Product Specifications
Manufacturer' Specifications
Listed Height:	Not Listed
Listed Weight:	640 g (1 lb 7 oz) [unsure which size]
Actual Measurements
Size Tested:	Men's 9.5 UK (10.5 US)
Height:	7.5 in (19 cm)
Weight:	3 lb 5.5 oz (1.57 kg)
Color Tested:	Vintage Brown

Product Description:

The Convert is a high-quality Italian-designed hiking boot. It is a new member of Kayland's Light Hiking Line. Kayland advertises its Light Hiking Line as "designed for light backpacking, day hikes, and moving fast on the trail." Kayland also says that "Drawing upon the finest elements of perennial best sellers, the Contact 1000 and the Vertigo High, the Convert is sure to convert outdoor enthusiasts looking for optimal comfort, light weight, durability, and versatility for backpacking, hiking, and other mountain endeavors."

The Convert is a high-cut hiking boot. They are approximately 7.5 in (19 cm) high (from the bottom of the sole to the top of the collar). This is 0.5 in (1.3 cm) taller than the tallest point on my mids.

The majority of the upper is constructed of split-grain leather. However, there is some synthetic fabric around the lower part of the collar, where the ankle flexes. There is also a small amount of synthetic fabric where the leather and dense foam padding of the collar meet. The gusset is also made of split-grain leather. The entire length of the gusset is padded. On the exterior, at the top of the gusset, there is a 2.5 x 0.75 in (6 x 2 cm) cutout in the leather. The dense collar padding fills this area where the gusset will rest against the shin. On the inside, this padding extends approximately 2.5 in (6 cm) down from the top. There is "webbing" between the gusset and the boot which appears to be synthetic leather on the exterior side. There is about 1.5 in (4 cm) of dense foam padding at the highest point on the collar. This decreases to about 1 in (2.5 cm) at the back of the collar. However, the entire heel cup feels like it is padded with what feels to be the same type of foam. Just below the collar, on each boot, there is a webbing pull loop with the Kayland logo on it. The toe rand is knurled rubber, and is about 1.5 in (4 cm) wide. It is a bit wider across the top of the toes. It appears to be fairly stout.

The Convert has an eVent liner, which is waterproof and breathable. The manufacturer of eVent claims "eVent fabrics lets sweat escape up to twice as fast as common waterproof/breathables. eVent fabrics let the sweat out.™" In addition, the manufacturer says "eVent fabrics get their unique properties from a proprietary and patented waterproof membrane. Its unique composition allows millions of tiny pores to breathe at their full potential. Sweat vents directly to the outside of the fabric in one easy step, the manufacturer calls this "Direct Venting™ Technology." This liner also covers the inside of the gusset webbing.

Kayland calls its sole "Active Sole." This sole is comprised of an aggressive rubber outsole, a molded EVA midsole, and molded TPU stabilizers in the arch and heel. Kayland says that the components of its Active Sole "combine to ensure superior grip, stability, and cushioning on and off trail." This sole includes Kayland's Integrated Absorbing Drive System (IADS) which is supposed to absorb shock during heel strike and provide improved stability as weight transfers from heel to foot. According to Kayland, this "grippy" sole is supposed to enable the wearer to "move safely and securely, even over wet, slippery terrain."

The insoles are approximately 0.125 in (0.32 cm) thick. As shown in the photo to the right, they appear to be a pressed felt insole, with a suede-like top material and a plasticized cushioning cover that extends from the arch to the heel on the underside. There are twenty-five penetrations through the insole in the arch and forefoot area. I assume these are to aid in ventilation and flex. There is not much arch support in this insole, but the heel is cupped.

One of the Convert's unique features is its lacing system. The series of three photos above gives one an idea of the lacing system. There are six pairs of eyelets/web loops in the traditional location. The leather is cut out such that there are two pairs of eyelets/loops per tab. I assume these cutouts are to allow the boot to better flex with the foot. In the middle section, there are two eyelets on the inner edge and there are two web loops on the outer edge. On both sides of the boot, at the ankle, there is an additional loop. The loop on the inner side is a web loop attached to a leather tab. On the outer side, there is a loop of nylon cord sewn in to the boot. On this cord, there is a plastic loop that slides on the nylon cord and allows the lace to slide through it as well. It appears these loops are to help secure the heel. Testing will prove how well this lacing system works.

Initial Impression:

Immediately, I was impressed with the Convert boots. They are rugged and "bad looking." The first thing I noticed as I pulled them from the box is their unique lacing system. I am anxious to test how well it works. In addition, I really like the padding in the gusset, collar, and heel cup. Hopefully the combination of the lacing system and the padded heel cup will reduce my inclination to develop blisters on the back of my heels.

I have not owned a pair of boots, or garment for that matter, with eVent fabric. I own several boots with Gore-Tex linings, and have been quite pleased with them. Therefore, I am very keen on this eVent liner. I can not wait to see how well it keeps the water out. However, I am more interested in seeing whether it actually breathes significantly better than Gore-Tex. The proof will be in the testing.

Another feature that intrigues me is the sole. I like the aggressive tread, the grippy feel, and what appears to be a great shock-absorbing mid-sole. In addition, I am keen to see whether the "Enhanced Rocker" is noticeable. Unlike the tread, this is not an obvious feature. However, Kayland claims the last, or solid form around which the Convert is made, was designed with "an enhanced rocker to promote a natural, rolling, forward motion and reduce energy expenditure." Will this "Enhanced Rocker" really reduce how tired my feet and legs become? Again, testing will tell.

Initial Testing:

My initial testing consisted of a thorough examination. I weighed the boots and measured several parts. I also donned them to test for initial fit. They felt quite comfortable. Like my other Italian-designed boots, there is not a lot of room between the foot and the boot. With a medium-volume foot, I like this feature. I believe these will be very comfortable to wear for extended durations.

What I like Initially: Aggressive Tread Padded Gusset Padded Collar Padded Heel Cup Two Cinch Hooks on Collar Knurled Toe Rand Unique Lacing System Initial Fit	What I Initially Do Not Like: Nothing At This Time

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This concludes my Initial Report. Please check back in approximately two months, when I will append my Field Test results below.

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FIELD REPORT
July 2008

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LONG-TERM REPORT
September 2008

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Thanks to Kayland and BackpackGearTest for allowing me to participate in this test.

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