Backpacking Background:

Note: The pair of boots originally shipped for this test was too small (see Initial Report).  The original boots were size 11D.  Dunham replaced the boots with a wider size 11EE.   The Field Report and Long Term Report are based on my experience with the replacement boots. 

Field Testing Information:

Test Results:

Throughout the test series, I've never been completely satisfied with the fit these boots provide.  In my Field Report, I commented that they fit me at an "acceptable" level of comfort.  This was, by no means, meant to imply that I was 100% satisfied with the fit, because I wasn't.  I was hoping that my trip to Colorado would finally loosen up the leather enough to really make me happy with the fit.  Unfortunately, this did not happen.  The area in the toe box, specifically across the widest part of my foot, is simply too narrow.  I must admit that I have a rather wide foot, but it's not exceptional by any means.  In most shoes, I tend to be right on the border between a "D" and "E" width, regardless of manufacturer.  For the majority of this test, I have worn a "EE" width and still find them to be a tight fit.  This is contrary to my past experiences with Dunham boots.

On a good note, the boots fit great around the rest of my foot.  I have experienced zero hot spots or blisters anywhere, except by my toes from the front toe box, but I think I've said enough on my feelings about the fit.

The waterproofing on the boots has held up well for the most part, although their effectiveness has diminished with time.  Truly, I cannot call these boots waterproof, but I would agree they are fairly water resistant.  When the boots do get wet on the inside, they take a long time to dry out.  But,  this is true for any all-leather boot I have ever worn.   I have continually stomped around for days in mud and water throughout this test.  The leather is showing some minor signs of wear and tear, but nothing to complain about.  In fact, I really must commend Dunham on the exceptional job they did with the toe rand.  It is awesome!  No rock, stick or anything else the forest threw at it could make a dent in it.

Never, ever, did I think the lacing system would hold up.  Well, I was wrong.  I figured in four months of testing, I would break at least one hook or eyelet.  Nope!  Whatever plastic-like material Dunham uses, it worked for me!

I'm not real pleased with the shank in these boots.  It's very flexible, much too flexible in my opinion, for a mid-weight hiker such as the Pileus Cloud.  I do feel objects under the shank, especially sharp rocks.  But, like I said earlier, it was never so bad as to cause a blister.  But, as I look at my boots today, they've taken on a slight bend to them.  Their shape reminds me of a banana, ever so slightly.  I blame this on some sort of memory the shank exhibits.  I really wish the shank was stiffer. 

I have found the tread awesome.  The pattern works on a variety of conditions and the material allows me to have confidence in the boot's ability not to slip.  This is one of the finest features of the boot for me.  I've scrambled over every conceivable warm-weather surface, including moss and algae.  The grip held very well on all surfaces.

The Pileus Cloud boots come oh, so close, to making the grade.  First, they look great!  Even when they were covered (I mean covered) in mud, a few minutes in a creek and a little elbow grease and I was ready for town.  As long as I didn't spend too long submerged in water they stayed dry.  The ability to grip surfaces was my favorite thing about these boots.  But, starting with the narrow fit around my toes, coupled with a thin shank that allowed me to feel every sharp point I stepped on, led to a great looking boot that really wasn't all that comfortable for me.  Bottom line is I could not wear these boots day in and day out.  When my feet swelled I had to remove them.  At times I went so far as to remove the insoles to provide just enough room that I could keep going down the trail.

The Dunham Pileus Cloud hiking boots are for smaller volume feet than mine.  The boot fits great everywhere but up front, and that kills it for me.  This is not a break-in problem; these boots are broken in.  This is a change in design philosophy for Dunham.  I have worn their products for years.  This is the second pair of boots I've tested. 

The shank causes a very well made mid weight hiker to feel more like a lightweight shoe.  That's great, except when I carried upwards of 50 lb in my pack.

The rest of the boot is top notch in my opinion.  They look good, stay dry, super durable, and don't stink!

Thanks Dunham and Backpackgeartest for allowing me to participate in this test!

Tim