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Ridgeline Apache

rated 4.0 of 5 stars
photo: Ridgeline Apache hiking boot

The Apache hiking boot is well constructed, broad lasted fitting for serious off track wilderness travel.

Pros

  • Price
  • Well made
  • Comfort for broader feet
  • Excellent support
  • Good all round traction

Cons

  • Size is smaller than that stated
  • Very warm (only a problem in high temperatures)

Buying new boots for the serious outdoors man is always a traumatic experience I find; This is especially so when on a limited budget. I have found in the past I tend to have a king's desire with a beggar's purse, so it was a very pleasant surprise to find a very good looking boot offered at half price.

Having had foot surgery in the past which left me with shortened toes finding a good fit has made the search doubly difficult and makes many European boots totally out of the question for me.

The Ridgeline "Apache" boot is a mid height model with an all round rubber rand, toe guard and aggressive  Hyper Grip sole. the upper is a 2.5 mm Nubuck leather in an olive/brown. It is advertised as waterproof and has a HydroGard100% waterproof membrane bootie lining seam sealed and has high abrasion properties. A 200 g "Thinsulate inner lining ensures a warm boot. In style it has much in common with boots from Raichle and Mammut and looks a proper job, stylish and fit for purpose.

Now to the nitty-gritty! Out of the box the fit was very good with just one pair of medium weight socks; lacing is good with 4 metal roller loops each side to start and a hefty pull back speed lace clip at ankle level and 2 lighter speed clips per side to finish off. This I found gave plenty of variation to get just the right fit.

First trip was, to try out the new boot was a five hour walk on easy flat terrain. Other than to adjust the lacing to slacken off as my feet heated up I found them very comfortable. Next were a number of mountain tracks with varying terrain and gradients. Rough rock was a breeze, broken rock and cobble paths the same gradients both up and down (45 Deg max) were comfortable with no toe cramming and I felt safe on grass, clay or solid rock.

Traversing the foot and ankle support is very satisfying. The only negatives are the boot is very warm which may be a problem in summer and the insole is thin and I feel will be better with a good quality replacement.

All in all I really think we will become great friends and hopefully spend many years of enjoyment in the hills and mountains together.

This is a 6/15 add-on: After over 100 k on varied terrain I can now say that these boots are as comfortable as an old pair of carpet slippers, I feel very secure as the grip is excellent on and off track, rock scrambles are a breeze as are descents.

These are, in my humble opinion, a top quality boot equal to top priced models from the big names that cost $5-600 plus.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: NZ 145

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