I have had the Foxtrots for several months now and have had the opportunity to wear them out bush bashing, tramping and tracking.
Each time I put them on, I am amazed as how light they are for a boot – but they still maintain the amount of support and protection I expect and require out of off track footwear. While I had considered a pair of Canvas Jungle Boots for stalking in warmer temperatures – the Foxtrot means I get a pair of waterproof boots that has the comfort of a pair of sneakers.
The rubber toe and heel protects the Cordura against scuffing and while, like any shoe is, they lose a bit of traction on wet rocks (I am yet to really find a sole that doesn’t), they boots make easy work of muddy climbs and dodgy tracks.
Initial tests lead me to some concerns that the boots were leaking. However, in all fairness, the water was getting in through the gaiters at the top of the boot. That’s where all boots leak from, waterproof or not. I am still working on getting my gaiter system sorted.
Because they are a fabric boot, and the waterproof membrane is under Cordura, the boots will hold a little bit of water once wet and like any boot, they take a while to dry out. However, for stomping across streams on a stalk I have had no real issues.
If I was planning on heading up high country, I might consider a slightly heavier boot. The extra support could be useful in more alpine environments with a heavier pack. However, I know that extra protection would mean more weight – my Meindl boots in comparison feel like snow boots and weight two, if not three times as much. For the majority of my hunting (and bush time in general) – the Foxtrots are a much more comfortable and sane option.
[fvplayer src=”https://vimeo.com/118324917″ splash=”https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/505379601_1920x1080.jpg?r=pad” caption=”Hunters Element Foxtrot Boot Review”]
One thing I would like to have on them are some lace locks. I like to have a looser footbox, then tighten the boot back hard against the heel – locking it in place. While I can do this with a couple of surgeon knots on the laces, on my Meindls, I have locking eyelets on the boot itself. No major though and easy enough to find a solution too.
I did experience a little bit of toe rubbing when wearing boot liners only. The simple solution was my normal tramping socks, which help my foot fit just that little bit tighter.