Dunham Cloud Pileus Boots Field Report

Andrew Henrichs

March 19, 2006

Biographical Information

Name:  Andrew Henrichs
Age:  25
Gender:  Male
Height:  6’ 2” (1.88 m)
Weight:  190 lb (86.2 kg)

Email address:  a_henrichs@yahoo.com           
City, State, Country:  Glenwood Springs, Colorado, USA

Backpacking Background

   Most of my backpacking has been in the mountains of Colorado and Wyoming, as well as the desert in the southwestern US.  I’ve gone winter camping several times, but I still prefer backpacking in the warmer months.  Most of my trips are 2-3 days, but I have taken several trips of 5-6 days.  This past summer, I was fortunate enough to have thru-hiked the 476 mile (766 km)Colorado Trail over 35 days.  Recently, I have been leaning towards the lightweight side of the spectrum. 

Product Information

Manufacturer:  Dunham (www.dunhambootmakers.com)

Year of Manufacturer:  2005

Listed Weight: not listed

Weight as Delivered (size 15D US):  4 lb 0 oz (1.8 kg)

MSRP:  $165.00 US

Product Description

   The Dunham Cloud Pileus Boots are waterproof leather hiking boots.  The uppers of the boots are constructed from several stitched pieces of leather.  A rubber rand wraps from the instep around the toe, and approximately halfway down the outside of the boot.  The boot features a gusseted tongue, as well as padding on the tongue and around the top of the boot.  According to the manufacturer, this will provide increased comfort.  The sole is constructed of Tru-Trak, Dunham's proprietary material.  The first four components of the lacing system are eyelets.  The last three are speed loops.  The speed loops seem to grip the laces very well, preventing the laces from falling out when I tighten them.  The forefoot and heel feature ABZORB pods, which the manufacturer says provides cushioning and shock absorption.  There is also an ABZORB insert running the full length of the boot for even more cushioning.  According to the manufacturer, the boot also features a "Graphite Rollbar" in the rearfoot of the boot.  This is intended to provide motion control at heel strike.  The Pileus Boot also features a "Dryworks moisture management system" lining the inside of the leather.  The manufacturer states that this system is waterproof and breathable.  The manufacturer also claims a "360º fit design" takes into account length, width, and volume when designing the boots. 

Field Testing

    The prematurely spring-like weather we experienced a few weeks ago altered my test plan slightly.  So far, I've had the opportunity to wear these boots on a snowshoe trip, several day hikes, and general walking around town and my house.  Trips have ranged from 2 miles (3 km) to 10 miles (16 km).  Temperatures have ranged from 20º F (-7º C) to 60º F to (16º C).  As it is nearly springtime in the Colorado Rockies, my hiking has taken place on snow, slush, ice, mud, rocks, through water, and even a on a little stretch of dry trail.  All of my hikes have taken place under a mix of sun and a few clouds; there's been no precipitation of any sort so far. 

    My observations thus far are as follows:

1.  Fit/Comfort – I have to admit, I was pretty skeptical of how these boots fit after my first trip.  I went on a 4 mile (6 km) snowshoe trip in the forest near my house.  The initial part of the trail is quite steep, and by the time I reached the top of the incline, I could feel the beginnings of bursitis, an inflammation injury just on the outside of my heels.  I have a history of this injury, but it only seems to flare up when breaking in footwear.  Indeed, my heels hurt less and less on subsequent hikes.  I never notice any discomfort after the third hike.  Another typical irritation spot is the inside of my big toe.  Most toe boxes are too large for my feet, which results in a lot of lateral movement of my toes.  This, in turn results in calluses and blisters along the side of my big toe.  So far, no irritation, pain, calluses, or blisters on by big toe.  I think I'm in love!  I'm interested to see if I still feel this way after a long trip, or even a long day in these boots.  The padded tongue and cuff of the boot is nice, but so far I've found the padding a little excessive.  Once I start hiking, it feels like the boot is a little loose.  I have to stop, retighten the laces, and start off again.  I imagine that as the padding packs out, this will become less of an issue. 

   2.  Dryworks moisture management system – Well, they Dryworks system is definitely waterproof.  For testing's sake, I did not apply any waterproofing agent to the Pileus Boots.  Several of my trips involved me hiking through goopy, slushy snow.  I couldn't detect any moisture penetration through the material.  One one trip, I decided to forgo a log bridge, and simply ford the stream.  The water was ankle deep, and my feet stayed completely dry.  I even stopped and stood in the stream for several minutes; still, no water leaked in.  The leather definitely absorbed some water, but 10 minutes of basking in the sun easily dried the boots.  As for breathability, I found these boots similar to many other boots I've used.  They breathe, but it's nothing to write home about.  While wearing a thin liner and a regular wool hiking sock, my feet would get damp, but never soaked.  I wonder how well the boots will breathe when the temperature starts to rise. 

   3.  Tru-Trak soles – The soles seem to grip very well.  I find myself slipping occasionally on the slush that I've been hiking on, but I think it's more of the snow settling than the lugs slipping.  I've rarely given my footing a second thought as I cross snow-covered bridges, muddy trails, and wet rocks. 

   4.  Stability – The Graphite rollbar is purported to provide "significant motion control at the beginning of the gait cycle."  I really haven't noticed anything.  However, I haven't noticed any abnormal movement in my gait.  Maybe this means the Graphite rollbar is working.  Despite my initial impression, the footbed seems to provide significant support.  My arches haven't felt tired or sore, despite my slight tendency to pronate. 

   5.  Durability – Despite getting bashed against logs, stumps, and rocks, my boots look like new.  I haven't noticed any scuffing on either the leather or the toe rand.  I'll see how well the ABZORB footbed material holds up to more trail mileage. 

   6.  Cleaning – Despite all of my hiking through mud, these boots are a snap to clean.  Most of the time, I simply walk through a snow drift just before I get in my car, and the snow cleans off all of the mud and dirt.  I haven't noticed any areas where the dirt gets lodged.