As a field going wildlife biologist and Federal Land Manager of over 38 years I depend on my feet to get me where I need to go to make a living. This review is based on my use of the boot as a field biologist, and not a sponsored user or anyone who receives a discount for reviewing products. I am also a hunter that frequents Alaska and in other states on an annual basis. I hunt about everything with fur and feathers but this review is all about my use of the boots as a field biologist. Living in the Intermountain West in variable terrain, having the right boot fit an quality makes a difference. I rely on my Lathrup and Sons mountain hunter elite boots in steep, rough, rocky terrain when I'm conducting habitat surveys for mountain goats and in steep walled slot canyons calling for Mexican spotted owls. The elite boot has been perfect for any of the steep, technical terrain I work in on a regular basis. I've tried a lot of boot brands and models over the nearly 4 decades of work and until I started wearing Lathrup and Sons boots my feet were always sore after hiking., especially in these rough habitat conditions. Since switching to the mountain hunter elite model I do not have sore ankles, toes, or other parts of my feet. The unique lacing system helps me to tighten these boot so I don't get hot spots and sore feet. I highly recommend the mountain hunter elite boot if you are frequenting these types of landscapes. I have found them to be very tough and wear well. They are truly waterproof and do what the company says they were built to do.
A few words about customer service. I have a vivid memory calling Steven while I was in the field in Utah hiking in an extremely steep rugged area. I called Stephen asking for his help because I accidently cut the boot stitching on sharp rock near the toe box and I could see soil, grit and sand was entering into the the boot in the tongue area. Concerned for the Gore-Tex liner in the boot I called Stephen while side sloping this hill. He gave me suggestions on how to try and get rid of the material that could have impacted the Gore-Tex liner and suggested I send them in immediately for repair. Stephen assured me that they could complete the repair quickly, and have the boot back to me in a few days. Stephen fulfilled his promise and I was back at it a few days. I am not aware of any other boot company where you can call and speak to one of the owners, discuss your problem and have them commit to a process for repair n make it happen. I appreciate the fact that I can call either Stephen or James for advise and assistance anytime. If they are unavailable at the time of your call, they will ALWAYS call you back. This is true service at its finest. For the best boots of your life, buys a pair of Lathrup and Sons boots, they have several models to chose from.
