Hi-Tec Altitude Review

"I got these boots because I was just taking up hiking again, and didn't have much money. Surprisingly, they have been great! Good fit, little break in time, waterproof in snow with frequent applications of NikWax, all with a price below $70. My feet would hurt after many miles with a 35 lb pack, but I put Superfeet insoles in (after breaking them in in my sneakers), and now I don't have the foot pain. So if you need a low priced boot to get started, give these a try (always assuming that they really fit your feet, otherwise no boot is a bargain)."

"I love these boots! Being that I'm only a teenager and therefore have very little money, the 64 dollar boots were about all I could afford. Yet I'm glad I bought them. They have a fast break -in time and are really comfy (insoles make them even better but either way they're pretty good). All in all they are a great pair of boots. I'm on my second pair!"

"not knowing anything about hiking, i asked a sales person to recomend some. i am very pleased. the insoles contour to my feet exactly. they are water proof and have great ankle support. i paid 60 bucks and could not be happier."

"I needed a new pair of boots for a trip in the smokey mountains; but I did not want to spend a lot of cash. I went to a local discount shoe store and the Hi-Tecs were the only brand they had in stock. I tried them on and they seemed to fit just right and they were comfortable. I also lucked up because they were on sale, so I got them for under 50 bucks!! THE BEST 50 BUCKS I EVER SPENT!!! They break in fast and easy, the're waterproof, comfortable and durable. I have used them for three hiking trips since, and when they wear out I will buy another pair."

"I am a teenager, who loves to hike and backpack, particularly the gear aspect. I went to the store with almost $200, looking for a nice pair of boots. I asked the associate at the store, and he insisted that I try on a pair of the Hi-Tec Altitudes. I was a little scepticle because the boots only cost about $75. So, I asked some other customers, if they had ever worn the Altitudes, and one customer said that he ususally wears nice expensive boots, but now he only wears the Altitudes, because they were comfortable and lasted a while.
I was convinced and tried a pair on. Wow! For the price, these boots are unbelievable!
I have worn them on a few trips, and love them, my only complaint, is that they do not provide alot of support and the tongue is very large. But, for lighter than 40 lb. loads, they are fine."

"These boots are a great bargain for the price. They could use a toe cap to protect the leather, but mine are holding up well. They break in VERY fast. The toe is a little boxy for my low volume foot, but they are a great boot if you get a good fit."

"I recently went to the local outdoor shop and they recommended the altitude boot. I just got back from a backpacking trip in linville gorge and they where great, my feet didn't hurt and they stayed dry."

"I just purchased these last week and took my first hike with them carrying a 30-pound load on a maintained trail. With the insoles I added to them they felt great and needed no break-in. I've owned several pairs of leather hiking boots (most costing much more than the $50 I spent on these) and the Hi-Tec's are as good as the best of them. Only time will tell if they last as long as the others because they don't seem to be re-solable but unless you carry heavy loads over loose rock and snow and need heavyweight boots, these should be fine for most dayhikes and overnights on established trails."

"They were great for the first 35 miles, then things went downhill fast. I had some problems with the section of the mid-sole that meets the toe of the leather coming loose and letting in water. This also occurred on the inside of the left boot around mile 175. However, I did find them very comfortable and are great for beginning hikers that don't have a monster budget. They also make great hunting boots."