Hi-Tec Para Boots

THIS is the first of many gear reviews to come, so lets begin and take a look at the Hi-Tec Para walking boots. 

Before buying these boots I was looking for something below a hundred quid but that was waterproof and hardwearing. 

These Para boots from Hi-Tec fitted all my pre-purchase requirements as a wellie/boot hybrid formed from a rugged rubber upper. This, paired with a chunky high traction Vibram outsole made this offering from Hi-Tec a very attractive prospect. 

The Vibram sole on offer

Out of the box the Para’s were comfortable and very fit for purpose, but a little on the heavy side, larger due to the hefty but necessary sole. 

To describe the look is very difficult, it really is a mid cut walking boot with a wellington styling. Not easy on the eye at all but the thick set contours inspire an all-terrain confidence and gives you a ready for anything attitude. 

Despite these boots being Hi-Tec (a brand of lesser premium) I was expecting this pair of clogs to withstand the test of time and survive a nuclear winter should they need to, and show very little signs of external wear while doing it!

Unfortunately the time that the boots spent with #TeamFell was short lived. 

After wearing them in for a few local walks, they came up to the Lakes in May with us. On the first full day up there, while crossing a shallow stream, (and when I say shallow, I mean it! The water barely came over the level where the sole met the upper.) I felt a quick inflow of fresh water.

Side view of the Hi-Tec Para's

Sigh. 

The soggy sock and memory of parting with seventy quid for these boots tried it’s best to dampen my spirits. Once I trudged a bit further and forgot about the disappointment of my military looking footwear falling well short of my expectations, the views of the Easedale valley cheered me up. 

Now, the leaky sole/upper joint was the worst of it, but having dried them out overnight, I persevered for a couple of days until the insole in the opposite shoe came fully loose and would cling to my socks like a parasite at the end of every subsequent days walk. 

Upon returning home, I got a full hassle free refund from the supplier, whether my pair was one rare faulty disaster or not, multiple problems within a month of purchasing them had shunned any faith I had in trying out a fresh pair. 

If you own a pair of these and they are working perfectly make sure you speak up in the comments and let the readers know your experiences. Likewise if your Para boots suffered a similar fate to mine, do tell. Any feedback would be fantastic for a prospective buyer considering this product.

Maybe I just got the unlucky pair.

Finally it is worth mentioning a couple of points. I would not recommend these boots, if like me your extremities stay warm constantly, my feet roasted in these. Some websites refer to the Hi-Tec’s as mud/snow boots, and in warm weather the consequential lack of breathability from the rubber construction really does harbour the heat waves and made these hotter than I first expected.

Pro: Good fit (size 11)

Con: Build Quality

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#TeamFell