Sam Gravestock keeps his feet dry with these boots from Hi-Tec.
A wise person once told me you should spend your money on a decent pair of boots and a decent bed as if you aren't in one you are in the other. This old proverb is definitely applicable, however if I might add one thing to it the addition would be to make sure they are waterproof, especially in Great Britain.
With these boots you definitely get the waterproof but also comfort, style and a pair of boots that take everything you ask of them.
The boots are ankle high allowing for support to the ankle but also permitting the natural movement of the ankle without restricting it. This is a very comfortable height for the boot to finish in my opinion preventing twists and sprains but not causing shin splints.
As they are fabric boots they look presentable when worn day to day without looking like a pair of hiking boots which is always a good thing especially if like me you like footwear that can be used for a wide range of activities such as walking dogs for several hours across fields, a ten hour shift running around attending to the needs of residents, working in the garden, busy evenings with the scouts or running away from zombies (you never know) to name but a few. They even look good when nipping for a cheeky drink down your local.
Another merit of the fabric is that they mean the boots are not as heavy as traditional leather hiking boots. Another wise man said a pound on the feet is worth five on the back. Slogging along for hours with monstrous boots will spoil even the most passionate walker's mood and pace.
The toe and heel abrasion offers protection from nasties, keeping the toes and heels safe from stones, branches, brambles and over enthusiastic self-propelling residents (if you have ever been run over by a wheelchair you will understand completely what I am talking about).
As for the waterproof capabilities I was a little concerned as when I received the boots we were in the middle of a dry spell and had not seen rain for quite a while. Before I had to resort to drastic measures like wearing them in the shower we had a veritable downpour almost twenty four hours solid, and as luck would have it that was the day I spent in the garden. Now in the past I have had very negative experiences with fabric boots claiming to be waterproof and have been as waterproof as a teabag. Not so with these boots. Throughout a days worth of working in the ongoing rain my feet stayed snug and dry.
Another problem I have experienced in the past is that my feet overheat very quickly and get rather sweaty and, er, fragrant in waterproofed boots. Not so with these boots - the moisture wicking lining is brilliant at keeping the feet dry and sweat-free despite wearing them for at least ten hours a day.
The soles offer excellent traction - no surprise as they are MDT carbon rubber and the tread pattern offers good all direction grip keeping you on your feet no matter what surface you find yourself wandering along.
You can buy the Hi-Tec Waterproof Walking Boots directly from this site.
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June 2011
