Get Altitude: The Hi-Tec V-Lite Altitude Ultra API Hiking Boots

The modern-day hiking boot requires versatility. After all, people who go hiking also have access to technology  like cars and GPS – it’s easy to alter one’s chosen terrain on a whim. That’s why hiking boots have to follow suit and meet all demands…at least if the boot is going to be worth the cost. Does the V-Lite Altitude Ultra API hiking boot deliver on these demands, or is it simply another way of strapping your feet in?

First, we should evaluate the most important aspects of a hiking boot: keeping moisture out and keeping you upright. This means that both grip and strength of waterproofing are high priorities. The V-Lite Altitude succeeds with high grades on both of these fronts with a high grade of leather that covers your feet and ankles incredibly well. On the grip side, there are no complaints: the Vibram outsole is, of course, awesome Vibram rubber.  Enough said.

What’s great about the V-Lite series is that the shoes all come up high along your ankle without constricting your movement, thus providing extra protection from the elements without really messing with your stride.  This will actually make it tempting to place a little extra wear and tear on the boot, and depending on your perspective, that can either be a good or a bad thing.  For a hiking boot, they are light-weight but don’t worry, they don’t scrimp on durability.

Ultimately, this hiking boot is exactly what many people are looking for. At $150, it’s right about where you would expect a solid hiking boot for the season to cost. It provides great waterproofing and its high ankle support not only makes it durable, but comfortable. It would be great if this boot came in more colors than simply chocolate/light taupe, but chances are if that you’re buying one of these boots, you don’t need a ton of extra frills to get your thrills.

The What:

This hiking boot is called: V-lite Altitude Ultra WPI by Hi-Tec.
Color tested: Chocolate/Light Taupe.

The Why:
Buy them if: you like (thumbs-up) light-weight hiking boots.
Forget them if: you already have your “hydro-management” merit badge.
Tested on: Rocky Mountain trails.
Highest and best use: we say, take a hike!

Tip: The fit is true to size.  Hi-Tec has come along way, and these won’t take that long to break-in.  This hiking boot is not as rigid as the typical “waterproof” leather uppers.  They seem to mold easily to your feet and the boots have plenty of padding to protect your ankles.

*Disclosure: shoes provided by Hi-Tec (MSRP $150). If you have a pair of shoes that need to be featured on shoesoftheday.com, contact us at reviews (at) shoesoftheday.com

Do you wonder where people look for  inspiration for shoes?   Check the Appenzeller Spitzhauben:

image courtesy of backyardchickens.com

Now check these shoes Boots of the day, the Joan Of Arctic™ by Sorel:

image courtesy of Zappos

I’m just sayin’.

Not sure where you can buy the chicken, but you can buy the Sorel Women’s Joan Of Arctic Reserve Snowboot here.

Twas  the night after shoe Christmas, by shoesoftheday.com.

Twas the night after shoe Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a person was standing, not even a mouse.
The stinky stockings were hung by the heater with care,
Because a soggy foot and a smelly shoe were filled there.

The children were all passed out from the ghastly smell,
While success stories of Dr. Scholls odor eaters some did tell.
And mamma with her mask, and me clasping my nose,
Had spotted the shoes from whence the smell arose.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the chair to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The spotlights on our house really made it glow,
outlined each shadow of the people below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But all from inside, with febreze and seeking fresh air.

With a serious shoe problem, I needed help quick,
I knew in a moment, shoes of the day would do the trick.
More rapid and rigorous reviews on shoes they came,
And typed in my browser, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now Nike! now, DC! now, Ugg, New Balance and Kashi!
On, Converse! On, Keen! on, Cole-Hann and Salomon!
To the top of the search results they did fall!
Now shoes away! Shoes away! Shoes of the day away all!”

He spoke not a word, but went straight to the reviews,
Bookmarking this website, finding his new pair of shoes.
Now peeling his fingers off of his nose,
And giving a nod, up from the computer he rose!

He sprang to the porch, to his family gave a loud yelp,
And they came wondering how he received such rapid shoe help.
But I heard him exclaim, a new pair of shoes is in sight,
“Happy Shoe Christmas to all, and to all a ‘shoes of the day’ night!”

Next year save your family from smelly feet – find your
next pair of shoes at shoes of the day DOT com!

Excerpts  from ‘Twas the Night before Christmas Poem
By Clement Moore

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true shoe love said to me, no more Uggs just give me…..12 drummers drumming!  Drummers will love this for Christmas:
Playstation – PS3 Rock Revolution Bundle w/ Drum Kit (One Color) – Electronics
Eleven pipers piping,  the real pipers shop at piperlime.com and will enjoy: Fantastic Finds Under $75 at Piperlime, Ten lords a-leaping, Get Max Air when you leap with this pair of basketball shoes:Nike – Air Max Elite II TB (White/Deep Forest-Metallic Silver) – Footwear
Nine ladies dancing, Dancing ladies’ tired feet need shoes that provide long-lasting comfort and relief like these: Salomon Women’s XT Wings WP Running Shoes
Eight maids a-milking, These are the optimal milking shoes: Women’s shoes: Vince Camuto Emala – Butterscotch
Seven swans a-swimming,  Seven out of ten people prefer these shoes while swimming: Rubber Duck – Snow Joggers (Gold Patent) – Footwear
Then there’s six geese a-Ugg-ing, 5 Gold-Ugg Pearles!  4 golfing Uggs,  3 Uggs – Coquettes, 72 degree uggs and a pair of Uggs with a Cedar shoe tree.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you shoe lovers out there!

On the fourth day of Christmas shoes of the day gave to me, a pair of Uggs to wear golfing,  3 Uggs – Coquettes, 72 degree uggs and a pair of Uggs with a Cedar shoe tree.

If you just can’t live without your Uggs, even on the golf course, the Ugg Tall furry boots would be your best bet – by far the coolest high-top golf shoes you will ever own.

Ugg-fortunately, Uggs don’t come with spikes – leave golfing for the FootJoy people.  Wait a second, maybe Uggs should connect with FootJoy and create the super-supple-soft-sheepskin-spike-soled shoes.  Those would make for some happy feet no matter the score!

….I’m headed to the club house for some Ugg-nog.

On the third day of Ugg-ness shoes of the day gave to me, 3 Uggs – Coquettes, 72 degree uggs and a pair of Uggs with a Cedar shoe tree.

Why?  Because these just sound french – say it out loud.  Come on, no one is listening. The shoes of the day: Ugg Slippers

Ugg supple slippers are not recommended for hurling at a President, as they are fully lined in the highest quality plush, luxurious sheepskin for comfort and warmth and detailed with a furry collar for added style.

On the second day of Christmas shoes of the day gave to me, two 72 degree Uggs, and Uggs with a Cedar shoe-tree.  The last time I checked, 72 degrees was shorts and flip-flop weather.  But having just returned from Newport Beach, you would think it was below freezing by the way the people were bundled in their Uggs, coats and scarves.  The Ugg “all season for any reason” shoe of the day:
Ugg – Ultra Short (Sand) – Footwear

But, the fire is so delightful……especially with this pair of sheepskin footwear!  Shorter height fits great under or over pants.  Pants and jingle bells sold separately.

On the first day of Christmas  shoes of the day gave to me, a pair of Uggs with a Cedar shoe tree.

Now you can keep yourself warm from the bottom of your kneecaps to the tips of your toes in the Ugg Ultra Talls!

Enjoy the shoes of the day:

And…the Cedar shoe tree of the day:

A perfect complement to our last shoe review. Why? Because we like these, and you need special shoes for trick-or-treating that won’t slip or slide on doormats and patio tile, and will still provide excellent support for the feet and ankles while running from house to house. Additionally, these should match any costume that is, uh…orange.

Shoes of the day: Men’s Merrell Barcelona Mid

Buy two pair! Mix and match with the 7307′s for a cornucopia of fall color!

“Lace-up boots are staging a comeback in the men’s aisle” say the Forbes Fashion Experts. We simply ask, when did men’s lace-up boots ever leave the fashion aisle?

These stylish boots from Alessandro Dell’Acqua should get some looks. Any boots or shoes that have bold grommet details, webbing heel pull on loop, full lace up front with metallic tongue embellishment and airplane numbers as descriptors, qualify for the shoes of the day:Alessandro Dell’Acqua – Men’s 7307

We would like to highlight on this boot three exceptional accents: The excellent consummate V stitching, the savory style of the gun-metal grommet accents and the shiny leather heel overlay.