After 15 years I picked up a new pair of hiking boots. In the late 90s I was a guide and we got a pro deal from Montrail. So I spent what was then an ungodly amount to me on a pair of Montrail Moraine boots.
But after a million miles and more adventures than I can count the leather around the rivets was looking haggard, like the rivets were about to pull out. I got quite a few recommendations for the Merrell Wilderness Boots. All leather, Vibram sole, great reviews so I picked up a pair. The leather is very soft, it took just a few hours to break them in. On the flipside the Montrails took months to break in.
One of the best features of the Montrail’s was the burly toe caps protecting the front of the shoe, these do not have them. But I was not able to find any all leather kicks with toe caps, not even custom Limmers. I found in the past that kicking rocks wore through the toe and allowed water in, we’ll see how these pan out. This last part must be some misconception on my part, since everyone wears leather hiking boots without a toe cap.
Full review coming later.