-L.A.S
Monday, December 20, 2010
Native Fitzsimmons
If you're like me then you enjoy the idea of hiking boots more so than actually dropping upwards of $250 on a pair. Lots of us don't need a new winter boot, but hikers are tempting. Tempting and risky. By risky I mean that hikers are a very unique and niche item. Some people love them, and some people think they look like shit. We've all probably seen as many examples of hikers done well as we've seen hikers done terrible. Unfortunately there aren't many entry level pairs that someone could grab and test drive, for lack of a better term. Some brands sell cheaper hikers, such as L.L. Bean or Merrell, but they are more technical versions of the style - probably not the best look if you do more walking than actual hiking if you catch my drift. If you're still with me on all this, you may want to check out Native's Fitzsimmons. The Fitzsimmons is a traditional hiking boot, but with an EVA shell and neoprene sock liner. I've been wearing a brown pair on and off for the past 2 months and I've been pleasantly surprised at how well they have held up, even in the rain. They're light, warm and comfortable as hell, not to mention the metal hardware is a nice touch. What I thought was gonna be a somewhat gimmicky shoe has actually been the real deal - form and function accounted for. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you are eying some Danner or Diemme hikers, but are wary of how they are gonna work out for you, the Native Fitzsimmons might be your best starting point. And, quite frankly, at $70 a pop they are one of the better boot deals on the market.
-L.A.S
-L.A.S
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These are polarizing. I love, many hate.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the perfect winter beater. Black and brown look like the best. Grey and blue arent bad either.
These kind of look like the shoes of a child. Do not like. Thanks for the suggestion, however.
ReplyDeleteThese are a McNairy collab, right?
ReplyDeletethey look great, but for the life of me I can't find them in a size 8.. bummer
ReplyDeleteI'm usually on board with you man, but really? Running shoes are for running. Flippers are for swimming. Hiking boots are for hiking. Mark Mcnairy x Speedo S/S 2011.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand what these are for? Simply style? Certainly not a boot for true outdoor activities, right? (I guess I'm puzzled by their look, and your comment that you're surprised how they held up in the rain).
ReplyDeleteThey're ugly as hell, that's for sure. But like everything style related, to each his own. I'm just more interested in determining their intended purpose.
longdivision- I mean, people wear Bean boots and don't go hunting. The function associated with any boot is to keep the feet warm and make winter jaunts that much less shitty, no?
ReplyDeleteTo infinity and beyond!
ReplyDeleteLAS - I think you understood what he meant, many objects have function beyond that of their namesake (ex. The duck boot is worn when there is snow on the ground even if not hunting). These hiking boots are made of a material that is not best for hiking/rain/snow (due to durability and permeability issues) so they do not fully accomplish the intended purpose you just assigned to a boot. You don't actually have to defend every article of clothing you post, these are simply a (disposeable?) fashion piece, there's no shame in treating them as such.
ReplyDeleteI usually enjoy what McNairy has to offer, but this collection missed the mark for me, unfortunately...
ReplyDeletecan't argue that the price point isn't attractive but these look horrible. Plasticky garbage.
ReplyDeleteAbington's got dem Gore-tex hikers for 2 bills
Its a rain boot in the shape of a hiking boot fellas ie: the Shudy rubber driving moc. They're waterproof.
ReplyDeleteAlso, McNairy has nothing to do with them.
More garbage suggestions from the L.A.S. aka The Trashman.
ReplyDeleteThese things are hideous!!!!!! C'mon LAS.
ReplyDeletethese are very good .... I used the fitzsimmons boots in the rain and in the snow and they held up very good , best shoes if you just want to take a winter walk in the city without taking care of the weather conditions
ReplyDeleteAt $70 I'd be willing to buy a pair (would probably get brown and swap in red bootlaces) and try them out if not for the white sole. That's the dealbreaker for me. It just doesn't look right. If they had a black sole they would look just like any other traditional hiking boot from anything further than an arm's length distance.
ReplyDeleteExcellent goods from you, man.
ReplyDeleteI have understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely excellent.
ReplyDeleteI truly enjoyed the top quality info you present to your visitors.
ReplyDeleteWill be back again frequently to check up on new posts.
ReplyDelete