Montrail Rift

Review Date
August 5, 2001

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Reviewed by: Stan(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Illinois

Price Paid:  $150.00

Summary:
I have logged over 300 miles in these boots. I initially bought them since they fit wonderfully in the store compared to about 10 other pairs of midweight boots I tried. Overall the boot has performed reasonably well both on and off trail.
Pros
1) The traction on these boots is absolutely amazing. The sole is much better than most out there. (including many vibram models)
The lugs are deep, shed mud very well, and are great on all surfaces including snow. The soles have also lasted for 300 miles of abuse with only minimal signs of wear.
Cons
1) There is not much padding in the heel cup so it doesn't conform to the shape of the heal well ( I have gotten several blisters)
2) The leather has strecthed out resulting in a boot that now has too
much volume for my feet resulting in my toes ramming against the front regardless of how I tie the laces.
3) The padding on the tongue has worn out to the point where the laces dig into my foot.
These boots performed well for a while but ran out of gas too soon. I can no longer wear these boots and am searching for new ones

Customer Service:
I called customer service at Montrail about the tongues and the stretch of the uppers and they said that there wasn't much they could do. They said I could try to get the tongues repaired if I so choosed.

Similar Products Used:
asolo 520 gtx
technica voyager tcy

Review Date
June 30, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: John (Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from PA

Price Paid:  $95.00 at Laakke&Joy (WI)

Summary:
I've been very pleased with these boots. They've been comfortable and supportive from day one. I've never had water get in when crossing streams or in snow, but I make sure I rewater proof them after every few hikes. I like the traction the outsoles give me on the rocks, snow and mud too. I've had them for about 1.5 years now, and logged a couple hundred miles on them; they're always confidence inspiring. I usually go on day long hikes (6-8mi) with a light pack and they have been great for that, I'm planning on getting a little more hardcore with them and expect them to handle it nicely.

Customer Service:
none

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
June 14, 2000

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Richard Durham(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Columbia, SC

Summary:
Out of the box these boots were comfortable. Before wearing them outdoors I waterproofed them which made them much darker. The constuction of these boots makes them ideal for hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway. They also breath well and take the heat of pine forest and trails that are a part of the South Carolina outdoor experience. These boots have logged over fifty miles and feel as good as the day they were purchased.

Similar Products Used:
None