Growing up in the Santa Cruz mountains, I have always been an avid hiker and camper. Only recently however, I have evolved into a backpacker. I started backpacking about three years ago. Since then I have done many trips throughout California and the Southwest. I spent five days packing in Grand Canyon, which fueled my love for the sport even more. I try to backpack as often as possible, I think I may be addicted, and I am constantly looking for more efficient and lightweight alternatives for the gear that I own.

Product Information: Dunham women's Terrastryder mid boots

URL: www.dunhambootmakers.com

Manufacturer: Dunham

Measured weight: 30 oz (850 g)

MSRP: N/A

Size: 8 D (wide) U.S. - 6 U.K. - 30 EUR.

Color: Laurel green/deep sea blue

Item number: WOW616GN

Product Description:

The Dunham Terrastryder boot is designed for performance and comfort. The Terrastryder features a Vibram® Supertrek compound rubber outsole that, according to the company, enhances grip on rocky surfaces. Dunham has equipped the Terrastryders with a rollbar that is a biomechanically positioned piece of graphite in the midsole. These boots have dual TPU plates sandwiched between the midsole and outsole. The rear plate provides stability and is supposed to help protect the heel from trail bruising. The front plate is intended to be flexible to provide mobility and protection. These boots have a stability web in the midfoot, which is intended to provide support while also reducing the overall weight of the shoe. These boots feature a patented Dryworks® moisture management membrane system, which is supposed to make the boots both waterproof and breathable.

There are several features present in the Terrastryder boots that are intended to make them more comfortable and a better fit. Dunham uses a molded EVA midsole they refer to as ABZORB® in the heel and forefoot. This is supposed to provide shock absorption and cushioning. The Terrastryder is offered in extended sizes and widths and has a 360° fit design that is intended to address foot volume There is a gusseted tongue to keep sticks and stones out of the boots. These boots feature non-stretch stability wings that are supposed to provide "a secure heel and forefoot cradle for lightweight lateral support and secure foothold."

Initial Description

I had checked the Dunham website before I received the boots and had no surprises when I opened the box. The Dunham website accurately portrays the product. There were two tags attached to the boots. One tag has information about the Vibram® sole. The other tag provides information on the construction of the boot. This tag advertises the Terrastryder as a "fast packing trail shoe" and has a detailed picture of the different layers and considerations that have been used in making these boots.

I immediately began wearing the boots around the house and had some concerns right away. These boots come out of the box very stiff. The mid height ankle support feels like it has steel plates around the rim and I immediately had concerns that this would cause soreness around my ankles. I have a difficult time finding boots that fit well; I tend to get blisters on the bottom of my toes and ball of the foot.

I really got to try out these boots over the past weekend. I had intended to take a short 3 - 4 mi (4.8 - 6.4 km) hike but ended up trekking about 10 mi (16.1 km), in Nisene Marks State Park in Aptos, CA. I had a different experience for each foot. I got a couple of small blisters on some toes of my right foot. I had more of a problem with the ankle on my left side. For some reason my ankle has been very sore and stiff. When I first started hiking, I had the boots laced all the way up. This was really uncomfortable because the top of the boots is stiff. I then tried not lacing the very top hooks, which made the boots too loose. I finally tied the boots all the way up, but skipped the lower hook. I have had to tie other types of boots this way and it seems to be the best combination for my feet.

The overall fit of the Terrastryders is pretty good. I think I have wide feet but I wasn't sure when I ordered the size what the width of these boots would be like. I ordered the wide (D) size and am glad that I did because these boots seem to be more on the narrow side. I like to wear padded hiking socks and found that with a mid weight pair, the stability web around the forefoot was pretty tight. I felt like it constricted my feet a little too much but I will see if it stretches out a little bit after I've worn the boots more.

The trail I hiked was very sloshy and very muddy. I found the Waffle Stomper® tread design had really good traction in the mud. I felt sure of my footing through the many miles of slick mud. The treads got pretty caked with mud but I didn't feel like that affected my stability on the trail. The tread didn't do as well over a few wet logs, but other boots I've worn haven't been any better. When I came across the first of several small creek crossings on the trail, I submerged both boots to about mid ankle. I was impressed by how the water beaded right off of the boots. Through several more dunkings in the creek, my feet stayed dry. I hiked through about 3 mi (4.8 km) of mud and I was surprised how little mud was on the boots. These boots seem to repel wet really well.

Even though I was a little sore and got a couple of blisters on one foot, I would say that so far, I really like the Terrastryders. Fit, stability, and comfort in a boot are really important to me. The overall fit of the boots is good and they almost have too much stability. I am hoping that after I wear these boots, they will break in a little more, and the minor issues I have with them now will be resolved.

Test Plan:

I will be testing the Terrastryder in a wide variety of climates and situations. I take long day hikes at least every couple of weeks and I average between 5-7 mi (8-11.3 km) one way when I backpack. Next weekend I will be doing a short overnight trip in the Los Padres Mountains along the coast near Big Sur.

I will be backpacking at one of my favorite spots, Point Reyes National Seashore, in mid–April. The hike to this site is 6.3 mi (10.1 km) one way. The trail always has muddy and steep spots. When I go to Point Reyes, I always stay at least two nights so that there is plenty of time to explore and day hike. This area is located along the coast of Northern California where the weather and temperatures can vary greatly during the day. The terrain of Point Reyes is not only coastal but also includes chaparral ridges and California–laurel valleys. The campsites that I usually set up at are in a grassy field on the cliffs above the Pacific Ocean. There is a 1 mi (1.6 km) walk down the beach to the beautiful Allamere Falls and other trails to several lakes that are worth visiting. I plan on backpacking over the Memorial Day weekend in the Los Padres Mountains to an area in the Sespe Wilderness. This hike is about 7 mi (11.3 km) one way over rough, steep terrain.

Another one of my favorite spots is Big Basin State Park. I day hike often and backpack in Big Basin on overnight trips a few times a year. The park terrain varies from redwood forest, to chaparral, to riparian habitat. Some areas of Big Basin are very dark and damp and it is very common for heavy fog to blanket the park in the morning and late afternoon. I day hike and backpack on overnight trips in Castle Rock State Park, which is located at about 1800 ft (549 m) on the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains. This area is a blend of grasslands, lush forest, chaparral, and riparian habitat. The hiking trails have a tough sandstone and chaparral terrain. The climate of Castle Rock is much like that of Big Basin State Park, it can change from low temperatures and fog to very arid and hot very quickly. A calm day can turn into an extremely windy night.

During the test period for the Terrastryder I will be hiking and backpacking on several extended trips to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Most of the areas that I backpack in the Sierras are sub alpine and are located between 2,000 ft (610 m) and 9,000 ft (2743 m). Some of the areas that I like to backpack in the Sierras are near Lake Tahoe and Yosemite Valley, where there are endless trails to explore. I hike on a wide variety of terrain and always end up bushwhacking off the trail in search of a new spot or better view.

What I plan to test these boots for:

I plan to test the Dunham Terrastryder boots for several important things. I will be testing the durability of these boots. I hike on a lot of rocky terrain and will be testing the material these boots are made with to see if it tears or gets damaged when scraped over rocks. When I backpack I usually carry between 35–45 lb (15.9-20.4 kg). I will be testing the Abzorb® midsole and Vibram® sole to see if it breaks down or looses its shape. Comfort is something that is a top priority for me. I have several areas on each foot that are blister prone. So far, only one area of my foot has been a problem, but I am interested to see how my feet fare after I have hiked with a pack on for several miles. I have had problems in the past, after hiking long days with a heavy pack, where I was left with very sore arches and soreness on the balls of my feet.

Right now these boots seem pretty stiff and I like to have some flexibility in my boots. I do a lot of off trail hiking and scrambling over rocks and want a boot that will allow me to go wherever I want. The flexible front TPU plate is supposed to allow maximum foot movement. I will be evaluating whether Dunham’s dual TPU plate design really does offer the stability in the rear of the boot and the flexibility in the front that the company claims. Flexibility is important in a boot but I think that stability is equally important. One of my main concerns for a hiking boot is how good the ankle support is because I have had my share of busted ankles. The ankle support of these boots has been good and I will see if the support is sufficient with a pack on.

I'm usually the one who falls in the creek or can't quite jump all the way across, so having waterproof boots is essential. So far I am impressed with the waterproofness of these boots. I expect to be testing the Dunham boots repeatedly in wet conditions. I will be evaluating how quickly these boots dry and how breathable they are. The Terrastryder boots are designed with a patented Dryworks® moisture management membrane system. I dislike hiking with sweaty, soggy socks and will be taking special note of this feature.

So far, I have more that I like about the Terrastryders than I don't like. The overall fit is good. I like the style and the colors of these boots. These boots are the most waterproof boots I have worn. My only concern is the stiffness in the forefoot and top of the boot, which will hopefully ease up as I add on the miles.

Read more reviews of Dunham gear
Read more gear reviews by Shandra Hunt

Initial Report

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