Step Into Some Fluffy Clouds Made In the Shape of Hiking Boots (Northface Elixir GTX)

Member Name: i_heart_elo

Product:	Northface Elixir GTX
Date:	04/06/09 (69 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Comfortable, Supportive, Well Made, Can be Worn With Thick Socks, Made for Heavy Loads

Disadvantages: Expensive

Not many people are overly excited about going hiking boot shopping. It's almost an after thought when purchasing any camping or trekking equipment. Tent: Check....Sleeping Bag: Check...Lots of Socks: Check....Trail Mix: Check.....New Hiking Boots...CRAP....

Not only do you normally end up taking your old worn out pair of hiking boots, that are entirely unsuitable for your trip, but you also think that buying brand new boots will just end up hurting your feet more while breaking them in. This is the case for very cheap, run-of-the-mill, low-class hiking boots. If you go out before a trip and pick up a pair of 30 quid Tesco hiking boots, you'll be an extremely whiney, unhappy, and pain-to-be-around, person.

The one exception for hiking boot woes are the very expensive, specialized, high-class kind. Only, not everyone has over a hundred pounds to spare nor do they want to spend that kind of money on something they'll only wear a few times a year at most. Decisions, Decisions....

It is in my "oh so slightly knowledgeable" opinion, it shouldn't be that tough of a decision. Especially when it comes to actually enjoying a hike, trek, or galavant around the countryside. Do you really have a good time after a few hours of "oh god this blister is killing me" or " when is this hike over so I can take these *bleeping* boots off!"?

Believe me, spending a little more on good hiking boots instead of buying your daily coffee at starbucks, or magazine at the store , or pack of crisps everyday a lunch...is well worth it. Allow me to indulge you in a brief story in the differences between good shoes and bad ones on a 12 mile (mostly uphill) trek.....

This late March I went to the Lake District to go wild camping. In the states we call it "primative" camping ( but wild camping sounds cooler), and generally it's a little "wimpy". You go to some far out place in Montana that you DRIVE to, park your car up on top of a large hill, and pitch up a tent. It's pretty,exciting, and still fun, but it's not exactly roughing it. You also don't have to do an inordinate amount of walking unless you decide to forgo the "car" hike.

In contrast, the Lake District trail I traversed, we carried our tents, sleeping bags, food, and all other needed equpiment in our Backpacks (Rucksacks). Remember, this was a 12 mile (again..mostly uphill) trek. For a few of my friends travelling with me, there was a lot of swearing done after about 2 miles. Not because they weren't in shape, or couldn't take the rigorous activity, but because of their HIKING BOOTS.

Meanwhile, my feet still felt like I was walking on clouds and bubbles and fairy dust. I hated to rub it in to my friends how wonderful my feet felt all 12 miles of that hike, but....I still did. If any of them wore the same size shoe I did, they would have been stolen out of my tent in the middle of the night.

These magical walking boots were none other than the Northface Elixir GTX. Which are sold in mens and womens at most stores that carry Northface Hiking Boots. In my case, these were purchased on Ebay ( brand new even) for around 60 pounds. If you do a little online search for these, they normally are around 100 pounds or more. Which, if I HAD to of paid that much for these...I would have.

The description for these boots say they're for the "serious trekker". I don't completely agree with that. I feel they are also perfect for the "unserious trekker". The kind of unserious trekker that takes little country hikes in Devon or Wales or even around a scenic local village. I know many throw on a pair of Wellie's for little jaunts but, why suffer having to be "careful" about foot placement? Wellie's aren't exactly very supportive for ankles, which equals = Ankle Sprains ( and I used to be the queen of ankle sprains so I know from experience).

The Northface Elixir GTX's sound hi-tech and expensive and well....they are. Which isn't a bad thing since they have the latest materials and design and are made to last for the long haul. In most cases when carrying heavy equpiment, most boots are not made to take that added weight in addition to your own. This boot though is designed specifically to take heavier loads and it doesn't change the *springy bounce* or foot arch.

In some ways, I feel a lot of NorthFace products are overrated. Your mostly buying a "name". I believe this in terms of Northface jackets, rucksacks, and sleeping bags. All those items I've bought from Northface and haven't been overly impressed. Then there are some things I feel the company does very well. Specifically, their shoes, boots, and tents.

Other than my first hand account and experience with these boots, you'll have to see for yourself how ideal these are for all hiking situations. Who knows, you still might be able to find them in your size on Ebay for a nice little discount. If not, as mentioned earlier, you can purchase these at most Outdoor Sporting Goods/Supply stores or do what everyone else does and "Google" them. I guarentee you'll never experience any sore feet no matter how long you wear these (well within reason....if you decided to do a 30 mile in one day hike, you might have sore feet no matter what shoes your wearing).

Summary: A pair of hiking boots that fit every possible hiking situation and don't need " broke in".