Long Term Report

Dunham Waffle Stomper
Terrastryder Low
Long Term Report
September 10, 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. (.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. (1219m) 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.
    This summer, I've been hiking in Maine and New Hampshire primarily, with a side trip to Ohio.   5 of the hikes were multi-day trips and 10 were day hikes.    During the Long Term Testing phase, all hikes were in dry weather. That doesn't mean the shoes stayed dry though!   While hiking in Ohio, we had some interesting creek crossings.   The temperatures were well in the 90's (32 C) and very humid.

Field Use:

Since my field report LINK HERE, I have worn the Terrastryders for days at a time (except while sleeping). On a few occasions, I would wear them while hiking during the day, and then change into sandals while in camp. This allowed them to air out for the next day. After wearing them for 4-5 days in a row, I found that they were still comfortable and maintained a good degree of 'firmness'.   The Terrastryders have a firm fit, that I really have come to appreciate over the last few months. They provide very good support at both the heel and instep, without rubbing in any area. I didn't find that my feet perspired more than usual.   While hiking in hot and humid Ohio, I did find that my feet perspired to the point that my socks and the insides of the shoes were damp when I removed them.   Fortunately, there was no unpleasant odor from the perspiration left
    The Terrastyders are looking a little worn around the toe areas. This is mostly due to me bumping my toes on rocks, etc. One positive is that although the toe area is wearing, my toes were well protected.   I was impressed that the shoes protected my feet so well. Other than the wear on the toes, the shoes have held up very well.
    Early in the testing we had some very wet weather - the shoes didn't leak after a quick dunking. Water did drip into them on a few occasions, but they dried fairly quickly.   During the last few months, we didn't have much rain, but I did manage to slip while crossing a creek and submerge both feet. Both shoes were completely soaked. I was glad that I had some hiking sandals with me.   I tied the Terrastryders to my bag and hoped they would dry quickly.   The next morning, they were still to damp to wear.   They stayed tied to my bag while hiking that day, and by nightfall they were dry. I put them on the following morning and wore them home.   They were still comfortable and did not seem to have suffered any permanent damage.   The color seemed a little faded, most likely from drying in the sun.   I cleaned them a few times with a natural bristle brush in order to remove some trail dust and dirt.
    I found the Terrastryders most comfortable when hiking on somewhat improved trails. They did not work as well when 'bushwacking'.   It seemed sticks and other debris would catch on the laces, and briers loved to stick to the shoes themselves. I was impressed with how much grip the bottoms of the shoes provided - it was great to be able to climb on wet, slippery rocks, without fear of sliding off.   Although the soles show wear, there is still plenty of traction.
    Going by the miles on my GPS, I was able to put over 100 miles (k) on the Terrastryders. That is just hiking miles - I wore them for many more miles, while walking, blueberry picking, going to soccer games, etc. They are a very comfortable hiking shoe, that provides good, firm support.

I appreciate the opportunity to tes the Terrastryder Lows. Thank you.

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

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