Salomon Men's 3D Fastpacker Mid GTX Hiking Boots - Product Review

Leaky boots drying out in the bathroom

 I really like Salomon brand footwear but these boots have been an utter disappointment.  I bought these "waterproof" boots last winter or spring and I'm very disappointed with them. The waterproof Gore-tex lining stops under the insole and even slight damp will seep in around the edges. These boots leaked the first time I wore them. What shame, I love the way Salomon boots and shoes fit and I know what size to buy them in.

They have a nice big toe box that feels great with my claw toes. I'm thinking of trying to return them to Salomon, I need something waterproof for the winter. When my feet got wet the first time I wore these I convinced myself it was just a fluke after all I've had such good luck with Salomon over the years.  If I had it to do over again I would have returned them right away. It  looks like I am all done with Salomon brand foot wear.

But don't just take my word for it, look at what European users have to say about these boots:




Notice the rubber on the toe box is lifting up

Also I will never buy another pair or Hi-Tech brand boots.  When I bought these Salomon's  I had just returned a pair of defective Hi-Tech brand waterproof boots and I was really getting tired of messing around with shopping for and returning boots.  My Hi tech boots were a total disaster, they had a paper insole.  Luckily I noticed the paper insole and took them back to Big-5 before the disintegrated.  I really don't understand the logic behind making waterproof boots with paper insoles.  

Don't believe the skeptics,  properly made Gortex boots can keep your feet dry in cold wet weather, it's not true that you feet will always get wet from sweat. If it's cool enough my feet stay nice and dry in most Gortex lined boots.  But even the best Gortex boots only seem to stay waterproof for about four months.   So when I get new Gortex boots I only wear them hiking and I try to keep them as clean as possible in hopes that they will last longer.

I'm going to try to make a warranty claim on these boots.   I'll keep you all posted and let you know how Salomon handles my warranty claim.