Backpacking Background:

Field Information:

Six months of testing has taken my Waffle Stompers and me from the coast of South Carolina to the peaks of the highest mountains in New York. Since the Field Report in May, I estimate that I've logged
another 500 miles (800 km) on my boots – at least. Long-term testing occurred right through the heart of summer. Temperatures ranged from near freezing (at night, in the mountains) to 90F (32 C). Terrain traveled has been everything from sandy paths, dirt trails, and grassy meadows to boulder fields, sheer granite mountains and mud-sucking paths. I've worn my Waffle Stompers while canoeing, and whitewater rafting. I've hiked in my boots carrying loads as heavy as 50 lb (23 kg) at times, and other times I carried nothing but a water bottle. I've worn them across creeks only a few inches (5 cm) deep, as well as through raging water up to my thighs. Early on in the test series, I snowshoed in my boots; since then I've climbed rocks in them, played ball in them, and even went to church in them.

Test Results:

In the beginning of the test series, I felt the Waffle Stompers fit nicely right out of the box, albeit somewhat stiff. At the end of the test series, I still find the Waffle Stompers to fit nicely, yet somewhat stiff. Don't get me wrong; the boots have broken in beautifully. The leather has softened up, and the padding has taken on the shape of my foot. But, the TPU heel counter is just as stiff as it was six months ago. This leads to an overall stiff feeling when first putting on the boots. Yet, I can honestly say this is about as long as the feeling lasts. As I begin to walk in them, the stiff feeling quickly diminishes and I soon forget about it. I can also say that I've NEVER experienced any blisters on my feet! Actually, the only time I felt so much as a hot spot was due to a small pebble in my shoe, not from the boot itself. The Waffle Stompers make for very comfortable boots. I've worn them on four occasions where I hiked over 20 miles (32 km) in a day. My legs don't tire from these boots. I like them best wearing a thicker hiking sock, although I've worn them many times in white cotton socks as well.

The Paramount Waffle Stompers come treated with waterproofing. I questioned its effectiveness over the long haul as the boots became scuffed and scratched. Even though the leather has many gouges and gashes, they are still water tight. As recently as two weeks ago, I wore my Waffle Stompers in ankle deep water for over an hour, and my feet stayed dry. The boots are warm and don't breathe well, as expected. When I'm out hiking though, I don't even notice it. When I stop, I simply remove my boots and let my "dogs" breathe. It works for me.

These boots offer a lot of support. Many times, I experience pain in the arch of my foot, especially after a long day with a pack on. Never did my feet ache in these boots, like they do in light trail hikers or running shoes. The TPU heel counter offers tremendous lateral stability for the rear of my foot. But my best kudos for these boots, at least support-wise, is the way my foot is held comfortably in one place. I credit this to the fit across the metatarsal section of my foot in conjunction with the heel counter. I've gone up and down the mountains of the Adirondacks, and never did I have a problem with my heel lifting, my Achilles tendon aching, or my toes jamming in the front on my boots!

I've become much more impressed with the traction on these boots as well. I found it was difficult not to draw direct comparisons with other brand name boots when I was hiking straight down solid rock for
2000 ft (600 m) and I was the only one in my group not slipping and sliding. All I can say is that I was confident in my Waffle Stompers to hold securely, and they always did – whether it was over dry rock
or wet rock colored with algae green. It's that same green that raises fear in any hiker that has found himself/herself at some point flying through the air and landing on their butt because they trusted
their footing on some rock colored with the green `kiss of death'. The boots also did a good job crossing the slippery log bridges that are scattered throughout the High Peaks Region in the Adirondacks

Durability was a concern, especially in the toe box area covered with such a small toe guard. This area of the boots has taken the greatest beating, and looks it. The leather is covered with wear marks and gouges. Although not as attractive as it was, I'm most impressed with the fact that the toe areas show no signs of leaking. So far, the gouges only affect the aesthetics of the boots. Hardware, like lace rings and speed hooks have held up well. I have bent the speed hooks, but I've bent them back with my Leatherman with no ill effects. I had a problem in the beginning with the top laces riding over the top of the tongue, but thanks to a lacing tip by James Triplett in his Field Report, I haven't had a problem since I adopted James' suggestion of lacing the top hook then dropping down to the second speed hooks, lacing and tying off. I like this lacing pattern so much, I lace my other boots like this as well. I find it very effective and comfortable - thanks James!

The Dunham Paramount Waffle Stompers rock! I love these boots. They're comfortable, offer all kinds of support and protection, look good, and have held up great. And what traction they offer! I'd like to see the toe bumper extended to cover more of the toe box, but other than that I like them just the way they are. The plastic heel counter works great with snowshoes too. I can ratchet down on my back straps with no distortion because the heel counter takes all the stress. These are really nice boots that I will continue to use for a long, long time to come. One hint: take them off if you have to wade through deep water. They do take some time to dry out!

Thanks again to Dunham and BackpackGearTest for the opportunity to test this fine product.

Tim