Salomon Elios Mid XCR

Took me a while to write this, but I wanted to see how these boots performed before I made any comment.

I needed new boots real bad, real fast. I had just torn the sole off of my old Timberland (I know!) hikers that I had been using on the nature trails around the park where I work. I had no other boots at my office, so I was in a bind.

I drove stocking footed to an outfitter friend and gave him my sob story. He flowed me a pair of "samples" that just "happened" to be "lying around". I have worn quite a few styles of shoes/boots from Salomon before, and have been very satisfied, so I had no prob. trying these.

The first thing I noticed was how comfortable these boots were right from the start. Soft, but not flimsy. I like a boot with a bit more width, and at the B width looked a bit narrow. The fit, though, was just right. snug without being constrictive. The ankle collar is very comfortable. Not too stiff, not too soft. The molded "3D FIT" foam tongue is nice and comfortable. Hasn't broken down yet. No interior seams on the sides keeps ankle chaffing from happening.

As with all GTX boots I've worn, the breathability is mediocre at best, but waterproof, they are.

The soles are holding up very well. I expect the uppers to wear out before the Salomon rubber does. Because of the light weight and lack of stiffness, larger rocks can be felt through the sole.

I would like to see this model in a non-Gore-Tex version. I'd buy them on the spot.

All in all, a competent, super-comfortable boot that does what I need it to do.

8/2/2009 addition to previous review:

During tornadic we had here last week, I was called out to help rescue some animals from a damaged wildlife rehabilitation center.

Long story short...these boots are totally waterproof - mud, slop, torrential rain, not a drop got through to my socks.