My previous hiking boots are no longer made, so when I went to buy a new pair about a year ago, my first step when looking for new boots was to identify all those models that were available in wide sizes. If you have wide feet (or narrow feet for that matter) this greatly reduces the number of available pairs to look at.

Here's a note to hiking boot vendors: Please, pretty please, make more narrow and wide feet hiking boot options available, not everybody has "normal" feet.

Now, just because a boot is available in a wide doesn't mean that it is wide enough for every wide foot. I have "extra wide" feet, and a lot of wide boots won't fit. And the only way to know for sure is to try them on, and on, and on, until you find a pair that actually fit.

I did a lot of trying on boots, even going so far as to drive 200 miles to find a wider assortment of wide boots to try. Finally, I found a pair that fit, and that is the Montrail Torre GTX hiking boots. Fortunately, not only did these boots fit me, they are also world class in design and construction.

Now that you know a little bit about my sordid experience of finding a new pair of hiking boots, let me take some time to tell you why they are world class. Some of their features and benefits include:

• Size, of course. The Torre GTX are available in men's and women's sizes. Men's sizes range in half-sizes from 7 to 12, and also in 13, 14, and 15. Women's sizes range in half-sizes from 5 to 10, and also in 11. Both men's and women's sizes are available in normal and wide.
  
   
• While this is subjective, the boots fit very well, especially around the heel (snug, as it should be) and in the toe box (which has plenty of room, as it should be). I have never experienced any blisters in these boots, having worn them over 200 miles so far.
  
   
• Compared to many other boots that I have used, the break-in period is not huge, although there is a break-in period. Again, this is a subjective figure, but I feel it took about 100 miles before they felt "just right". While a 100 miles might seem a lot, it is a lot less than some boots.
  
   
• The boots are waterproof. This is due to the DWR on the surface of the boots, and because of the Gore-Tex liner. I have yet to get wet feet in them. Many "experts" say that a Gore-Tex liner is not necessary to keep boots dry and that properly designed boots with a DWR coating that is properly maintained is all that is necessary for water protection. I have also heard that Gore-Tex liners make boots too hot and they don't breath well-enough. Well, I am not a technical expert and have not been able to test the Torre's for the above concerns, but based on my personal experience, the boots are waterproof and they are not unnecessarily hot. I have worn them on many occasions when the temperatures have exceeded 90 degrees, and while they are warm (every boot will be), they are not uncomfortably so. With a good pair of wool socks, most moisture will be wicked away from your feet, keeping them more than dry enough.
  
   
• The Torre's uppers are made of waterproof Nubuck (leather), with a suede-like appearance. The toe cap is made out of rubber, which I like because this is one of the areas of any boot that get the most abuse. The bottom of the boot has a Vibram surface which seems to grip most surfaces very well.
  
   
• Support is good. I have not tried them wearing a very heavy pack (I have a bad back), but I have not experienced any support issues. The boots fully cover and protect the ankle.
  
   
• Lacing the boots is easy and allows you to adjust the lace in order for the boot to better fit your feet. Generally speaking, you will want to lace your boots tightly so that they don't slip. I also double-tie knots in the laces so that they don't come undone.
  
   
• On average, the men's boots weigh about 1 pound 11 ounces, and women's boots weight about 1 pound 6 ounces. This light weight makes them all that more comfortable.
  
   
• And they look good, even though you can only get them in one color (bark/sand).

The Torre's are a good all-around hiking boot that will meet most people's expectations for a comfortable fit.

Using the Montrail Torre GTX Hiking Boots in the Real World

I have used my Torre's for over a year now, and in almost all conditions, and they have served me well. I wear them with either lightweight or standard wool socks, and they have always been comfortable, even during the break-in period.

For very cold weather, or for mountaineering, you will want to find other boots.

Like any hiking boots, you will need to take good care of them. For example, keep them clean (inside and outside), and as needed, protect them with a coat Nikwax Nubuck & Suede, for example.

Recommendation

The Montrail Torre GTX hiking boots are indeed world class. But before you invest in a pair, I suggest you try them on in order to see if they fit your feet well or not. This is the same advice I give for fitting any boot, as all most boot models are slightly different and may or may not fit your particular feet, even though the size may be correct.

I recommend these books for day hiking, backpacking, and trekking. They are good for temperatures from the nineties all the way down to about 10-15 degrees or so.

Product Notes

The Montrail Torre GTX hiking boots suggested retail price is $150.00. Montrail also makes a version of the Torre (but not in wide width) without the Gore-Tex liner, but I have not tried them.