Weight for pair of mens size US size 14 EEEE: 39.1ounces (1111 grams)
Weight for pair of mens size US size 13 EE: 38.1 ounces (1083 grams)
Weight for pair of mens size US size 13 EEEE: 37.5 ounces (1065 grams) - Tested Model
Insole weight (provided for users of custom or orthotic insoles): 1.5 ounces (42 grams)

*All shoes were measured using the same scale. I'm not sure how the larger 13EEEE pair ended up weighing slightly less than the 13EE pair.

2. Dunham Waffle Stomper Nimble Field Report

For a detailed description of the manufacturer's information and features, please see my Initial Report.

Field Impressions

In the past couple of months, I have put around 100 miles (160 km) on the test pair of Dunham Waffle Stomper Nimble shoes.

While the majority of miles have been on the dirt and duff of Cascade Range trails, I've also had the chance to use them on the sandy beach trails of the Cape Cod National Seashore and a couple of crushed rock rails-to-trails paths.

After finally receiving the properly sized test footwear, I can honestly say that this is the best-fitting, most comfortable - and most capable - trail shoe I have worn.

Fit

My normal shoe size is a 13 wide. Of course, as most people are well aware, every brand (and even sometimes models in the same brand) fits differently. I own pairs of shoes that are a US size 12 and fit roomy, and I own a pair of US size 14 that are tight and uncomfortable. For most shoes, however, a US 13 - wide if they have it - fits the best.

I definitely have what can be considered a high volume foot shape. I have a wide forefoot, very high arches, thick ankles, and big toes. My heel is comparatively narrow, but I'm sure it still falls on the big end of the normal spectrum.

My Brannock device measurement comes out right around a US 13EE or 13EEEE.

As noted in my Initial Report, I had the opportunity to try on a pair both larger than my normal size (a 14EEE) and one slightly smaller (a 13EE). Based on these, I guessed that a 13EEEE would fit very well. I was correct, and the 13EEEE size I've been testing is the best-fitting pair of shoes I've ever worn. The Nimbles I'm testing are secure in the heel with virtually no slippage on downhill or uphill treks, snug but not tight across the arch, and incredibly roomy in the toebox without feeling too floppy or clumsy. Interestingly, I've been able to comfortably wear the Nimbles with the stock footbeds. I've used Superfeet insoles in almost every other shoe or boot I've hiked in to keep from ending up with sore feet. Perhaps it has to do with the proper width sizing, but I don't have problems with the Nimble insoles.

Has Dunham figured out some sort of magic fit formula that other trail shoe manufacturers are searching for? In my opinion, I don't believe they are doing anything amazing in regards to the last - I think they've just recognized that feet come in a lot of widths that affect how a shoe fits. After seeing a shoe come in 4 widths in each size (B,D,EE, and EEEE), it seems absolutely ridiculous to me that almost all trail shoe manufacturers offer only 1 in each size. Imagine going in to try on a pair of shoes, and instead of trying on 3 sizes to check for fit (9, 10, and 11 for example), you have 12 sizes to check out. Which are you more likely to find a perfect fit with? Of the countless hikers in this year's Backpacker Magazine Gear Guide, there is exactly ONE that is 2 pounds (0.9 kg) or less and comes in variable widths. That would be the Dunham Waffle Stomper Nimble. I see now why so many ultralight backpackers have such a devoted following to the New Balance shoes - they get a great fit because of the range of sizes. Although Dunham and New Balance share many design features and even a similar lineup name (the Waffle Stomper Nimbles are also known as the "905" shoe), there are big differences.

Based on my experience, I would say that the Dunham Waffle Stomper Nimbles fit a tad wider, definitely longer, and much roomier than "normal" New Balance trail shoes. I would not recommend guessing your Dunham size based on other shoes. In fact, if anything, I would say they are about the truest to a Brannock measurement than I have seen. Regardless of length or width sizing, the other noticeable characteristic of the Nimbles is the toe room. I have big toes, and I've never had a trail shoe with this much toe wiggle room. The New Balance shoes - in my estimation - are really running shoes that cross over to trail duty. The Dunham Waffle Stomper Nimbles are a true backpacking trail shoe made for hiking, not jogging or trail running. In fact, at the retail website for New Balance and Dunham, clicking on the "Hiking" link will find only the Dunham shoes, none of the hiking New Balance shoes, which are found under "trail running".

Performance

With a great fit, solid construction, and a unique Vibram sole, the Nimbles are a very capable shoe. The Dunham Waffle Stomper Nimbles have changed my thinking about what a trail shoe can do and - more importantly - where it can go.

The most distinguishing feature of the Nimbles is likely the Vibram sole. It looks as though they ripped the beefy sole off of a light mountaineering boot and stuck it on a running shoe. In essence, this is what they've done. I've found the Nimble sole to be every bit as tough and able as the heavy duty Vibram Clusaz sole on my Zamberlan mountaineering boots. In fact, in many ways they are better. The Nimbles are a low cut shoe, and by being way more flexible and much closer to the bottom of my feet, the feedback I get from the ground is much greater and allows me to be much more stable and confident on dicey terrain. Now, I wouldn't want to go and kick steps in snow all day with these shoes - a mountaineering boot still has its place - but for rough trail or off trail traction that often calls for more serious footwear, the Nimbles are my top choice. As part of my daily trail route I ascend and descend a short but steep section of compact dirt with loose rock on the surface. This is a classic "fall on your butt" section, and in fact I've seen it happen to hikers more than a few times already. The Nimbles ascend and descend with no problem, and I've not had a slip yet. After cautiously descending this section the first few times, I now head down with full strides and no worries about wipeouts.

The upper of the Waffle Stomper Nimbles are cool and breathable, something I've come to look for and appreciate in a trail shoe. They are not waterproof and don't claim to be, but for me, hot feet are more of a problem than water. I can always throw on a pair of waterproof socks or gaiters if the conditions are extra sloppy. For the hot, dry trails of summer, I am grateful for the cool, quick- drying mesh uppers of the Nimbles.

The shoes as a whole are holding up quite well. They're certainly getting a little dirty, but no snags, tears, or holes have appeared despite some bushwhacking and rock scrambles.

The Nimbles remain comfortable after a day of hiking - something I attribute to the roomy toebox. Usually, by the end of the day I can't wait to get my shoes off. With the Nimbles, the foot fatigue seems much less and simply loosening the laces creates an airy and comfortable camp shoe.

Field Likes

Best-fitting shoe I've ever worn
Excellent breathability and super quick to dry
Tough, capable sole that is more like a boot than a trail shoe

Field Concerns

Ummmmm.... I guess my only concern at this point is that they'll quit making the Nimbles or change them!!

3. Testing Location and Plan

The majority of my usage of the Dunham Waffle Stomper Nimbles will continue to be in the Central and North Cascades, most being in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. I also hope to spend some time in the Goat Rocks Wilderness south of Mount Rainier. The testing period for the Nimbles will run into fall, so I will use the Nimbles on my fall trips to the high country as well. With early fall snow - I will surely get the chance to test the Nimbles in snowy and icy conditions.

My daypack loads are typically less than 10 pounds (4.5 kg), while backpacking loads range from 12 to 25 pounds (5.4 to 11.3 kg), depending on whether or not I'm going solo and light or with the family and a bit heavier. It is highly unlikely that I would exceed 30 pounds (13.6 kg) with the Nimbles. I plan to continue to use them as my only trekking shoe during the testing period.

I'll be testing the Nimbles with a focus on the following questions:

1) First and foremost, do continue to fit so well? Will they stretch out and become too loose?

2) Are they durable? With normal trail and moderate off-trail use, do the Nimbles retain their integrity? Does stitching loosen and slowly unravel? This is something that happens to almost every pair of trail shoes I've owned.

3) How is the cushioning? After a long day of backpacking, are my dogs barking or eager for more?

4) Will the Nimbles take a crampon for light mountaineering use? While certainly not an expectation for a hiking shoe, this ability would certainly set the Nimbles apart and be a boon to summer lightweight climbing.

4. Contact and Background Information:

Name: Curt Peterson
Age: 32
Gender: Male
Height: 6'3" (1.91 m)
Weight: 270 (122 kg)
Email address: curt@boopants.com
Location: North Bend, WA, USA

I live in the Cascade foothills, just 20 miles (32 km) from the Pacific Crest Trail via footpaths leading right from my backyard. The vast majority of my outdoor activities are here in Washington State. During the summer I backpack and dayhike, and continue into the fall and early winter until the snows overtake the Cascades. In the winter, I ski 1 to 2 days per week, and backpack in the Central Washington tundra-like steppe at least once. Spring and early summer I usually climb, most often on the Cascade volcanoes. In addition, I try to go to the coast in Olympic National Park at least once a year, so the range of locations that I test gear is pretty broad. I hike on a forested trail each and every day with my dog, no matter what the conditions are.

I played football in college and like to evaluate products from a big guy perspective, as there is definitely a shortage of both gear and reviews from this point of view. I served on the Product Test Committee for Seattle's biggest outdoor gear retailer for a two year term in the mid-90s, then guided backpacking tours with my wife in Olympic National Park for a few summers. I've been interested in the most recent shift to lightweight thinking for the past few years and really enjoy checking out new ideas and approaches to backpacking.

Read more reviews of Dunham gear
Read more gear reviews by Curt Peterson

Field Report

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