Two good reviews over at lapolicegear.com
Shoes and boots are difficult to buy online because of the large variance between manufacturers and the many differences such as high or low arch or where the top contacts your ankle. I like to try them on at a shoe store so iI know they fit well and are comfortable. Anyone know if woot accepts returns unconditionally…assuming you send them back in new condition?
These boots have been reappeared at least 4 or 5 times, on Sellout, Moofi, Woot-Off… and they never have my size. In fact, it looks like these shoes keep reappearing because Woot can’t get rid of the stock they have left. Please… Somebody… either double down and get some more of the larger sizes or cut the loss and dump them.
[QUOTE=zener, post:3, topic:423566]
Shoes and boots are difficult to buy online because of the large variance between manufacturers and the many differences such as high or low arch or where the top contacts your ankle. I like to try them on at a shoe store so iI know they fit well and are comfortable. Anyone know if woot accepts returns unconditionally…assuming you send them back in new condition?
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Short answer is we only accept returns for damaged/defective items. For sizing issues or buyer’s remorse, not so much.
I will continue to boycott Woot’s shoes/boots until they offer men’s size 18. Please Woot. Please.
Got these a while back on woot when they had larger sizes. My husband is so hard on his shoes and wears a wider size. These fit him perfect, he loves them and they’re holding up great so far.
I can’t get the free shipping.
No matter what I try,it says $5 shipping.
[MOD: Free shipping was for yesterday only. It ended at midnight CT.]
Two much more detailed reviews on Amazon (both 5 stars):
http://www.amazon.com/New-Balance-Tactical-Rappel-Hiking/dp/B00C66CV4E
I bought a pair of these from an earlier woot, and all I’m debating today is ordering one or two sets of spares.
I have regular width (never need wide shoes), and they wrap around my feet quite snugly. It’s not unpleasant, but I imagine it’s like wearing those compression socks I’ve seen.
I sure wish these were water-proof.
I love New Balance running shoes, so I know they have good quality.
I bought these boots the first time they came up. I did buy 1 size to big so I could wear multiple layers of socks or a single layer. The boots are comfortable I think I could have worn multiple layers on the size I normal wear. Overall comfortable boots, I would recommend the boots for price.
I have a pair of New Balance hiking boots (different model) and I love them. I do a lot of outdoors stuff as a Scout Leader and have found my boots to be comfortable with a short break-in period.I wear them with a hiking sock + liner sock system.
I would happily buy a pair of these at this price if they had my size.
Woot, it would help if you listed the actual width sizing (AAAA-EEEE) instead of just saying Wide or Medium. On New Balance, it is printed on the underside of the tongue of both shoes.
Sizing: Go to the store and try on New Balance shoes. Find the size that fits you. Order that size.
I bought these boots when they first came out on woot in May. Then I bought a spare pair. They look and feel great. They make me a couple of inches taller too. Finally 6’0" tall! I use these to trample brush in the woods, thorns and poison ivy among other things. They still look new, except for the mud on the bottoms.
How dishonorable. Waste the time an energy of a local store and then buy online. Then wonder why stores in your area are closing?
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I will continue to boycott Woot’s shoes/boots until they offer men’s size 18. Please Woot. Please.
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I don’t think that’s exactly a boycott. More a matter that you can’t wear them. 
That said, fewer of the larger sizes are made so they’re harder for us to get.
I know these aren’t waterproof, but was hoping someone might be able to comment on whether they’re sufficiently water resistant to wear when it’s rainy/snowy on city sidewalks?
thanks for pointing that out, i almost bought em for my winter wear
I bought these in May and they are very comfortable. They are definitely not water proof, and not very water resistant either. The mesh on the side lets your feet breath, but I would imagine it would also let water in. great for dry hiking and wearing around town but don’t jump in any puddles
I own these and am very happy with them so far. I have tabbed them as my “dry” terrain hikers. Recently took them to Pinnacles national park on a 95+ degree day. Did 9 miles with 2000+ elevation gain. These shoes held up great. I own a pair of Heavy Duty Lowa boots that I would have worn but wanted to give them a shot and was suprised how my feet felt at the end of the hike. I will continue to use these when I know it is dry and not too difficult of a terrain to traverse through. To address the “wet” weather usability, I wouldn’t use them due to the suede leather overlays and the breath holes that are on the inside of the shoes, the cordura panels also do not have any exterior water protection properties.
Pros - Lightweight, zero break-in, hard toe protection and decent moisture control, decent to good construction, fit true to my size (12)
Cons - Laces feel cheap, upper lace loops are NOT metal and are potential area for breakage.
For the price they are great deal. I mink-oiled the suede to keep the leather from experiencing any “sweat stains” and from any light water traversing.