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Dunham Waffle Stomper
Nimble Shoes
- Long Term Report -
December 2004
Manufacturer: www.dunhamfits.com
Dunham
Retail Site: www.nbwebexpress.com
Below you will find:
1. Dunham Waffle Stomper Nimble Specifications
2. Dunham Waffle Stomper Nimble Long Term Report
3. Contact and Background Information
1. Dunham Waffle Stomper Nimble
Specifications
- Weight for pair of mens size US size 14 EEEE:
39.1 ounces (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.
- MSRP: $89.99 USD
- Also named as Dunham 905, style
MWM905GR
2. Dunham Waffle Stomper Nimble Long Term Report
For a detailed description of the manufacturer's information and features and
early testing, please see my
Initial and
Field Reports.
Long Term Report
Over the testing period, I have put close to 300 miles (480 km) on the test
pair of Dunham Waffle Stomper Nimble shoes.
While the majority of miles have been on the dirt 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. They
have seen very limited use in snow – one of my intended testing goals – due to
a freakish lack of snow in the Cascade Range this fall. As of this report in
mid-December, ski season is usually well underway, yet this season finds
almost all Cascade ski areas closed and performing all kinds of various
snowdances.
After using the Waffle Stomper Nimbles exclusively for the past 6 months, they
continue to be the best-fitting, most comfortable, and most capable trail shoe
I have worn.
Fit
For a description of my "normal" shoe size, foot shape, Brannock measurement,
and how the Dunham Waffle Stomper Nimbles fit comparatively, please see the
fit section of my
Field Report.
The Nimbles continue to fit incredibly well. They have stretched out a little
bit. I'm not convinced that it's a full width in sizing, but they are
certainly a little more roomy than they once were. I imagine if I had gone
with a EE width that they would eventually feel comfortable, but I have no
regrets choosing the EEEE size that I did. They have not loosened to such a
degree that comfort or performance is affected, and in fact the extra bit of
room is nice on high mileage days when my feet swell a little extra. I
have continued to use the stock insoles that came with the Nimbles, leaving my
aftermarket insoles on the gear shelf during the testing period.
I have come to see all shoes differently after testing the Dunhams.
Using a shoe that comes in 4 widths in each size (B,D,EE, and EEEE) seems a
requirement to me now, and that almost all shoe manufacturers offer only 1 in
each size seems crazy. As I stated in my
Field Report, 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), there are 12 sizes to check out. Which scenario is more
likely to offer a better chance of finding the perfect fit?
I still would not recommend guessing a Dunham size based on other shoes – even
New Balance shoes. In fact, if anything, I would say they are about the truest
to a Brannock measurement than I have seen. The end-use goal of the Nimbles
affects fit (particularly toe room) and this makes guessing sizes somewhat of
a gamble.
Performance
After months of use, the Dunham Waffle Stomper Nimbles have continued to
change my thinking about what a trail shoe can do and - more importantly -
where it can go.
The greatest feature of the Nimbles in my opinion is the Vibram sole. They
show little wear, and I anticipate they will keep their tread for a very long
time. They are not perfect, however. My one complaint is that they have
softened a little over time, and roots and rocks are much more noticeable than
they once were, particularly under the ball of my foot. This could be due to
the insole or other part of the shoe, but the sole seem just as likely a part
of the issue. They are still tougher and more solid than any trail shoe I've
ever used, but relative to their early miles, this has been a noticeable
change.
The uppers of the Waffle Stomper Nimbles are easily the other top feature. On
hot August hikes, they let air in for a welcome cooling breeze. I find I'm not
ripping my shoes off at every break near water as I have for years. Very nice.
They are not waterproof and don't claim to be. They are plenty water
resistant, however, and anything but sustained wet brush or downpours leaves
me with dry socks.
There is virtually no damage to the Nimbles so far. Despite abrasive rock and
plenty of bushwhacking, the uppers are not fraying. They're dirty, but no
damage. The other interesting note is that they don't stink. I seriously doubt
my feet have become any fresher, but the shoe don't have the normal funk that
my trails shoes do after a summer of use. My guess is that the extra
breathability keeps them drier and less funky. Whatever it is, I'm not
complaining and neither are my hiking partners!
I did lace them up and walk around in crampons. They actually fit very well.

They are comfortable enough, and I wouldn't hesitate to use them on snowfields
or snow-covered trails. I would not want to climb anything icy or requiring
kicked steps, however, as the Nimbles are just too soft for prolonged duty of
this type.
These are fantastic trail shoes, and I am grateful to have had the chance to
test them for BackpackGearTest.org
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
Concerns
• My #1 concern is still that the shoes will be discontinued!!
• My #2 concern is that they'll only offer the ugly orange version.
I'd like to thank Dunham and BackpackGearTest.org for the opportunity to test
the Waffle Stomper Nimbles. They have changed my expectations of shoes in
general and trail shoes in particular. I'll be stocking up on these whenever I
see them!
3. Contact and Background Information:
Name: Curt Peterson
Age: 33
Gender: Male
Height: 6'3" (1.91 m)
Weight: 270 (122 kg)
Email address: curt <at> boopants <dot> com
Location: North Bend, Washington, USA
I live in the Cascade
foothills, just 20 miles (32 km) from the PCT via footpaths leading right from
my backyard. Most of my outdoor time here in Washington is spent on dayhikes,
backpacking journeys, climbs, and ski trips everywhere from the Wilderness coast
to the rainforest to the massive volcanoes to steppe. I played
football in college and often evaluate products from a big guy perspective. I
tested gear for Seattle's biggest gear retailer
in the mid-90s, then guided backpacking tours in Olympic National Park for a few
summers. My typical pack load ranges from 12 to 19 lbs (5.4 to 8.6 kgs) and
usually includes a tent to keep dry in the Pacific Northwest’s incessant dampness.
Read more reviews of Dunham gear
Read more gear reviews by Curt Peterson
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