Let's be honest, you hate winter camping and you've certainly never been to Base Camp. But that doesn't mean you wouldn't benefit from a little extra performance. The Pilot's waterproof / breathable membrane keeps you dry and comfortable in adverse conditions while a rugged outsole and dual-density EVA midsole provide traction and stability on sketchy surfaces. No frills, no gimmicks. Just practical technology for everyday use.
B**E
May cause foot injury
The shoes are very stiff, which injured the bones in my feet after walking only short distances. Also, the shoes don't breathe, which made my feet very sweaty. Bought these from Sportsman's Guide because they were only $50 and had positive reviews. Returned to avoid greater injury.
D**K
Great shoe, great hikes, no blisters
Excellent shoe, I have it in black and I wear it all the time. I took it on a hiking trip to Mesa Verde, Grand Canyon and Zion National Park in Utah and it stood up to some of the toughest terrain that America has to offer (with no blisters).Love it, love Forsake, keep producing great stuff!
D**N
Unreal
I can't believe how perfect these shoes are. I've been wearing them for five months, about every day, between the NYC autumn/winter and the winter in Upstate New York. They still look and feel brand new.It's been hard for me to find a brand that nails every component I desire/need - quality, style, comfort, and durability. I've tried many casual hikers over the years, but nothing has come close to Forsake. I jumped on their Kickstarter in its early phase, so I got them for a lot less than the current list price, but I'm certain I'll buy them again when I need a new pair (which, judging by the current state of my Forsakes, won't be for a long, long time).I would recommend trying them on first in-store if you can, but here's the bottom line: if you are looking for a quality shoe that you can wear in the rain/snow/club/mud/street/kiddie pool filled with beer, look no further and buy these shoes.UPDATE - almost 1 year later I have to update this review because I'm in literal disbelief when it comes to how well these shoes have held up. I have worn them about 60% of the time (averaging > every other day) for everything from hiking to commuting by subway and in all weather conditions. The stitching is unchanged. There are hardly any scuffs on the exterior material, so they still look brand new (I'm tough on my shoes so I don't really understand how this happened, but it did). The soles, often the first thing to go in shoes in this price range and design category, seem completely unworn. Hell, even the laces haven't needed changing. I can wear them through ankle-high water and not feel a drop. I can wear them into a snow bank and my feet stay warm. I really hope this apparent craftsmanship continues in future runs of this model. I'm a huge fan, and recommend these to anyone.
E**K
All around great boots
From the great fit to the durability these are great shoes for the cool, wet weather. The solid construction of the shoes make for a great fit and waterproof experience. I'd definitely get another pair of these.
J**K
Redefined Versatility
I love my Forsakes! I got a pair of these about three months ago for use in a variety of conditions... I hike once or twice per month but even more importantly, I wanted a shoe that could be used in place of buying a new pair of sneakers and a pair of winter walking shoes. I have put these on these just about every day since I got them and have been very impressed with how well they wear. I have abused them too (a few 4,000+ foot hikes, snowshoeing, camp fires, concerts and DJing) and they look like they did the day I got them. I am eager to wear them in the winter too.In regards to sizing, I read a couple of reviews online in which people expressed concern over small sizes. Mine felt snug when I got them the first day, but as the leather broke in, I found that they fit perfectly.
A**W
Comfortable, functional, great looking all around boot
I bought these as snow boots last winter since we got slammed with the white stuff here in Boston. I was sick and tired of snow boots that looked like snow boots, and really wanted something more stylish that I could wear around town without looking like I'm on my way to the mountain. Not only did these fit the bill, but I found them so comfortable that I ended up wearing them virtually every day last winter. They're incredibly light weight compared to other boots of similar size/style/function, which was a really pleasant surprise. All in all I'm beyond thrilled with my Pilots, and have already bought other pairs of Forsakes as a result.
A**X
Great foot wear
These are excellent boots for general winter wear and light hiking. I've owned my pair since late last fall and wore them pretty much exclusively until later in the spring (they are warm for summer months). They look fantastic, are extremely comfortable, and keep my feet warm and dry, no matter what weather New England has in store for me. My feet tend to run a little bit wide, and these feel great to me. After almost a year, they've held up as I expected them too. Some of the other comments mentioned the scuffs that develop on the leather around the toe area, but I actually like the way they wear over time.
E**E
Function and Style, Together At Last
Only seriously. Forsake has found the perfect balance of shoes that look great, are totally waterproof (favorite feature), and are comfortable for long periods of time. As an honest testament to their functionality, these are the only shoes I've ever owned that have been on my feet in a nice(ish) restaurant AND at the summit of Mt. Mansfield in Vermont. That's the mark of a great product.As a note on the fit of the shoes, they're comfortably true to size. The shoes are a snug feel, but never come across as too tight.
