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Kit review: Hi-tec waterproof walking boots

Written by Fiona August 17 2011

“Let’s take the dog for a walk,” I said.

“But I only have my heeled shoes”, said the G-Force’s Mummy.

“Well, maybe I can help,” I offered. I had just that week been sent a pair of Hi-tec Quebec Women’s waterproof walking boots by outdoor retailer Go Outdoors. They are a size 5 and as luck would have it the G-Force’s Mummy is a size 5.

“Oh they look lovely,” she said. “So smart. So cute. Are you sure I can wear them?”

“Just as long as you tell me what they are like when we walk the dog,” I replied.

So with the Hi-tec Quebec Women’s neatly tied on to her feet, plus the loan of a cosy outdoor jacket from her son, we all set off to walk Wispa the Wonder Whippet. The G-Force’s Mummy isn’t well known for trail walking but she has been talking about finding a way to get a little fitter.

“Oh, these are so comfortable,” commented the G-Force’s Mummy. “Much more comfortable than any boots I already have. But then again, most boots I already have are heeled and not for walking. But I really like these.”

To start with the sky was clear and the clouds were holding off. We strolled along pavements, via a lochside path, across grass and through mud. The G-Force’s Mummy seemed pretty pleased with how the boots performed.

“Still comfortable,” she said. “Very warm and comfortable, in fact.”

Then came the rain. Out of seemingly nowhere, it rained full pelt. We all got soaked but still the G-Force’s Mummy was saying just how wonderful her boots were. “Dry. Comfortable. Warm. These boots are amazing,” she said. “I think I’m going to have to get into walking a bit more now, just so that I can get the full use out of the boots. And they do look good don’t they?”

Indeed, she did look good in the boots, and I was delighted that she has discovered the wonders of a comfortable pair of walking boots.

The Hi-tec Quebec Women’s waterproof walking boots come in at a very reasonable £49.99. The description promises: A reliable mid-cut hiking boot, which combines weather proofing, support and rigidity. Ideal for light hiking and trail walking.

The technical details include:

  • Waterproof nubuck leather upper
  • Padded tongue and collar
  • Cushioning EVA midsole
  • Durable carbon rubber outsole
  • Rustproof eyelets

Checking over the boots, they appear to do everything they say on the label (although only time will tell if they stay “rust free”). According to the G-Force’s Mummy, the padding and cushioning make the boots “really comfortable”. And if they convert her to a keen trail walker then they have more than done their job.

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