These are absolutely the worst boots I've ever hiked in. I bought them about 4+ years ago, I hope NB has improved their line in that time. The model name may not have been "Hiker" but it was the only high top hiking shoe I could find from NB. I've since thrown the boots out.

The boots were moderately heavy. The padded ankle area was too loose to keep out dirt. The soles were very slippery. I would slip on flat ground if you mentioned the word "water" in the general vicinity. Really, the soles were made of some material that slipped easily on wet rocks (as compared to my Wilderness or Impact boots). The soles started wearing out early on (as would be typical of a running shoe). I tried to build the outer soles up using Shoe Goo, but with no luck.

I wear NB running shoes a lot, and I like them. But I couldn't recommend buying the hiking boots for real hiking unless they've changed...

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Where to Buy

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