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.

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Salomon Exit Lo Scarpa Super Manta

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.

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!

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.

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Vans Doc Martens Merrell

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I got the GoreTex version of these boots for $90. I really like them compared to my old leather boots. They have good sole, but the traction is not the best. The support of the uppers is very good, although they are a little wider than they need to be at the toe. Overall, I like these better than other day hiking boots I have purchased.

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LL Bean, Timberland

Use these primarily for everyday wear. I use Merrell Grand Traverse for back country.
Great ankle support and dry land traction. Very comfortable. Like ice skating on when wet.

Customer Service

REI has one of the best customer service departments anywhere. 90 day no questions guarantee. Have used their customer service department twice.

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For 70 bucks, what do you expect?

Well, for this 70 bucks, expect a lot. They're great boots. Remarkably comfortable, light, and very good grip.

Poor wet performance, but the clerk at REI made it clear that they're not intended for wet/muddy/snowy conditions.

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The Monarchs replaced a pair of Georgia Boot workboots I wear normally. They're not hiking boots, and they certainly let you know it.

not a bad boot for the money. i find that the soles are a bit thin... the terain tends to find your feet. but, they do what they are priced for.

Customer Service

customer service is top notch!

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Good boot for the money, but not very good in the wet stuff. Once the slush and mud got going these babies got a little uncomfortable.

Customer Service

REI has EXCELLENT service

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