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Hi-Tec Altitude IV

*Est. $90

Reviewed June 2009
Hi-Tec Altitude IV

Budget light hiking boots

pros
  • Low price
  • Excellent traction
  • Comfortable for most
  • Light (1.5 lbs.)
cons
  • 90-day warranty
  • Water-resistant, not waterproof
 
 
Where to Buy
 
 
 

Owner-written reviews at six different sources recommend these budget hiking boots as an excellent value. Quite a few users report hiking in them for several years, then replacing them with the same model. Though there's no waterproof lining, the leather is treated for water resistance, and most owners report that their feet stay dry. In fact, some experts prefer this type over boots with waterproof linings, since plain leather lets sweat escape better. The boots are light (1.5 pounds for an average men's pair), so they're not made for maximum support and durability. The main drawback is the short 90-day warranty. If you want even cooler hiking shoes for hot weather, reviews recommend the Keen Voyageur Low (*Est. $100).

We didn't find any professional comparison tests of these budget hiking boots, but we found lots of owner-written reviews and ratings, especially at Zappos.com and Cabelas.com. The reviews and ratings at several other sites are consistent with these. Reviews at OnlineShoes.com and Trailspace.com are especially useful in evaluating the boots' traction.

Where To Buy

Our Sources

1. Zappos.com

About 60 men review the Hi-Tec Altitude IV here, with 94 percent giving these boots at least a four-star rating (on a five-point scale). The handful of women reviewing the women's version (built on a women's last) give it even higher ratings.

Review: Hi-Tec Altitude IV, Contributors to Zappos.com

2. Cabelas.com

Based on more than two dozen reviews from owners, the Hi-Tec Altitude IV are among the top-rated light hiking boots here for men. Owners say they're waterproof and comfortable at a great price.

Review: Hi-Tec Altitude IV Mid Hikers, Contributors to Cabelas.com

3. Amazon.com

Nearly two dozen men and half a dozen women review the Hi-Tec Altitude IV hiking boots here, where their ratings make this model the top-rated light hiking boot here. Most report that it's comfortable - and amazingly durable for its price.

Review: Hi-Tec Men's Altitude IV Hiking Boot, Contributors to Amazon.com

4. OnlineShoes.com

More than a dozen men and about half a dozen women review the Hi-Tec Altitude IV here, praising its comfort, durability and overall value. The women give these boots even higher ratings than do the men; one praises the traction even on slippery wet logs.

Review: Hi-Tec Altitude IV, Contributors to OnlineShoes.com

5. Trailspace.com

Fewer than a dozen users review the Hi-Tec Altitude IV here, but it's still one of the top-rated hiking boots at this review site. Hikers say they're waterproof, and one notes that traction is excellent even on wet rock.

Review: Hi-Tec Altitude IV, Contributors to Trailspace.com

6. TheBackpacker.com

Owner-written reviews here cover an earlier version of the Hi-Tec Altitude, giving it a reasonably positive average rating. One reviewer says they can't be resoled, but because of the low price, users seem happy to just buy a new pair when needed.

Review: Hi-Tec Altitude, Contributors to TheBackpacker.com

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