Garmont Spire Boots

Review Date
January 9, 2002

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: wantonninja(Unregistered User) ,  Climber

Price Paid:  $50.00 at rei-outlet

Summary:
Great boots!!! Bought them at rei-outlet on clearance in april 2001. The break-in period lasted for about a week, and I experienced some discomfort with the tongue rubbing the front of my ankles, but this passed fairly quickly. Since then I have used them on 2 week-long trips and 2 3-day trips. Covering 40-50 miles on the week-longs and 15-20 miles on the shorter trips. The terrain ranged from the steep slopes of the Catskills, the rocky (southern Pennslyvania) parts of the AT, to some gently sloping Ohio plains. The boots have performed wonderfully. Good traction, high toped for good debris/ankle protection. Solid so your feet won't feel the wear of the trail as much. The construction is very solid, and the vibram lug soles last like crazy. Even after various trips and me wearing them around for the winter, the soles, upper, seams, lace eyes, etc. still show very little signs of wear. They are now very comfortable and great for wearing around for the winter. Do water proof them as soon as you buy them though. I have not gotten a blister with these boots yet. Though People with wide feet beware, they are a little narrow, but remember that shoes get wider as they break in and age. Try them on if you can.

Customer Service:
haven''t needed them yet.

Similar Products Used:
Vasque, cheap-ass sears boots, Scarpa. But the price on the Spire beat them all in terms of value.

Review Date
January 6, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Melissa (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Folsom, CA

Price Paid:  $48.00 at REI Outlet

Summary:
These boots were a fantastic deal and I would definitely pay twice the price for them. The break-in period was very short and they are very comfortable. I waterproofed the boots after I got them and my feet have been totally dry, even walking through deep puddles and snow. The sole provides excellent traction. The high gusseted tongue keeps both water and debris out. The laces can be hard to tighten and are somewhat short, but they can be replaced. I wear a women's size ten and the mens size 8 fit me perfectly but they might be a little narrow for men.

Customer Service:
Haven''t needed it.

Similar Products Used:
Yukon boots from Big 5