Reviews > Footwear > Boots > Dunham Waffle Stomper Terrastryder-Mid > Shandra Hunt > Long Term Report

Long Term Report - Dunham Terrastryder women's mid hiking boots

Name: Shandra Hunt

Age: 26

Gender: Female

Height: 5' 3" (1.6 m)

Weight: 145 lb (66 kg)

Location: Ben Lomond, California

Email: jns170@yahoo.com

Date: 9/5/05

Biography:

            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

Test Results:

Over the last six months I have hiked over 60 mi (97 km) in the Dunham Terrastryder boots. On average, I hike about 6 mi (9.7 km) on most of my hikes. I have hiked over many different types of terrain in these boots. These boots have held up well, and aside from the upper metal lace loop that I managed to tear out when I fell, they are intact. I have hiked in the dense redwood forest, the California coast range, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and chaparral areas. The Dunham boots have performed well in different terrains and I have been the most impressed by how well they perform when wet. The Dunham boots stay dry unless completely submerged, in which case the water only gets in from the top of the boot. I have hiked through thick mud, various creeks and stood in ankle deep water in these boots. No matter how dirty, or how long I had been wearing them, these boots stayed dry. The amazing thing is that, not only are these boots protected from moisture on the outside, they breath on the inside. When I first read the information about the Terrastryders and Dunhams' claim that they are waterproof and breathable, it didn't seem possible to achieve both, but Dunham did. I have never had to clean the Terrastryder boots, because they seem to shed off water and dirt and look almost as good as when I got them.

For the most part these boots are comfortable to wear. I find the Terrastryder boots to be more comfortable when worn with thicker, padded socks. I typically carry a pack of around 35 lb (15.8 kg) to 45 lb (20.4 kg) when I do overnight trips, so the extra cushioning helps. I tend to have a problem when I hike because I get a lot of blisters. When I first hiked in these boots, I only had a few blisters. Even though the boots were pretty stiff. The Terrastryder boots feature ABZORB® in the heel and forefoot which is supposed to provide shock absorption and underfoot cushioning. I have noticed that as the boots wear in, the balls of my feet are sore, even when hiking without a pack on. The insoles can be changed on these boots, and this might address the problem. The Terrastryder Mids provide good ankle support because there were a few times I would have sprained my ankle but didn't. These boots really stick to the trail whether it is wet or dry. I have hiked through slick mud and on sketchy cliffs with these boots and I always feel sure - footed. I can't remember hiking in these boots and ever slipping or skidding out on the trail. Even though I have hiked a lot of miles in these boots, I still feel that they are a little stiff around the upper part of the boot in the ankle area.

Would I buy these boots or recommend them for someone? Probably. I think these boots would be perfect for someone looking for a waterproof boot that also breathes. This is by far the most impressive feature of the Terrastryder boots. I like that the Dunham company offers their shoes and boots in different widths. This is a great advantage for those of us that have different width feet. My main concern if I were to recommend or buy these boots, is that they are really stiff when brand new. Most of the boot breaks in, but the upper part of the boots around the ankle area stays stiff. The advantage to this is that these boots provide good ankle support. After hiking over 60 mi (97 km) of trail, these boots look almost as good as the day I got them. I think I will be getting many more miles out of these in the future.

Good Things:

> Waterproof - Dryworks® moisture management membrane system, provides waterproof protection and breathable comfort.

> Good ankle support

> Good trail traction - Vibram® Supertrek compound rubber outsole for enhanced grip on rocky surfaces

Bad Things:

> Stiff when new

> Laces are too long

Reviews > Footwear > Boots > Dunham Waffle Stomper Terrastryder-Mid > Shandra Hunt > Long Term Report