Filson Uplander Boots

Summary

Awesome all purpose boot that will outlast me.

I have had these boots for over a year now so I feel pretty comfortable reviewing them in depth. I love these boots. I have a fair number of boots and these really are the best ones I own. These were my work boots when I was working in South Asia, they were my hiking boots when I trekked the Annapurna Circuit, they are my hunting boots, and they are my winter boots. 

So the fit, I was excited about these because they offered them in EE. I usually have to have my boots stretched so this alone, was a selling point. If you want to wear them with thick socks from time to time, I would suggest ordering your true size. If you want to wear them with thinner socks, I would suggest going down half a size like all Weinbrenner shoes (Thorogood boots). In hindsight I would have liked them in an 8.5 EE instead of a 9 EE. 

Comfort, is exceptional. Zero break-in period. No blisters at all and comfy right out of the box. The cork insole is fantastic as well. 

Support, arch support isn't amazing but the ankle support is. This was the main reason they became my go-to hiking boot over my Danners. I just always roll my ankles, these prevent it. 

Water Resistance. They have no membrane lining. But I think that is a good thing, boots always get wet. It is just unavoidable. But with leather boots, you can dry them pretty much instantly. The same cannot be said for Gore-tex. So, with some regular application of mink oil or Obernaufs, I would say these are perfectly water resistant if not waterproof. 

Traction...this isn't great. The soft, rounded tread makes you very quiet in the woods, but it's a nightmare on a muddy slope or on ice. When I get a little more wear out of them, I plan on having something more aggressive attached onto them from my cobbler.

Temp Control, swap socks obviously.

They really are a fantastic pair of boots. The leather is incredibly thick and the hardware is solid. The only thing I was annoyed at, was that the laces are cheap. So I swapped them out with some quality laces from Pisgah Range. A major downfall is the price, I don't think I would want to pay the full $400+ price for these, but I got a deal on them and I am very happy with it. 

I feel I used them in pretty much the full range of conditions from working in the jungle during the monsoon to climbing the Thorong La Pass at 5400m (17,700ft) in them. They are still in perfect condition and I anticipate using them for many many more years.

Summary

Nice high top boots.

I got these used on e-bay, so paid about half price for a lightly worn pair. Fit is great, lacing works well, and I think they will be good with both light and medium socks. They don't have great arch support, but are still comfortable.

I would not use these for any serious hiking as I prefer a European hiking/mountaineering boot for that.   However, knocking around in the summer and fall these keep the cheat grass out of my socks, will last for years.

They are also pretty quiet, and would work well for early season pheasant in the stubble.

I'm rough on every thing. My grandfather used to say- "you could tear up an anvil in a sandpit" and he meant it. Whether it is hunting, fishing, working my plantation pines, or walking a brier infested fence line, my Filson Uplanders have kept my feet dry, safe, and warm.

They are 15 years old and only seem to be getting better with time- something that most other items I own can't boast.

OK, Here is the deal. If you want a "real" hiking boot for carrying heavy loads then this is probably not for you, but this is without a doubt the best "hunting" boot I have ever worn.

I cover very long distances in the high country and need a boot that is both sturdy and silent...this is it (the tread on most hikers make them really noisy!). Break-in time was short and the comfort is incredible, more like slippers than boots. Back when I still had to work in an office I even wore them to work a few times.

Lack of a water-proof membrane is not important for me but keep in mind that these are your basic, real leather boots and require attention to keep them in good shape and shedding water.

If you are looking for a boot that truly is comfortable and durable look no further. They don't look like the usual hiking boot, but are 12 inch high, moccasin toed which means there is plenty of toe room and are made from the highest quality lether inside and out you will ever see from a company that has been in business since the 1800s.

They aren't stiff soled like a mountaineering boot which isn't what you want for hiking anyway. Walking in them is cushioney due to their fit and cork insoles. I do wish the soles had just a little more traction on mud, but they protect your feet from rocks and pounding on the trial. They can be resoled also which justifies the price.

So, if you don't mind not looking like every other hiker (or maybe looking like one from the 50s or early 60s) but want to know what comfort really is about then try these.