In 1974, the sportswear company Hi-Tec Sports was founded by Frank Van Wezel in England before relocating to Amsterdam, Netherlands.
While his love for squash and tennis would lead to Wezel’s involvement in the sports shoe industry and introducing the first specialist squash shoe, the company has sold more than 19 million pairs of shoes since then.
Meanwhile in Modesto, California, Duke and Kathy Jones started Hi-Tec sports USA and developed the first lightweight hiking boot known as the “Magnum” boot and would eventually become a popular shoe for the company. In 1990, the Jones’ would sell Hi-Tec Sports to Wezel.
Having won numerous outdoor awards, HI-TEC continues to be a popular outdoor brand and as for Wezel, he continues to live in England, enjoying a variety of sports and is a director of the local professional soccer team, Southend united and sponsors the Southend Rugby Club.
I recently purchased a pair of HI-TEC Eagle Ridge WP Hiking Boots and here are my impressions of these boots.
What was important to me is looking for a hiking boot that provided comfort but also was waterproof.
The boots feature a Dri-Tec waterproof, breathable membrane which keeps your foot dry. The i-shield repels water and dirt, the suede and mesh provides durability, breathability and comfort. The boot features a Ghillie lacing system and a gussetted tongue that keeps debris out. As for the cushioning, the boot uses an OrthoLite sockliner and has anti-odor and anti-microbrial properties.
The show is smokey brown, taupe and red rock and the midsole features a compression molded EVA midsole which absorbs impact and reducing strain on the body. Also, a lightweight nylon fork shank.
As for the outsole, the sole features a multi-directional traction, rugged rubber outsole that improves grip and provides durability.
While I tend to wear wide hiking boots, these boots fit perfectly and provided enough width. I did add Dr. Scholl plantar fasciitis insoles for additional comfort and protection.
When it comes to hiking boots, for those doing mountain climbing or hardcore climbing, more than likely you are going to buy the more expensive, quality boots. While those who are interested and wanting to get boots but are not willing to spend over a hundred dollars on hiking boots and are looking for waterproof boots, may be interested in Hi-Tec boots.
For one, it’s a long-standing brand that has made outdoor hiking boots for decades.
The hiking boots actually fit to size. Purchasing shoes online can be difficult because shoes not always fit perfectly. For running shoes, I tend to have to purchase a size up but for these hiking boots, I purchase them in my exact size and have had no problems with them.
But I will be putting them through the ultimate test when I take them on a climb, testing them through snow and rain while I travel overseas and I’m hoping these hiking boots hold up.
I will update this blog post when I get back from my trip!
But for the amount of tests I have done with the Hi-Tec Eagle Ridge WP Hiking Boots, I do recommend them!
