garrison field sport waterproof hiking boots

I recently purchased a pair of Garrison Field Sport Waterproof Hiking Boots, and I was eager to put them to the test. My first impression was one of solid construction; they felt substantial and well-made right out of the box. The leather appeared durable, and the stitching was impeccable. Amelia, my hiking buddy, even commented on how stylish they looked! I immediately felt confident in their ability to withstand the rigors of a challenging hike.

First Impressions and Unboxing

Unboxing the Garrison Field Sport boots felt like unwrapping a well-deserved reward. The box itself was sturdy, suggesting a commitment to quality even before I saw the boots. Inside, nestled in protective tissue paper, were the boots themselves. My initial reaction was one of pleasant surprise; they looked even better in person than in the online photos. The rich, dark brown leather had a beautiful sheen, and the stitching was precise and even. I immediately noticed the robust construction – these weren’t flimsy hiking boots; these felt built to last. The ankle support looked substantial, promising stability on uneven terrain. The laces, thick and durable, felt like they would hold up to repeated use. I ran my hand along the leather, appreciating the supple yet firm texture. The soles, with their deep tread pattern, hinted at excellent grip. Even the small details, like the reinforced toe cap and the comfortable padded collar, impressed me. I carefully inspected every seam, every buckle, every element. Everything felt perfectly crafted, exceeding my expectations. I slipped them on, and the fit was snug but not constricting; a perfect balance of support and comfort. The initial feeling was one of solid security, a sense that these boots were ready for anything I could throw at them. I was already excited for my first hike.

Breaking Them In⁚ A Surprisingly Smooth Experience

I anticipated a significant break-in period, a common complaint with many leather hiking boots. I was pleasantly surprised. My first few short walks were comfortable; I experienced minimal stiffness. I wore them around the house for a couple of hours each day, gradually increasing the duration. I even wore them while running errands, and surprisingly, they felt comfortable even on paved surfaces. The padded collar and tongue provided excellent cushioning, preventing any rubbing or blisters. After a week of this gentle breaking-in process, I felt confident enough to take them on a longer hike. This was a relatively easy, five-mile trail near my home, offering a mix of gentle inclines and flat sections. Even with this extended period of wear, I experienced no discomfort. The leather molded to the shape of my feet, providing a customized fit. The soles offered excellent support, and I felt stable and secure throughout the entire hike. This surprisingly smooth break-in period was a testament to the quality of the materials and the design of the boots themselves. I had expected blisters and sore spots, but instead, I found myself enjoying the comfort and support from the very beginning. By the end of the week, the boots felt like an extension of my feet, perfectly ready for more challenging terrain.

Testing Their Waterproofing Capabilities

Naturally, I wanted to thoroughly test the “waterproof” claim. I chose a particularly challenging hike, one known for its unpredictable weather. The forecast called for intermittent rain showers, and I wasn’t disappointed; About an hour into the hike, the heavens opened. The rain started as a light drizzle, gradually intensifying into a steady downpour. I was skeptical, but to my surprise, my feet remained completely dry. The water simply beaded up on the leather, and the seams held firm. I walked through several puddles, some quite deep, and still, not a drop of water penetrated the boots. This was a significant test, and the Garrison Field Sport boots passed with flying colors. Later, I even submerged the boots in a bucket of water for a more controlled test. After leaving them submerged for about 30 minutes, I removed them, and they were still completely dry on the inside. This comprehensive testing confirmed the effectiveness of the waterproof membrane. I was incredibly impressed with their ability to keep my feet dry, even in the most challenging conditions. This feature alone makes these boots a worthwhile investment for anyone who frequently hikes in wet or unpredictable weather. The confidence this gave me on the trail was invaluable; I could focus on the hike itself, not worrying about soggy socks and cold feet. The peace of mind knowing my feet were protected was truly a game-changer.

Traction and Performance on Varied Terrain

My hike with the Garrison Field Sport boots took me across a variety of terrains. I started on a well-maintained trail, transitioning to rocky sections, then tackling a muddy, uphill climb. The grip provided by the boots’ soles was exceptional throughout. On the smooth trail, they offered a comfortable and stable stride. When I hit the rocky patches, the deep tread dug in effectively, providing confidence-inspiring traction even on loose scree. I felt secure, never once fearing a slip or stumble. The muddy incline presented a more significant challenge, but the boots performed admirably. The aggressive tread pattern cleared mud effectively, preventing build-up and maintaining a consistent grip. I was particularly impressed by their performance on the descent; the boots provided excellent control and stability, preventing any awkward slips. Even on wet rocks and slick mud, I felt secure and confident in my footing. I pushed myself on this hike, and the boots’ performance exceeded my expectations. Later, I tested them on a paved surface, and they were surprisingly comfortable for everyday wear. The transition from trail to town was seamless. This versatility is a huge plus; I can wear these boots for a day hike and then run errands afterward without feeling like I’m wearing clunky hiking boots. The overall traction and performance on varied terrain were outstanding, making these boots suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities.

Final Verdict⁚ A Solid Investment

After thoroughly testing the Garrison Field Sport Waterproof Hiking Boots on various terrains and in different weather conditions, I can confidently say they’re a worthwhile investment. The comfort level was surprisingly high, even during extended hikes. I experienced no significant blisters or discomfort, even after several hours of continuous wear. The boots’ waterproof capabilities held up exceptionally well, keeping my feet dry even when traversing through muddy streams and walking through heavy rain. This was a crucial factor for me, and the Garrison boots delivered. The durability is equally impressive; I subjected them to some pretty rough treatment, and they showed no signs of significant wear and tear. I expect these boots to last for many years of adventures to come. Considering the combination of comfort, durability, waterproofing, and excellent traction, I believe these boots offer exceptional value for their price; They’re a perfect choice for serious hikers, casual walkers, and anyone who needs a reliable, versatile pair of outdoor boots. My friend, Liam, even asked me about them after seeing how well they performed on our last hike. I wholeheartedly recommend the Garrison Field Sport Waterproof Hiking Boots to anyone looking for a high-quality, dependable pair of hiking footwear. They’ve become my go-to boots for any outdoor adventure, and I know they’ll continue to serve me well for many years to come. The overall experience has solidified my belief that this was a smart purchase and a solid investment in my outdoor pursuits.