Solid boot, great value - Hi-Tec Altitude Pro Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot - Womens

I'd give this boot 4.5 stars. Prior to this boot I had been day hiking with my (very) heavy duty, but super comfortable backpacking boot. I knew I needed a lighter, mid-duty one for some high altitude hiking I was planning in Japan and Africa. I had read some good reviews about Hi-Tec and thought I'd give it a chance. This is my first Hi-Tec boot and I'm definitely impressed. The boot is just solid & very well made. The soles are Vibram and have deep treads so they grip really well and provide good stability in rocky areas. There is a rubber toe guard which is great because that is the highest abrasion area for me and I ruin any boot that doesn't have protection in that area. I did not get a chance to test the waterproof quality nor can I speak to it's longevity since I've only had it a couple months. One critique of this boot is that it's very wide. It's great when your toes have room to spread but it's a little too much room. Another critique is that the lacing can be a bit finnicky and the lacing hooks feels a bit sharp (probably because the metal is a little thinner than other boots I've had.)

Overall, I would recommend this boot. Mine has taken me to the summit of both Mt. Fuji in Japan as well as Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa. I've had many other brands of boots in the past - Zamberlan, Asolo, Merrell, Vasque, Salomon, Keen, etc. and can say for certain that this Hi Tec boot is a great value for what you get.