Field Use
A split that developed between the mesh and leather portions of the boot's upper within days of purchase---you can see a pale line of stitching in the photo where it was mended---did not inspire initial confidence in Hi-Tec's quality. The necessary stitching to repair the boot also perforated the waterproof liner, rendering that boot not entirely waterproof. The other boot, by comparison, remains waterproof after a solid year of use---encouragement that, if the rip in the other had been avoided, they'd both still be useful. The padding inside the heel collars of the boots has worn away through repeated use, and under heavy use the finger loops for pulling the boots on snapped within several months of purchase. The laces and hardware have proven to be very durable---no fraying---and while the heels of the soles are beginning to wear down after a year of heavy hiking and backpacking, they've held up surprisingly well and still provide decent-to-good traction, depending on terrain conditions. Overall the boots provide good traction in wet and muddy conditions, and perform well on mixed terrain from gravel to grass, tundra, or scrambling on loose rock. They're not stifling in hot weather, either, perhaps because so much of the inner lining has worn away due to repeated use, but also due to their lightweight construction.
Pros and Cons
The low cost of Hi-Tec hiking boots is definitely one of their biggest selling points. They also manage to produce a relatively attractive product for the money, another plus, and the omnipresent waterproofing is another mark in their favor. The downside of using a light hiking boot is that even in areas where the boot was relatively well padded to begin with, the padding tends to be light, just like the boot, and wears away relatively quickly. The leather material used to construct the outers for many Hi-Tec boots may be a turn-off to vegetarians and vegans, but it does result in a durable outer that will continue to trot long after the rest of the boot has been worked to pieces, which is definitely a plus.
Bottom Line
When you get right down to it, Hi-Tec hiking boots are a lot like fancy running shoes: They work very well until they're worn out, then you need to replace them. With that being said, the skeleton of these boots continue to function solidly, so if you don't mind the small details beginning to give way, like the finger loops and the lining inside the neck collar of the boots, they will provide another year or so of useful service. If you can find these boots on sale, they're a steal so buy several pairs. At full price, however, you'll probably want to opt for other brands that offer higher quality so that you'll get more than one year out of your investment.
