During two-miles climbing steep switchbacks and rock steps near Santa Fe, my toes were wishing these boots had a stiffer shank. 2) Load: ModerateDespite the light weight overall (19 ounces), these boots offer respectable ankle support, and Omega Seamaster Railmaster Chronograph seem perfect for loads between 25-35 pounds on flat, rocky trails. 3) Comfort: Moderate -- But BewareThese boots feel great right out of the box--the flexible soles and light leather translates to very limited break-in time, and youll likely have a great impression walking around the store.
They have a wide toe box, which is great for foot swelling, and the laces are very secure on the midfoot, which means no slipping on downhills. I found the rear cuff to be inflexible and rather abrasive, due to some poorly cushioned seams, and quickly developed hotspots on my Achilles tendons. This problem was bad enough that I wont be Omega Seamaster Special Edition wearing them now that the test is complete. This could simply be a personal fit problem, or it may be a construction problem. You can decide for yourself at the store. The flexibility in the soft EVA midsole can translate to a squishinessnear the ball of the foot and foot-bone fatigue on long-mileage days.4) Traction: Not for Wet ConditionsThe Vibram soles on these boots have dual density rubber, but the overall feel is quite firm.
They seemed to slip on wet rocks quite easily. The harder rubber is probably more durable, however. On dry, moderate terrain, the Vibram sole performed how as youd expect a Vibram sole to perform--quite well.5) Weatherproofing: MixedThe Omega Seamaster Special Edition Altitude Ultras do not have a waterproof-breathable liner likeGore-Tex or eVent--the standard technology for waterproofing footwear.Rather, they have been treated by a new process called Ion-Masking,found only in Hi-Tech shoes (as of 2008), that entails a kind ofpermanent chemical change to the suce of the boot, ithydrophobic. Hi-Tec claims that it makes the boots waterproof, but Ican only vouch that they are staunchly water-resistant, and ratherdoubt that the boots could handle several days of serious rain.
