Nicolas Lenze 08.17.22
There are such a lot of issues that may go unsuitable on a hike, and so they can all wreck a visit on their very own. Nonetheless, there’s one factor that tops my record (apart from bodily trauma). The worst factor on the earth is SSS, also called Soggy Sock Syndrome. Moist ft usually are not solely uncomfortable, however left alone, they will result in everlasting injury. The one treatment is prevention with a very good pair of waterproof boots. I’ve been taking part in within the native stream with my son lots lately. To assist stop me from contracting SSS, I made a decision to check the Northside Hargrove Mid Waterproof Mountaineering Boot.
The Northside Hargrove Mid Waterproof Mountaineering Boot: Specs
- Sizes: 8-13
- Supplies: Waterproof ripstop nylon
- Weight: 15 oz/shoe
- MSRP: $85.00
First Steps
I like a boot with an aggressive sole. I had a pair of Docs in highschool and bear in mind slipping and sliding on the ground on the mall after a couple of months of carrying them. That’s superb whenever you’re bagging studded bracelets as a 15-year-old Scorching Matter worker, however in nature, slippery ft can have horrible penalties. The waterproof nature of those boots leads me to consider they had been meant to cross small streams and swimming pools. I don’t know in case you fish, however the bottoms of those streams are extraordinarily slippery, so I used to be happy with the design of the only. It’s a step in the appropriate course.
The boots are engaging sufficient, although the colour did make me yawn a bit. I just like the distinction between the totally different supplies and the sample created by their use. Nonetheless, I’m right here to speak about efficiency, not vogue. Let’s get into it.
Fording the River
I wore the Northside Hargrove boots on a few hikes and whereas within the aforementioned stream. Let’s begin with what I don’t like. There’s a lot to like about these boots, and so they outweigh what I don’t, so let’s get it out of the best way. They match me…bizarre. Now, I can’t fault the boots for the scale and form of my ft, so don’t take this to imply these are unhealthy boots.
They had been true to dimension in size. My front-to-back consolation was nice. Width-wise, they had been very extensive. There was additionally fairly a bit of fabric beneath the laces, which bunched up as I tried to tighten the boots sufficient to suit my foot. You probably have slim ft, these aren’t for you. If that doesn’t apply to you, preserve studying!
The above picture was taken whereas I used to be reviewing the 5.11 Tactical Division Digital Look ahead to AllOutdoor. I used to be standing in that stream all day and never even a suggestion of water leaked in, whilst I trekked into deeper waters to catch crawfish. The chilly water did make my ft a bit chilly after a time however I wasn’t carrying my good, thick, climbing socks. Not solely did I put on them on this stream, however I additionally put them within the bathtub and pulled and twisted them. I used to be on the lookout for weak factors that might enable water to enter, however discovered none.
I’m a really large fan of the design of the laces. I at all times desire to have the velocity hooks on the high of a boot. They permit me to essentially crank down and get the boots extremely tight. I additionally like using the triangular eyelets, as they permit the laces to slip forwards and backwards simply, however present a deep angle for anchoring the laces down whilst you tie them tight.
Successful or Waterlogged
It’s unlucky that these didn’t match me higher as a result of the development is of excellent high quality. The match of a shoe is so person who I actually can’t use this as an information level. What all of it boils right down to for me is that they are saying “waterproof” on the field, and that’s precisely what they ship. Additionally they appear like a traditional climbing boot, so that you don’t find yourself wanting like a dork in your group climbing date.
The soles are in all probability my favourite characteristic. I’ve worn related boots that had been meant for wading into streams. All of them used a felt sole, which was unusual as a result of plainly felt is presumably the worst factor to put on on underwater rocks. If I do know I’m going to be spending time with my ft submerged, I’d a lot somewhat have the soles that come on the Northside Hargrove. They’re additionally aggressive sufficient {that a} hike by means of various terrain ought to be no drawback.
When you’re all for selecting up a pair of those boots for your self, head over to the Northside web site. You can too see extra content material from the corporate by following them on social media. Northside will be discovered on Fb and Instagram. Keep in mind to concentrate on your environment and go benefit from the outside!
