Zenith Mid GTX Boot - Men's

Comments about Zenith Mid GTX Boot - Men's:

I recently broke these boots in during a 200+ mile excursion through the rocky terrain of central and south Virginia along the AT trail and am thoroughly pleased with their performance. I was overpacked but the boots handled the extra weight great. I only developed a small blister on a heel but that was easily remedied with mole-skin. The Gortex worked great...the boots breathed very well and kept my feet dry when gathering water in streams.

Comments about Zenith Mid GTX Boot - Men's:

Years of hiking and walking as taken its toll on my feet and my shoes.. I Just can't find one that will last longer then expected..I've nearly tried them all.. From the most expensive to the cheapest thing on the block and cheaper isn't always better.. Thou some have come very close.
Here is a list of things to look for when selecting a good (not great) hiking boot.

• It's All In The Soul: The souls are the main thing to consider when buying a hiking boot.. Souls should be made from a high density rubber (that which car tires are made of) and can have a glossy sheen on them when viewing the treads.

• A Stitch In Time: The stitching shows how well the boot preforms in all sorts of weather. Is it flexible yet can withstand a direct hit with minimal impact. The stitching should be deep or inset within the leather or swede fabric. I tend to stay away from the plastic or rubber uppers.

• Getting Your Feet Wet: Waterproof (not water resistant) is a must. Getting your feet wet while crossing a stream or stepping into a mud puddle, Just to have the boot collapse or your feet soaked and cold to the bone, Unless you took your boots off and put you feet into a cool stream.

• Lacing It Up: What to choose, A low cut boot (below the ankle) or a high cut (above the ankle)? Depends on the type of trek you going to take.. I prefer the low cut boot.. Often high cut boots can be stiff above the ankles yet offer more support for rough activities. This boot could use more tongue loops thou.

• Rule Of Thumb: First decide what and where it is your going.. Does it have more rocks on the trail or is it more grassy plans with less gravel or stones.. Are you going to be climbing?.. or Standing often?.. Deciding many of these types of questions can help you better equip your feet for the trail.

• Get The Attraction: Don't always go for the boot seen on tv or in other forms of ads.. Companies often have over stocks on boots and gear which they need to sell to make room for the next great products.. But I've found that many shops have "customer" days which customers bring in slightly used gear at a reduced price.. 

• To Boot Or Not To Boot: Manufactures today are creating "Cross Overs" which in effect are boots or shoes with more attitude.. Aggressive tread designs but the shoe/boot looks like a running shoe.. I haven't found a good cross over shoes worth mentioning.. Yet.

• Going The Distance: To me.. The Main draw towards these boots (any boots) it the life of the soul as stated above.. Most souls last approx 1 year and many companies offer a "one year" warranty after the fact.

All this leads me to one boot.. So far. After attempting a number of boots.. The Garmont's
Zenith Mid GTX Men's & Women's Hiking Boot has proven it's self over and over many times.. Walking and hiking more then 8 miles a day. This Hiking boot (soul or tread life) has surpassed other boots. Lasting a whopping 4 years. 2 times longer then the next leading brand and 4 times longer then lesser brands.