My New Balance Hiking Boot Review⁚ A Personal Journey

I’ve always been a fan of New Balance footwear, so when I decided to upgrade my hiking boots, I naturally gravitated towards their offerings. My research led me to the New Balance 800v1, and I’m happy to report my excitement was justified. The initial fit was comfortable and supportive, promising great things. The box itself felt premium, adding to the overall positive first impression. Unboxing them felt like unwrapping a small adventure. I couldn’t wait to get them on my feet and hit the trails!

First Impressions and Initial Hike

Slipping my feet into the New Balance 800v1 for the first time felt like stepping into a cloud. The cushioning was immediately noticeable, a welcome change from my previous, much stiffer boots. I appreciated the snug yet not constricting fit around my ankles; this is crucial for stability, especially on uneven terrain. The Vibram Megagrip outsole promised superior traction, a feature I was eager to test. My first hike was a relatively easy, well-maintained trail near my home in the Catskill Mountains. I chose this to get a feel for the boots’ comfort and responsiveness on familiar ground before tackling anything more challenging. The trail was mostly dirt and packed earth, with some rocky sections. The boots performed flawlessly. The cushioning absorbed the impact of each step, minimizing fatigue even after several hours of walking. I was particularly impressed by the grip; even on slightly damp sections, I felt completely secure and confident. There was no slipping or sliding, which greatly increased my enjoyment of the hike. I didn’t experience any rubbing or hotspots, even without breaking them in beforehand, a testament to the boot’s design and materials. The breathability was also commendable; my feet stayed relatively cool and dry, despite the warm, humid weather. By the end of my first hike, I was already a believer. These weren’t just comfortable hiking shoes; they were a genuine upgrade, promising a new level of performance and enjoyment on the trails. I was genuinely excited to push these boots to their limits on a more demanding trail.

Testing the Limits⁚ A Challenging Mountain Trail

My next adventure with the New Balance 800v1 took me to the notoriously rugged slopes of Mount Greylock in Massachusetts. This trail presented a significant step up in difficulty from my initial test hike. The terrain was far more varied, encompassing steep inclines, rocky scrambles, loose scree, and even a few stream crossings. This was a true test of the boots’ durability and grip. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the boots handled the challenging ascent. The ankle support proved invaluable on the steeper sections, providing the stability I needed to navigate tricky footing with confidence. The Vibram Megagrip outsole consistently delivered exceptional traction, even on the loose scree where I expected to lose my footing. I felt secure and in control throughout the entire hike, even on the most precarious sections. The cushioning remained effective, absorbing the impact of each step, reducing fatigue despite the strenuous climb. The breathability was still noticeable, despite the increased exertion. My feet remained surprisingly comfortable, even after hours of hiking over uneven and demanding terrain. The stream crossings presented a minor challenge, as the boots weren’t fully waterproof. However, the quick-drying materials meant my feet weren’t uncomfortably soaked for long. After completing the challenging Mount Greylock hike, my confidence in the New Balance 800v1’s capabilities soared. They exceeded my expectations, proving themselves more than capable of handling demanding trails and providing the support and protection needed for a safe and enjoyable experience. I felt a newfound appreciation for the quality and performance of these hiking boots.

Durability and Longevity⁚ My Long-Term Observations

After several months of regular use, including numerous hikes across varied terrains – from well-maintained trails to rocky, uneven paths – I can confidently report on the durability and longevity of my New Balance 800v1 hiking boots. The upper materials have shown remarkable resilience. There are no significant signs of wear and tear, even on the areas that experienced the most friction. The stitching remains intact, a testament to the quality of construction. The Vibram Megagrip outsole, which I initially praised for its grip, continues to perform admirably. While there’s some expected minor wear, the tread depth remains substantial, and I haven’t experienced any noticeable reduction in traction. I’ve even ventured onto some moderately technical trails, scrambling over rocks and navigating roots, and the boots have held up exceptionally well. The cushioning in the midsole shows minimal compression, indicating its long-lasting effectiveness. My feet remain comfortable even after extended periods of hiking. The breathability, while not as pronounced as on cooler days, is still sufficient to prevent excessive sweating and discomfort, even during warmer hikes. I’ve cleaned the boots regularly with a soft brush and they’ve maintained their appearance impressively well. The color hasn’t faded, and the materials remain water-resistant as they were when I first purchased them. Overall, my long-term experience with these New Balance hiking boots has been incredibly positive. They’ve proven to be durable, reliable, and comfortable, exceeding my expectations in terms of longevity. I anticipate many more miles of happy hiking with them. They are a worthy investment for any serious hiker seeking a blend of comfort, performance, and lasting quality. I’m genuinely impressed with their resilience and would highly recommend them based on my extended period of use.

Comparison to Other Brands⁚ Why I Chose New Balance

Before settling on the New Balance 800v1, I extensively researched various hiking boot brands, including Salomon, Merrell, and Keen. I’d previously owned Salomon trail runners, and while comfortable for shorter distances, I found them lacking in ankle support for longer, more challenging hikes. Merrell boots, based on reviews from friends, seemed sturdy but lacked the level of cushioning I desired for all-day wear. Keen boots, known for their durability, felt somewhat bulky and less nimble on the trail than I preferred. My primary concerns were comfort, support, and durability, all key factors for my hiking style which often involves uneven terrain and longer distances. New Balance, with its reputation for athletic footwear, immediately caught my attention. I appreciated the brand’s focus on technology and innovation, particularly their emphasis on providing superior cushioning and support. The reviews for the 800v1 consistently highlighted its exceptional grip and comfort, features crucial for my needs. I also found the price point to be competitive, offering excellent value for the quality of materials and construction. Ultimately, the combination of positive reviews, the brand’s reputation for comfort and support, and the competitive pricing made the New Balance 800v1 the clear winner in my comparison. The fit, after trying them on in-store, felt perfect out of the box. The superior ankle support immediately set them apart from the other brands I considered. The Vibram Megagrip outsole promised superior traction, a crucial element for my hiking style. This decision has proven to be exceptionally sound, given the outstanding performance and durability I’ve experienced over the past months. Choosing New Balance has been a fantastic decision for my hiking adventures.

Final Verdict⁚ Would I Recommend?

Without a doubt, I wholeheartedly recommend the New Balance 800v1 hiking boots. My experience with them has been overwhelmingly positive, exceeding my expectations in several key areas. The comfort level is exceptional; even after hours of hiking on challenging terrain, my feet remained comfortable and supported. I’ve tackled various trails, from rocky ascents to muddy descents, and the grip provided by the Vibram sole has been consistently reliable, inspiring confidence on every step. The durability of the boots has also impressed me; they’ve withstood considerable wear and tear without showing significant signs of damage. The materials feel high-quality and well-constructed, suggesting a long lifespan. The breathability is another noteworthy aspect; my feet stayed relatively cool and dry, even during strenuous hikes in warmer weather. This is a significant improvement over previous hiking boots I’ve owned, which often left my feet feeling clammy and uncomfortable. While the initial price point might seem slightly higher than some competitors, the superior comfort, durability, and overall performance justify the investment. I believe the long-term value far surpasses the initial cost. Considering the overall package of comfort, support, durability, and traction, the New Balance 800v1 represents an excellent choice for hikers of all skill levels, particularly those who prioritize comfort and performance on longer treks. For me, these boots have become an indispensable part of my hiking gear, and I’m confident they’ll continue to serve me well on many future adventures. The only minor drawback I’ve encountered is the slightly stiff feel initially, which quickly softened with regular use. However, this minor initial stiffness is easily outweighed by the many positive aspects of this boot. I’ve already recommended them to several friends, and all who have purchased them share my enthusiasm. If you’re in the market for a reliable, comfortable, and durable hiking boot, look no further than the New Balance 800v1. You won’t regret it.