REI Monarch III GTX

Got these off ebay for $25 - an absolute steal. They are a bit on the heavy side, but they allow no water in and they breath pretty well.

I read the other reviews and people said no break-in required. That wasn't the case for me. They blistered me up pretty bad the first time I used them on a 40 miler last fall.

Great boots, and if you can find them for the price I did, you would be an idiot to pass them up.

These boots did not require any break-in. Don't expect these boots to last forever. About 3/4 into the life of the boot (1 1/2 yrs) the nylon lace straps broke off on both boots. In addition one bottom metal lace retaining rivets broke off, and the leather split apart from the rubber sole on the inner-side of one boot.

For about one year these boots were water tight. Sole wear was good, but I would have expected the soles wear out before the upper boot failed. Oh, make sure if you oil the leather panels if you buy the Monarch III GTX. I didn’t and about one year from purchase date, they were all cracked and dried out. I will next try REI’s Leather Monarch II Gore-Tex.

This was one of my best investments. My job puts me out in the weather at all times of the year. For a long time I wore these every day and covered several miles in fast track or sidewalks. I normally carry a ruck with about 20 pounds of gear. Any time I have a chance of rain in the forecast I strap them on and keep driving.

I bought these boots at an REI garage sale last year and they have suited me very well. I have packed with them several times and I have no complaints. They are for sure waterproof as I have spent several days in knee deep snow with gaiters and no leakage at all!! I love my boots!!

What a pair of boots. They're most certainly waterproof, hiking through streams around the pacific NW I get no leakage. There also the lightest boots I've ever owned. I will be taking these with me to the Appalachian Trail this summer and have full confidence in them.

Great boot. A little heavy compared to other, more expensive boots, but I get what I paid for. The GTX is WATER TIGHT. I also love the no break-in needed. Traction is excellent, as expected from Vibram. Great Value, Great Boot.