Are you looking for solid, relatively inexpensive hiking boots? Picking out the ideal hiking boots for you can be challenging because there are so many different options available. Right now, the market is flooded with products made with a dizzying mix of high tech and low tech materials.
Leather hiking boots are still popular, but boots made from Goretex and other manmade materials definitely have their own following. If you aren’t a fan of manmade materials and love your leather, you should try out the Hi-Tec Altitude IV.
Construction of the Hi-Tec Altitude IV
- Leather and synthetic
- Rubber sole
- Shaft measures approximately Ankle” from arch
- Waterproof upper
- Soft, padded collar
- Rust-proof brass hardware
- Comfort Tec removeable sockliner
- Lightweight, injection-molded EVA midsole
Pros | Cons | Best Uses | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
Comfortable | Not a great wet weather boot | Backpacking |  |
All Leather | Backcountry | ||
Sturdy/Durable | Hiking | ||
Good Fit | Wet Weather |
Unlike a lot of other popular boots on the market, the Altitude IV is made from 100% leather. This gives it a natural feel that a lot of its competitors don’t have. Of course, people interested in wearing only footwear that does not contain animal products will have to take a pass on this boot.
One downside of the all-leather construction is that it makes the Altitude IV less than 100% waterproof. While Hi-Tec claims that the Altitude IV is waterproof, a number of users have experienced problems with getting their feet wet while using them. If you want waterproof boots, you will have to treat your Altitude IV boots with a special waterproof sealant, or consider purchasing another brand.
Durability
The Altitude IV is a very resilient hiking boot. Despite its low price, it holds up to the elements and regular wear and tear quite well. Many users report that their Altitude IV boots have lasted them for years, despite daily use.
Comfort
The Altitude IV is shaped in such a way as to be especially accommodating to people with wide feet and people with high arches. If you have exceptionally wide feet or high arches you know how difficult it can be to find shoes that work with your feet, let alone hiking boots that feel comfortable to you.
The amount of support supplied by the Altitude IV is reasonably good. Because of its solid leather-based construction and inclusion of a steel shank for added rigidity, Hi-Tec Altitude IV boots can give your feet the support they need. If you need exceptional support in a hiking boot because of a chronic knee or ankle condition, you will probably be happy with the Altitude IV.
Appearance
The boots are available in three different colors: Dark chocolate, black, and brown. Its overall look is not particularly flashy. It looks like a typical, sturdy hiking boot. If you want hiking boots that are going to make a definite fashion statement, you might want to look elsewhere.
Price
The Altitude IV retails from about $70 to $100, making it a relatively inexpensive hiking boot. If you are on a budget but still want a good hiking boot, you will almost certainly be very happy with these. It offers excellent bang for the buck. While not the best hiking boot out there, it offers a very good return on investment.
Customer Reviews
“These have been great boots. I am on my fourth pair of the Altitude series- a version I, version II, and now 2 version IVs. All have been good buys for me. The version IV have been the best but all have been good.” Read more
“I’m on my 5th or 6th pair of these boots. I’m a meat cutter. I’m on my feet, in the cold for 8 hours a day. My feet are warm, dry, and comfortable. When I wear these out, I’ll buy another pair. End of story.”
“I am very hard on soles and have finally worn these out after two years of hard use. These shoes do it all- look nice, keeps water out, and is the most comfortable I have ever worn. I am looking to get the exact same pair- but hard to find on sale anywhere but since the are so nice, they are worth the price.” Amazon
Hi-Tec is a good company well known for the quality of their products. The Hi-Tec Altitude IV is a product they can be genuinely proud of. While not for everyone, this hiking boot will satisfy most casual hikers as well as a lot of serious hikers.
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