Personal Review by Alex Anderson- 2010
Hi Tec Altitude IV – On Sale Now
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The Hi Tec Altitude IV Hiking Boot is one of the most popular mens hiking boots falling into the affordable category. After reading the store reviews on the Internet, they seemed like the ideal boot for someone like me.
I love hiking and go on a regular basis but I consider myself a casual hiker who looks for quality (not cheap) but not top of line expensive equipment and accessories. I was looking for quality and comfortable boots that were not going to cost me an arm and a leg. Here is my assessment after using them for a few months and going on 6 hikes now:
ARE THEY WATERPROOF?
The Hi Tec Altitude IV Hiking Boot is not completely waterproof which means there is no waterproof lining included. However, the upper parts of the boot are water resistant meaning the leather has been treated and the seams sealed with waterproof construction.
I can report that my feet stay dry even while hiking in a rainy or moist ground environment. This is consistent with the professional reviews. In fact, many others like this option better because without a liner, the leather has more breathability and allows sweat to escape better.
LIGHTWEIGHT AND SUPPORT ASSESSMENT
The Altitude IV hiking boot is lighter weight compared to other choices. They come in at 2 pounds on average- give or take for size. When I first put them on, I felt they were a little heavy feeling for a boot that did not include any of the advanced features that cause a boot to be so heavy- but once I got on the trail, the weight was fine.
This boot was definitely made with comfort in mind. Hi Tec is well known for quality craftsmanship and they use the latest technology to offer a lightweight boot that also stands up to rugged terrain and promotes durability.
I do think that heavier boots can offer additional support for the ankles than this one, but if I had to rate its support, I would still say the Altitude provides more than the average serious hiking boot.
They succeeded in me avoiding the heavy brick like feel of the heavier boot options but still comes with enough upgraded features to provide for durability (e.g., Steel shank with tuck board reinforcement and Durable carbon rubber outsole).
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COMFORT FOR LONG TRAILS
I include this section because this was my number one need when looking for a mens hiking boot. I love long hikes and I prefer rugged terrain. The last thing I wanted was for my feet to hurt or develop blisters. I wanted a nice looking, quality boot but one that just felt right on my hikes.
The Altitude IV hiking boot never hurt my feet and actually provided great comfort and support for the entire hike. The soft padded leather collar and gusseted leather tongue helped a lot.
EASY TO MAINTAIN
After each hike, I loved the fact that the boot had the Comfort-Tec removable sockliner which made them easier to clean and air out. The boot also comes with Dri-Lex moisture wicking lining which helps prevent the boot from retaining a lot of moisture in the first place.
HI TEC ALTITUDE CULT FOLLOWING
While I still have a lot of usability left for my Hi Tex Altitude IV hiking boot, I am already a member of the cult group followers that currently use this boot. I know that when these wear, I will buy another new pair. When something works, you stick with it.
As you will see by the many positive ratings for this boot (on the Internet), there is a huge following. This is because these boots offer a low cost option to get a great looking, well constructed boot which offers many upgraded features and an awesome feel and comfort.
Here are some other comments from Amazon Verified Buyers:
” These have been great boots. I am on my fourth pair of the Altitude series . . . The version IV have been the best but all have been good. I wear these boots to travel in and work in while traveling. Many a mile in airports, many miles on concrete, gravel, dirt, and inside simulation facilities. . . . In general Hi Tec have always fit me well. I go back 40 or so years to wearing the Lite series of Hi Tecs while I was in my running the Appalachians days. Given my high arches, a tendency for very bad calluses, rebuilt right ankle, 2 knees that varied doctors have wanted to cut on since early Army days, and now my weight I am very picky on shoes. These are the best of the Hi Tec boot types that I have found.” LT, Fayetville, NC
” I bought these a couple months ago and immediately put them to use by going hiking through streams and climbing mountains and boulders. I was surprised how amazing well these shoes work. They have great grip on rock and the solid sturdy frame holds your foot in place even on uneven rocks and boulders. These boots are 100 times better than the Merrell Boab which are very flimsy and quite a bit more expensive. These boots also would make great winter boots as the waterproofing is fantastic. The insoles have fantastic arch supports so these boots are really great for someone like me who has high arches.” V Pai
Reviews Have Been paraphrased- Click Here for Full Reviews and More Reviews
WHERE TO BUY THE HI TEC ALTITUDE IV HIKING BOOT
I recommend you go to Amazon.com where you can obtain more information about these boots and review the many, many avid customer reviews from both veteran and beginner hikers.
Amazon.com also offers a significant discount on this hiking boot!
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