Garmont Shoes Garmont Men's Sitka GTX Hiking Boot

BackPacker Magazine Gave it a 4.4 out of 5
From Backpacker Magazine "Anti-Gravity Boots": 6 Tough New Hikers and Offer Big-Load Support At Fastpacking Weights "It has the comfort of a light hiker and the stability of a backpacking boot." That's how one tester described this blut-toed nubuck leather model. The all-day comfort and flex comes from a mostly leather upper, synthetic fabric tongue, and supple ankle collar. Stability comes from the broad, blocky, square-lugged sole. Despite its burly appearance, the Sitka was the second lightest boot in the test, and break-in time was negligible. A rounded toebox creates a wide forefoot and the highest overall volume of the models we tested, which is perfect for long, foot-swelling trail days. Hikers with less beefy feet found that the asymmetric lacing let them crank the volume down without deforming the boot, but that only goes so far on a shoe made with a higher-volume last--so pay attention to fit when trying them on. The Sitka proved super-dry, thanks to minimal seams and a Gore XCR membrane, and it held its shape well, even when saturated by wet snow in Colorado's Front Range. The durable lugs cleared debris easily, and they stuck very well on wet rock. Fit is best for high volume feet, wider toes, and wet-weather uses. A word of advice: They run big, so go down a half-size.

Nice Boot for day hiking with light pack.
I used this boot for 2 weeks hiking on the Crest Trail and surrounding area near Ruidoso New Mexico and at White Sands National Park. Overall, I like it as a trail hiker boot. Caution: The boot has a narrow last. I had to get 1/2 size over my usual New Balance shoe size and they were still snug. The vibram sole is soft and flexible, but I had no problem walking over rocky trails. The upside is that the boot has a really cushiony like walk and is very light. I was able to hike the very first day with no break in issues. They have a nice toe cap and good protection including an additional leather cap over the inside ankle bone. My favorite comment is that the laces stay tied. The lace material and weave seems to hold on itself and I could go all day without having to retie. I did not test the GoreTex waterproofing as the trails were pretty dry and I only had a little rain to walk through. Overall, the boot is very comfortable for long trail hikes with a light pack. I felt protected and never noticed the boots unless I was thinking about them. They seem very well made and I had no damage or seam failures. The boots are a bit pricey, but I got my money's worth.

Another vote for sizing up.
Very well made, light, good grip. But I had to reorder 1/2 size larger than I normally wear.

Size up!
Not sure about the 1/2 size too big thing. Mine are a 1/2 size too small. Otherwise, these boots are great. They're tough, lightweight, water repellent, and have a nice wide fit. And yeah, they look pretty sweet too.

Mt. Monadnock day hiker
I did not like these 09 Sitka Hiking Boots compared to previous model years: 08-model year overall foot volume smaller which was good. 09 model Sitka foot volume much larger causing my heel to slide side to side and toes would jam front toe box on descents. I could not make any adjustments to make this 09-model work for me and sent them back. You dont need to size up on the 09 models like past models. They also changed the lace hooks that are a little better at keeping the laces on.