User Review: Salomon Men's 3D Fastpacker Mid GTX

I read many reviews and bought the last pair of the grey/red ones from MEC (Canada, check it out) in Nov of 09, and have used them 4 days a week for hiking and gardening in the PNW this El Nino winter.

I am a true 12.5, but got the 13s, and they initially felt a bit narrow. Somehow they transformed quickly into very comfy boots. Not warm, but winter merino socks solved that when needed. When my gf and I hike we break into runs, and these bound along like runners. I do love them (and her).

I use REI desert gaiters (low and minimal) on these because the top of the tongue hangs open to collect all kinds of detritus without them, no matter how the laces are tied.

Unfortunately, after 4 months they are falling apart kinda quick.

The leather/manmade outer bands above the sole are cracked, no longer black but a dull sea grey,
The manmade upper has split about a centimeter where my big toe's articulation causes a crease (not so water resistant now they ain't),
And the tread has begun to delaminate from the cushioning sole at the back of the boot.

I aim to return and replace these soon at MEC, hoping that I have better luck with the next pair.

I guess what I am saying is I would buy them again if I had the reasonable boot health insurance that you get at MEC.

Other than that, I fear that these are for light trails and maybe gallivanting around paved Europa.