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