HI-TECBlack Rock WP Mid Men's Waterproof Hiking Boots, Lightweight Breathable Backpacking and Trail Shoes

Great boots, already have a pair, very comfortable, water proof, great price .

This review is for the HI-TEC Black Rock WP Mid Men's Waterproof Hiking Boots, Dark Grey/Medium Gray Size 10. This is the second pair of these I've owned. The first was the Dark Grey variation and I had zero issue with them. I've been buying HI-TEC shoes for at least 15 years. I'm a fan. Every new pair feels like I've been wearing it as long as the previous pair the moment I slip them on. In the past I had issue with the longevity of the soles of their shoes so I was really happy to see a pair with Vibram soles. The last pair did not disappoint, easily lasting an extra four to six months because of them. They generally provide good ankle support as well. This is a major point of concern for me since tearing the ligaments in my right ankle some time ago.On to the specifics to this pair.What I Like:This pair's fit was no different than the last 10 pairs, instantly comfortable. I liked the color and style of the Dark Grey/Medium Grey, and of course the Vibram soles.What I Don't Like:(See the photos)Less than two weeks after purchase, one of the lace hooks at the top of the left shoe snapped off. A few days later the same happened on the right shoe. About a week after that a second broke off the left shoe on the same side. That was the end of ankle support on that boot. Next, the two lowest hooks on each side snapped off of the left shoe. The hardware on these shoes seem to be sub-standard garbage. The previous pair's hardware appears to be some type of bronze colored alloy which is way stronger than what appears to be powder coated aluminium on the new ones.If you're someone who laces your shoes, don't buy these. They won't last you more than a month. It's a shame because the soles will last a good long time. Really disappointed.

I've worn HI-Tec's for decades, and they always run a little small. So, if you want some room for movement and foot swelling, or if you plan to a wear a thick boot sock (think wet weather and mountain hiking in the PNW), you'll want to order a 1/2 size to a full size larger than your normal shoe size. This is also true if you normally wear a wide size. In my case, I normally wear a US size 12 M or US size 12 W (depending on the shoe manufacturer). For me a HI-TEC US Size 12 is tight and just barely has enough toe room when wearing a light weight boot sock. In my case a Size 13 was a better fit especially when wearing heavy weight boot socks. This boot is better than some that I've spent twice as much for. I bought two pairs when they were on sale.

This is my second pair and the first is still holding up after a year. A boot that lasts a year for me is doing good. These are light weight and comfortable but durable. The Vibram soles are great for traction and wear. These boots are made to hold a good insole and I would recommend a hard bottom formed insole to provide extra support and sole protection. I always go one size larger for hiking boots to allow for heavier socks etc. and that works fine for these. They are very comfortable requiring no 'breaking in'.

Great actual fit. Price is right if 60 or below. I'm tough at work on shoes and these last a going 6 mos. of heavy work and crawling around.

the lacing hardware is substandard...3 months of light use, and a hook broke of. The hardware is very brittle. I am done with HiTech shoes, and Amazon should refund my money

Buy another brand boot.

I have been buying HI-TEC for years. Good quality at a fair price. I buy the same size when ordering on Amazon and the size fit is always good. You can always send them back if the fit is not right. Hiking boot fit is very important, so if they don't feel right send them back.