REI Monarch

Review Date
July 11, 2006

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: garebones ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $120.00 at REI

Summary:
I replaced these boots (with Gore-tex) after wearing Vasque Sundowners for a couple of years. Suprisingly, for the cost, these are great boots. No break-in necessary. I hike in Alaska about 150 miles each Summer and these boots did well for me. On steep up and downhill grades, the soles stuck to all soils and rocks and they kept my toes away from the end of the boot on downhill slopes. The Gore-tex, well, it's Gore-tex--no wet feet. So far, they are a great buy.

Customer Service:
Hey, it's REI, they're the best

Similar Products Used:
Vasque Sundowner, Raichle

Review Date
April 30, 2004

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: sweetdaddy ,  Mountaineer

Price Paid:  $60.00 at REI

Summary:
This review is for a pair of the Monarch II lows. The shoe itself is comfortable and gives fairly good support. Sizing is neither large or small but dead on for my sz 9 feet. Upper is rugged and double stitched in most areas. Sole grips wet and dry rock well, but a bit on the soft side as chunks of the small tread lugs toward the front are already starting to braek off, after only a couple of months. I have a pair of the Monarch high tops as well and though they have aged well otherwise, the tread has the same issue. All in all not a bad shoe/boot, but the sole isn't as durable as a Salomon Contagrip or Vibram, which go for years, not months before they wear out.

Similar Products Used:
Salomon Exit Lo
Scarpa Super Manta

Review Date
March 18, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: jblooo(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from Detroit. MI

Price Paid:  $120.00 at REI Northville MI

Summary:
I bought the GTX leather for dayhiking in rough terrian. I bought them a couple months early to break them in. No need. They felt like tennis shoes out of the box, yet provided support and protection. Only problem, after relativly short mileage over 2 years the midsole began to show. REI offered to replace or refund; I took the replace without question. The new soles seem to be modified.

Customer Service:
A refund/replace after 2 years without question? Need I say more.

Review Date
December 8, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: bizz1541(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Richmond, Va.

Price Paid:  $120.00 at REI in NoVa

Summary:
These boots have been fantastic. Completely waterproof, outstanding traction on the trail, street, and even icy snow. I have had them 1 year, and they are the most comfortable boot I ever had. Damn good boot for a weekend hike with a 60 lb pack. Lots of support.

Customer Service:
Dude knew his stuff. I even tried a $200 boot, but was not as comfortable. He recommended I go with this boot. I would shop at REI just for the knowledge and customer service. Way to go!

Review Date
June 6, 2002

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: david_r(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker

Price Paid:  $0.00 at REI

Summary:
I'm sorry but you cannot review the Monarch and Monarch WP in the same spot. The Monarch has a pathetic sole. I have less than 50 miles and 2 months on mine and they are all torn up. It might be my weight except my 150 lb co-worker has the same boots, bought nearly the same time that he uses for his daily wear shoes and they look like slippers on the bottom after about 2 months of use.
I knew the soles were soft when I bought them but hoped that they would work well on wet granite. Nope, just as slickery as a run of the mill Vibram sole.
However, the waterproof version have a different sole (Vibram) that seems as durable as other boots. Too bad the toe box isn't as roomy in the WP ones.

Customer Service:
It's REI. They rule. They wanted to take them back but I couldn't find a pair that is as comfortable.

Similar Products Used:
Vans
Doc Martens
Merrell