Ahnu Montara
Hiking boots and shoes differ based on the height of the boot to the heel. A hiking boot offers a higher collar that reaches mid-calf as opposed to a hiking shoe that stops around the ankle.
The primary advantage of a boot is the protection it offers the ankle. By being able to tighten the boot around the ankle, this secures the foot and helps avoid rolls.
The primary advantage of hiking shoes is having less material than a boot. Not only are they lighter and cooler but they also help delay leg fatigue. It is entirely up to the wearer which they prefer.
This article is a product review on the Ahnu Montara. This is a hiking boot offered by Ahnu, a popular outdoors and mountain brand. We analyzed the construction of the boot along with the materials used in order to determine its quality. We also looked at what consumers thought of this product from a performance, comfort and durability perspective. We hope this review helps you with your next hiking boot purchase. Happy travels!
Extremely comfortable
Attractive design
No break-in period
Lightweight
Some durability concerns
Additional sizing issues
SOLE COMPOSITION
Reviewers really appreciated their lightweight nature and yet stable design. They liked how Ahnu chose to use EVA and they felt that right out of the box, they were extremely comfortable.
TERRAIN
These are meant for hiking serious trails. Though many thought based on their weight that they would be better for shorter, lighter hikes, the found that they actually held up for extended, more vigorous ones.
TRACTION
Reviewers really appreciated their traction. They felt safe and secure on the trails and didn't feel like they were unable to climb even steep areas. They also really appreciated the durability of the outsole. Though they are lightweight and offer a thinner outsole, hikers didn't find that they could feel the rocks beneath their feet.
UPPER BUILD
Unfortunately, this was a small point of contention with some reviewers as they expected the uppers to be a little stronger than they actually are. It doesn't appear that the material itself is the issue though. It seems that the actual construction of the shoe let some reviewers down. Many found that the stitching started to break down relatively early in the life of them. This lead some reviewers to feel that they may not be made of quality materials, unfortunately.
SIZE & WEIGHT
The sizing, though, was debated a little online. Many found that they should have sized up with these. Though this was the case others found that the heel was a little too spacious causing them to wear thicker socks. This would be frustrating for those in warmer climates.
A benefit of them, though, is that they offer removable insoles meaning that they accommodate custom orthotics. It also means that if they are unreturnable at least a thicker outsole can accommodate too large of a boot. Though this isn't ideal at least there isn't money lost.
AIRFLOW AND WATERPROOFING
Those who bought these were really impressed with both their waterproofing and ventilation abilities. They not only survived a trip where every since one of the hiker's items ended up soaked (except her feet) but they also offer high levels of breathability. This helps protect against blisters and rubbing too. Overall, this area seems to be highly rated by consumers which is very important when considering hiking footwear.
COMFORT AND CUSHIONING
Due to the areas that are being stepped on, it's important that hiking footwear offer high levels of impact resistance. This will protect the hiker from shin splints as well as long term wear and tear to the knees, joints, and bones.
Reviwers found, right away, that they were incredibly comfortable. They required no break-in time and are extremely lightweight so they didn't weigh down the foot at all. In addition to this, the toe box is reportedly quite spacious and allows for more wiggle room of the toes. They are great for all experience levels as well as foot sizes (including wider set feet).
AESTHETICS
The aesthetic also helps with the cost value comparison. Because they are attractive in design they are a little more versatile, making them wearable more often. Reviewers were excited to show off these boots and rated them highly as a result.
LONGEVITY & OVERALL QUALITY
The primary issue that consumers found is that they seem to break down at the seams more than the material actually breaking down. The majority of buyers felt that they offered high levels of weather and water resistance over longer periods of time. It seems that there were more reviewers happy with the materials used and their overall quality than not. It should be kept in mind that there were still a fair few that didn't appreciate the stitching so knowing the stores return policy may be a good idea before fully investing in these.
SAFETY FEATURES
The outsoles feel thin but don't actually have any issues with feeling rocks beneath the feet which is really impressive. The materials used, though debated by reviewers, do seem to hold up well and offer high levels of protection for the hiker. In addition to all this, the stability features (discussed in more depth below) are also impressive, protecting the heel and ankle from damage when out on more rigorous terrain.
FLEXIBILITY
Reviewers appreciated the thin outsole as it allowed them to control their step a little better. They also appreciated how the flexibility of the boot worked with the stickiness of the outsole as this helped them feel safe and secure when on more questionable terrains.
SUPPORT & BALANCE
Reviewers liked the higher heel, noting that it helps with their balance and their stability. They also appreciated the support, noting that it was comfortable, required no breaking in and they could be worn for extended periods of time.
LACING SYSTEM
PRICE
KEY FEATURES
- Rubber toe caps for protection and durability
- eVent membrane for protection from the elements
- Leather collar for comfort and protection
- High-quality materials and attractive aesthetic
- Vibram rubber outsole for traction and durability
- Dual-density midsole for support and impact reduction
- Attractive design and multiple color options for individual style