Field Report

Dunham Waffle Stomper
Terrastryder Low
Field Report
May 30, 2005

Personal Information:
Leesa Joiner
leesaj@gmail.com
Southwestern Maine
44 years old
Female
5'7" (1.7 m)
150 lb. (68 kg)
Dunham Shoe Size- 9.5 B

Product Information:
Manufacturer: Dunham
Year of manufacture: 2005
Model: Lows
Delivered weight: 1 lb. 14 oz. (0.85 kg) for the pair
Size: U.S. Women’s 9.5 B
Measurements: 11.5” long x 4.25” wide (29.2 cm x 10.8 cm) per shoe
Color: Tan/Sky Blue
Manufacturer Website: http://www.dunhambootmakers.com
MSRP: $110 U.S.

Background:
    My camping, hiking and backpacking experience has included trips varying in length from one-day hikes to two-week trips. My hiking experience began with my father when I was about six years old. We hiked along the river pathways in northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. While enjoying the outdoors with friends and family, I spend time hiking, geocaching, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and camping, primarily in northern New England. Although I am not a lightweight backpacker, I am continually trying to 'lighten up' and primarily use a hammock for sleeping.

Test Conditions:

       Living in Northern New England, there are at least 5 seasons, (not including Black Fly season, which overruns 3 other seasons)   During the summer, the temperatures rise to the 90's (32 C) (at least a few times), with cooler nights. Most of my outdoor adventures include hiking, backpacking and camping at elevations below 4000 ft. (1219 m) As my children get older and more able to carry their own gear, we are attempting higher climbs.   The terrain runs the gamut from improved trails to rocky and root filled to bushwacking. In the late spring, hiking can be slippery and muddy.

Field Use:

   The Terrastryders have been on my feet while hiking in northern New England, including Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. I have also worn them on a couple of day hikes in Georgia.   During the late winter/early spring I have been backpacking and snowshoeing in Maine and Vermont, with a long weekend spent hiking the Isaac Davis Trail in Western Massachusetts.   The Terrastyders have seen rain, snow and mud, along with an occasional dry trail. We've had such a rainy spring, that they've had a chance to prove themselves in some really wet conditions. The Terrastyders have provided very good traction on sometimes slippery surfaces. I felt confident that I could climb up and over rocks without my feet slipping. Although the outside of the shoes got wet, the wetness never seeped through to the inside. My feet stayed dry, except for places where water dripped in from the top. I also noticed that my feet did not perspire as much as usual. Of course, this may change as the weather warms up. I think I must have very sweaty feet - I take extra socks along on even short day-hikes, just so I can dry my feet off and wear dry socks. Maybe that's why I prefer bare feet when possible!
     While wearing the Terrastryders I have been paying special attention to how my feet and legs feel. Although I have very 'average' feet –they have an average arch and average length toes (according to my chiropractor), I have problems with my right knee that I find is aggravated by
wearing shoes without proper support. I have found the Terrastryders provide very firm support of my foot. I find that my ankles do not turn in as much when wearing them, when compared to other shoes. They are not quite as supportive though as my above the ankle hiking boots. My knees, which can become sore when hiking, have not complained at all.
    On one hike, my children and I were looking for a Geocache. My 16 year old found the coordinates using my GPS, but I was the only one who could get enough grip to climb up a rock to retrieve the cache. I owe that to the Terrastryders, and I must say it was great to be able to 'impress' my kids a little. That gets harder all the time!
      I must say, these hiking shoes have held up amazingly well. I've worn them in wet, muddy conditions, for days in a row. They dry relatively quickly and the dirt brushes off fairly well when dry.   I can't say they look brand new, but I can still wear them out in public and not feel like they are going to fall off my feet.   One other thing I've noticed is that they don't 'smell' after wearing them for a full day of hiking. This is most unusual for my shoes.   So far, I'm impressed.
    One concern I have is the size of the shoe. I normally wear a 9.5 and that is what I ordered. It fits fine, but on the snug side. They wouldn't be comfortable with heavy socks, or if my feet swell due to the heat.

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Reviews > Footwear > Boots > Dunham Waffle Stomper Terrastryder-Low > Leesa Joiner > Field Report

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