GrisportMen's Evolution Hiking Boot Backpacking

I spent years buying the likes of Scarpa and Berghaus goretex leather walking boots before finding Grisport. The quality I have always found generally the same, but the Grisport are somehow far, far more comfortable.This could be more to do with my wider fitting feet, but I can assure you (at least for me) this is really noticeable.Looking through my purchases here on Amazon the last 9 pairs I have purchased were all Grisport. I get through a lot as do trips where I hike around 200 miles a fortnight. No boot remains waterproof forever and so once the sole is worn I don't bother getting the resoled (as at that point they leak a little in very wet conditions anyway).Grisport, to my mind , are the best walking boots you can buy but for a lot less money than the "lofty" brands. I have never been disappointed with a single pair.These Evolution boots have proved no exception after 200 miles of walking through the recent wet early may weather in Dorset.I normally buy size 11 (I'm a true 10.5) as this gives room for thick socks. I did buy these in 11, but was annoyed to see they arrived as 45 EU which is actually size 10.5. They however seemed to fit me comfortably so I gave them a go...I did note 2 very critical reviews here, one showing a destroyed split pair and another with the reviewer saying he "did not trust them" given the sole and a few other issues.This was a bit off putting but given my previous always positive Grisport experience and the fact these were reduced from £145 to £79 (and they were the best Grisport grade Sympatec waterproof liner and quite high rise on the ankle.So what are they like?Comfortable.Glove fitting and supportive.Utterly waterproof despite literally wading through streams/ wet grass/ driving rain and mud for 200 miles of the very worst wet May I can remember.Very grippy in mud, grass, meadow, dry rock (not fab on wet rock.. I'll come to that..)...All in all amazing, and no sign of splitting (as other review) after 200 miles of the very worst conditions.I'm wondering if the split review here was caused by the reviewer using dubbin to treat boots??? I found out years ago that dubbin is absolutely awful at drying boots out and causing them to crack, since when Grangers Wax and Nikwax only for me .... Maybe not, maybe he was unlucky...Anyway..Boot 10/10...Sole....Don't but these boots for rocky terrain walking (mountain walking etc)... They do have Vibam soles which are excellent on anything, but damp rock? Forget that...Buy something with a softer rubber sole...That's the only thing worth knowing about these boots...Other than that, I wouldn't hesitate to buy these again given a good price for general lowland walking...Highly recommended.

10/10 quality, comfort and rigidity! I have not knows hiking boots like this previously. The leather is dark and feels like it will last years and years. The soles are solid and thick. The ankle support is actually the best part as it holds up well and feels soft and cushioned. I did try a different pair of Grisport before these and they were not as comfortable. My tip would be go for the all leather walking boot! As the others had a hard ankle support that knocked my ankles ouch

Having had a couple of pairs from Grisport in the past and being pretty happy with them, I decided to order this new model, not worrying about the lack of reviews so far (none at all on the web at this point in time).The official website mentions "Deep Cleated Rubber Vibram Sole", and as I was looking for something a bit more professional for more difficult treks, so I thought: "Grisport high boots + deep outsoles = win". Is it?Sadly, the threads of the outsoles are not impressive, as you can see in my images. Interestingly, Grisport didn't even bother to release images of their outsoles, something I find extremely suspicious for one of their most expensive and flagship models! As if they knew something was odd about it... They are shallower than the cheaper Grisport Fuse model I own in a few important areas, especially around the heel and toes, which is crucial for grip on soft surfaces, like mud or moss. After some investigation, it's actually using the same sole as the "Quattro" model or many other casual "Lowland" shoes from Grisport.Apart from the outsoles, these boots seem really well built, with nubuck leather all around the ankles and tongue. What's a bit disappointing is that they are not as "unibody" as the Fuse: there is a seam on the inner side of the shoe. I don't doubt their waterproofness, but I prefer to have as few seams as possible: it reduces any risks, it's more durable and easier to clean and maintain. That's why high-end boots from Meindl or Lowa usually have unibody designs, with only one or two seams at the heel, but it's also harder to build and requires larger pieces of leather, hence more expensive in theory.The high ankle support will certainly be great for very technical trails on steep slopes... BUT, given how casual the outsoles are, I'm afraid I wouldn't really bother taking these shoes when hiking in Wales or the Alps! It would feel like using low profile tires on a large 4x4 to drive off-road. And I'd push the comparison to say these shoes are the equivalent of expensive modern SUVs: biggish vehicles, look the part, but not very competent on rough terrain.Also, the fit does feel a bit larger than the Fuse and the Amazon-Lo that I own. Grisport doesn't do half sizes unlike Berghaus or Lowa, so it would have to be handled by thicker socks or thicker insoles in my case. But this won't be something I'll try, as I've returned them and will stick to my other pair of Grisport Fuse, which are in the end a much better all-rounder, with a better sole, smaller, slightly lighter, and after all, cheaper.TLDR: too expensive for what it is. Get the Fuse, the Everest, or the Peaklander instead. And if it's just to walk the dog, the Dartmoor (GTX) will be perfect, and even has a more rugged outsole than the Evolution!

Very comfortable from the start. Looks and feels great. Quite light for a boot of this type. Quality leather and very well made. Very good price, delivery on time

Delighted with them thank you

Excellent pair of boots

I love Grisport boots and shoes, walking trainers, walking boots, safety boots,safety shoes. I am a real advocate of the brand and others have brought of the back of my recommendation. However these boots were brought May 2021, and not used during the wet winter times. Will see if I can get them repaired but disappointed. My work boots get much rougher treatment and yet have lasted much longer. My last walking boots also only lasted a year so I'm going to regretfully look at other options.