FOR the past few months I’ve been trialling a pair of lace-up walking boots from outdoor outfitter, Ridgeline. Not having worn this style of boot for some years – the last was a pair of another brand bought for a rock fishing expedition in NZ – the Apaches took a little time to get used to.
To “break in” the boots I wore them on walks on some reasonably easy bush tracks close to home. From the first outing it was obvious these boots were made to last, even in extremely rugged conditions. This also probably pointed to why, being a “mid-cut” design, they felt a bit stiff against the shins the first couple of times out. The more I wore the boots though, the more pliable in this area, and very comfortable overall, they became.
Probably the best test for the Apaches to date was during a recent bass filming session for Fisho. While the walk into the river we’d planned to fish was fairly easy going, for the most part, once we reached water level the going got tough. We had to negotiate our way through thick rugged bush, climb boulders and mossy rocks and wade shallow pools.
In this sort of terrain the worth of a quality pair of boots like the Apaches can’t be overstated. A couple of times I tripped and fell or somehow got a foot wedged between rocks, or in a hole. The Apaches thankfully provide good ankle support, which helps prevent the chances of suffering a serious foot injury. This is a serious safety consideration when you’re planning on fishing a long walk from your car, or help.
As mentioned, these boots feel like they’re made to last many years of reliable use. This expectation comes from the boot’s overall durable feel, which starts from the ground up. The Apaches feature rubber composite “Hyper Grip” soles that provide excellent overall grip, even on wet rocks. For added durability this tough sole extends well up onto the waterproof Nubuck leather outer, which is both soft and so far, nicely durable.
The boot’s thick padding and 3M’s Thinsulate insulated inner design combine to keep the wearer’s feet comfortable and warm. In this department the Apache boots definitely excel. After several hours of constant wear, my feet have definitely benefited!
These boots are also easy to keep clean. While it’s recommended to coat the leather with a protective product, mine still like new after having only been brushed and wiped with a damp cloth to remove mud and dirt.
If you’re after boots for general fishing, hiking, camping and outdoor use, you should check out the Ridgeline Apaches. They’re available in US sizes 7-15 and the RRP is $169.95.
More info available at: www.ridgelineclothing.com.au
