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Unironically, these
>gusset “pump” action when walking like wellies/gumboots pumps out moist air, stopping condensation
>waterproof when leather maintained, waterproof elastic too
>very nice grip on most terrain (not great on slick wet rock, but only soft rubber compounds are and they don’t last)
>very durable sole
>great shock absorption
>insole is fibreboard, breaks in around heel and ball while staying rigid around arch
>thick PU foam doesn’t compress like EVA
>pretty tough leather, nice and supple, leather lined too on the 550s
>good flex
>simple as can be
>elastic holds them firmly against foot. No slipping around... but allows thicker socks in winter
>easy to get on and off when exhausted
>good in all conditions except deep winter (even then you could size up and wear thicker socks)
>only 500g size 10 UK
>$100-130
>great warranty
>last 2-5 years of hard daily use at least
Fags will say you need ankle support or laces, but I’ve met park rangers and hardcore /out/ careerists like surveyors who wear these daily. I don’t slide around in them, I don’t roll my ankle and I regularly carry big weights on my back using them and they haven’t missed a beat in 3 years, the leather is bashed but polishes up fine, the insole is springy as new and the sole is still full of tread despite using them on a few month long hikes
Yes, they’re not made in Australia, yes the quality has declined a little as they became fashion memes, but they are still fucking bomber and the lightest boot of their type you’ll find
If you want an alternative, redbacks are a degree comfier, better gripping and tougher and made in aus for the same price and style, but they are 650g and I’ve read in farmer’s blogs that the new sole compound can quickly crack and let in moisture
