Gear Review: Ahnu Elkridge Mid Hiking Boots…
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For quite a while I was almost exclusively trail running whenever I went out. Hitting the local trails was more about training than hiking, pushing for a faster time and keeping the trails under 10 miles. As a result, I had several pairs of trail running shoes and no hiking boots for more rugged hikes. I started shopping around, looking for something I could use as an honest-to-goodness hiking boot. I can’t just order random shoes off the internet either, I really have to physically try every pair on to see what fits my grotesquely deformed unique feet. As a result, I’m limited to what I can find at the local REI (which doesn’t have the best selection).
I must have tried on a dozen styles and nearly as many brands trying to find a shoe that didn’t smash, squeeze or contort my hobbit feet like a medieval torture device. I was sorely disappointed at trying on some of the shoes I had drooled over online, just to find that they were horribly uncomfortable on my feet. It’s enough to make me forsake shoes altogether and follow Barefoot Jake and Bigfoot into the shoeless wilderness.
Then I saw a pair of mid-height boots from Ahnu, a company I’d never heard of. I had the REI associate bring me a pair and tried them on, expecting another miserable disappointment. But these boots seemed to fit well. I laced them both up and walked around for a while, looking for signs of pinching or rubbing but they fit perfectly. They also happened to be on sale. I was so elated at finding boots that didn’t hurt, I bought them.
What makes Ahnu boots different…
The Ahnu Elkridge Mid is a great boot. It’s a bit of a throwback, featuring classic styling and simple lug design. The shoes are designed with what Ahnu calls Numentum Hike Technology, a supportive sole assembly that “is engineered to center and guide the foot to promote balance when traversing trails”. I have to admit, it’s one of the most stable boots I’ve ever worn. The small TPU shank, mid-foot, provides substantial arch support and torsional rigidity. There’s also a shock dispersion plate designed into the forefoot to protect against bruising and fatigue from rocky, uneven terrain. All of these components make for a smooth, balanced, confident stride on the trail.
The Elkridge Mid has a soft, leather-lined collar and tongue which I have found to be amazingly comfortable. The main feature of this sweet boot is the eVent material used for the inner lining. This allows the boot to be breathable in the heat, allowing sweat to evaporate and wick away while still being a waterproof boot. I was a little concerned about this being a bogus claim, thinking the first time I used these in a wet environment I was going to be soggy and disappointed. But I’ve slogged through creeks and stomped through miles of wet snow in these boots without getting my socks wet. Overall pretty impressed with the eVent technology.
A boot for any terrain…
I’ve had my Ahnu Elkridge boots for almost a year now. The range of environments I’ve subjected them to have proven their versatility and functionality. They’ve climbed to high summits in the hot, dry Arizona summer. They’ve slogged through wet creeks and washes. I’ve worn them in icy 4 degree snow and steamy 100 degree heat. They’ve been reliable performers on the trail and comfortable enough to wear off the trail.
The lug design of the Vibram outsole is pretty simple. It’s aggressive enough to handle climbing rocky, rugged terrain but not so aggressive as to make walking on the flats awkward. I have found the sole to be grippy and effective in wet and dry conditions.
But will they last…
When I first got these, I had someone ask where they were made, questioning the durability. Ahnu does manufacture their products overseas (China). This alone has many doubting the durability and workmanship of the product (any product). I will admit to having some reservations about this myself. But after hundreds of miles in hot and cold, wet and dry environments, these shoes have held up amazingly well. I even left them outside for over a month during the summer, usually the kiss of death for most shoes, and they weathered it well. I am seeing little-to-no wear on the Vibram outsoles and the uppers are holding up beautifully (they picked up a slight color change when stained with red rock dust from Sedona). The leather liner at the collar and tongue is still soft and supple and showing no signs of degradation.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, I'm really happy with my purchase. I am comfortable and confident wearing these boots anywhere, on any terrain. They're light, breathable, waterproof and super comfortable on my poor abused feet. They've been rugged and tough, taking everything that Arizona can throw at them without a complaint. They are a little thin for spending a ton of time in the snow and can get cold, but in my mind, that's what socks are for. I would highly recommend these boots and would certainly look at trying out more of what Ahnu produces.
I dig these boots...
wildernessdave
wildernessdave
wildernessdave
wildernessdave
wildernessdave
wildernessdave
Nice review Dave. I’ve made the switch from trail runners to mid cut hiking boots too. Seems that boots are getting lighter and more flexible without sacrificing durability.
Thanks, Tim.
I still go out in the trail runners when I am looking for speed, but the hiking boots offer better protection in more aggressive or wet terrain. And they are impressively lightweight for what they are. I enjoy them.
Wow! That’s a shining review. Very thorough. What’s the weight on those puppies? My current Redwings are over 3 lbs for the pair. Heavy as hell.
Rich,
They are just under 1 lb each and mine are size 10.5. Not bad for mid-height waterproof boots.
D
Just out of curiosity, what is so deformed about your feet? High arches and wide in the toe box (he asks hopefully?)
Mark,
That about sums it up. I have extremely high arches. When I was born, my arches were so out of control my feet were misshapen and I had to wear casts for the first year of my life. I also spent the large majority of my 20′s wearing nothing but sandals, or going barefoot, so my feet have become very wide as well requiring a roomy toebox. I also have some permanent damage in my feet and ankles from various injuries over the years making flexibility difficult.