Women's Hi-Tec Bandera Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Boots

dawn: Exactly what I wanted

United States on Oct 20, 2023

Kelly S: I ended up giving these to my hubby, who normally wears a size 9 Men's and these were just big enough. I wear 10.5-11 and these were narrow and way too tight. Nicely made boot though, and it was a warehouse deal and only cost $37.00!

Canada on Mar 11, 2022

NJB: I'm a long time Hi-Tec wearer - I ordered 3 pairs of various Hi-Tec models, had to send them all back because they were too small - so I re-ordered in a half-size larger & they're great!

I have issues with my toes, so I need a lot of room in the toe box but going up a half size tends to make the overall boot too large - I counter this by wearing shoe inserts & heavy socks (I have foot problems anyway). So these now fit great - super comfy inner soles, your feet just 'smoosh' into them!! And I love the color mixes - grey & pink, taupe & pinky-purples - so cool, so glad we've gotten away from brown-tan only!

I must note, too, that the negative reviews tended to be women wearing these for daily use on the farm and/or landscaping, and then complaining because the boots started to separate/tear after 6 months. These are $45 dollar hiking boots!!! They are not going to stand up to rough wear, wet conditions...I don't mean to sound arrogant, but if you need a heavy duty boot you have to shell out a couple hundred bucks for them. I buy these Hi-Tec for my office-type job or tooling around on weekends, I have a well worn pair of $250 boots for heavy duty...

United States on Sep 04, 2021

val: I bought to go walk on a verry rough uncleared path in the woods and these saved my life and ankles!!!

Canada on Sep 01, 2021

Chaz: I think these run a teeny bit small. I wear an exact 8 but always buy any boots in a full size bigger (I like to wear really thick socks). I ordered a 9 and found them to fit just right - so no thick socks with these I'm afraid. Not sure if a 10 would have been too big so sticking with the 9. I literally put these on and went on a hike. Absolutely no rubbing anywhere. Was good to go at the start and still uber comfortable. Great hiking boots. Haven't lept in any puddles yet and don't intend to so not sure if they are waterproof. : )

Canada on Aug 24, 2021

Michelle: Would have loved to love this boot but unfortunately, not this time. It is too short, despite my ordering my regular size 7, my big toe if hitting the tip of the shoe. The insole is too hard for me. No cushioning to my liking.
This is my second pair of these high cut shoes in different brands and I am having to return both. The first pair was by Merrell
From now on, I will order the next size up and I will no longer try to fit in a high cut shoe.
I will keep looking for a hiking shoe that better meets my needs for my daily walks

Canada on Jan 15, 2021

two_girlstwo_girls: I purchased these as I needed a hiking boot and the price was right, except the right price was only in 'pink'. I wasn't thrilled about the color, but once I received them they were actually nicer in person and grew on me.
The first time I wore them was for a 4 mile walk. The only problem I had was rubbing on my outside ankle. I managed to push my pants down in, adjust the lace and I was ok. The second time I had the same issue, but not as bad. The third time and since I've not had an issue with rubbing on the inside of my ankle. I do tuck my pants inside them, which may have helped. My biggest annoyance is all the little pebbles and dirt that kicks up and goes into my boot. I usually have to take them off once to empty them.
I have worn them in below freezing temps, in snow and rain, my feet never got wet. I have not actually put my feet in water above the lace line to see if they leak. I did order a size up as I have wide feet, I have plenty of room in the toe box so I can wear heavier socks if necessary without feeling tight, but they are not so big that they feel loose.

United States on Dec 13, 2019

Ingrid: I wear size 8. Ordered these in 8 and the fit is too close for a hiking boot, no room for socks. However I found the boots to be very cute and otherwise comfortable, so I ordered size 9 (8.5 wasn't available). However 9 is considerably clunkier, thicker and heavier looking. Despite being comfortable, I just cannot stand how bulky they look in size 9. Returning both pairs, with a heavy heart. 😁

Canada on Jun 15, 2019

SaraJane77: Do not think you can just pop these boots on and hit the trails. They 100% need to be broken in, and they also need extra insoles. I also recommend wicking socks because these boots are HOT. I ordered a 7.5 and they are true to size, however, if laces loosen slightly, my feet slip forward and my toes get crowded. So far, waterproof is accurate. I ordered these to replace a discontinued timberland hiker that I wore until basically disintegrated. I use them for hard walking on concrete in a dirty/damp warehouse setting, 10-15 miles, 7 hours per day. First day worn was rough. Second day was better with new insoles. Hoping the third day will be better yet. So far, okay for the price.

**2 week update**:
After breaking these size 7.5 boots in for a couple weeks and adding a plush memory foam insert, they are great. They are still very warm, but with winter approaching here in the north east, I don't mind too much. They don't allow my feet to breath so I must remove the inserts after each use and I sprinkle a little powder in them each morning. I am comfortable walking on concrete all day and they still seem to keep water out.

United States on Sep 28, 2017

Julianne S: The regular inserts that come with these boots are just not enough to give me enough arch support, but having VERY high arches, it goes without saying that I have to replace all factory included inserts with better support. They are taking a bit to break in, but I expect that with all hiking boots as well.

Most of the problems that people have in some of the reviews seem to be things that can easily be remedied by knowing how to properly break in hiking boots/shoes and how to lace them to help with certain foot issues. Having flat feet, high arches, and other problems can be helped with buying inserts that address any kind of foot types. Lacing in a way to make sure your feet don't slide, have more room at the toe, or to lace up more securely for narrow feet can also make any hiking boot more comfortable. A quick search for "hiking boot lacing techniques" can show you how.

Breaking them in does not happen over night. Start slow and wear them for a few hours, then take short hikes and slowly build up from there. Everyone's feet are different, and no matter what there are liable to be places that rub. Wear for sort periods of time and find out where they are rubbing,...

United States on Dec 01, 2015