Forsake Thatcher Low Top Hiking Boots – Women’s Review

First Impressions of Forsake Thatcher Low Top Hiking Boots – Women’s

The Forsake Thatcher Low Top Hiking Boots – Women’s are presented as a lightweight, breathable, and vegan-friendly option for warm-weather hiking and urban exploration. Forsake, a brand known for blending outdoor performance with everyday style, aims to provide a versatile shoe that transitions seamlessly from trail to pavement. The claim of a Peak-to-Pavement outsole, coupled with all-vegan materials, piqued my interest.

As someone who spends a significant amount of time both on hiking trails and navigating city streets, I was seeking a shoe that could handle both environments without sacrificing comfort or style. I needed a replacement for my aging trail runners that were starting to show their wear and tear, and I wanted something with a bit more support for longer hikes, but still lightweight enough for everyday wear. My decision was driven by the increasing need for versatile footwear that can handle light trails and urban environments.

Upon unboxing the Forsake Thatcher Low Top Hiking Boots – Women’s, I was immediately impressed by the clean design and the evident lightness of the shoe. The engineered mesh upper felt breathable to the touch, and the overall construction seemed solid. Compared to the Salomon X Ultra 4 (known for its aggressive grip), and the Merrell Moab 2 (a durable but heavier hiker), the Forsake Thatcher Low Top Hiking Boots – Women’s seemed to strike a good balance between weight, style and intended use. I picked these because they are vegan and more geared for summer.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. While the materials felt good, I was eager to see how they would hold up in real-world conditions and whether the Peak-to-Pavement outsole could truly deliver on its promise. I was excited at the prospect of finding a versatile hiking shoe that could seamlessly blend into my everyday life.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Forsake Thatcher Low Top Hiking Boots – Women’s to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test of the Forsake Thatcher Low Top Hiking Boots – Women’s was on a moderate 5-mile hike in the local state park. The trail consisted of packed dirt, some rocky sections, and a few stream crossings. The boots performed surprisingly well on the dry sections of the trail.

However, I quickly noticed that the breathability of the mesh upper was a significant advantage, preventing my feet from overheating during the warm afternoon hike. The ease of use was excellent. I experienced no blisters or hot spots, and the lacing system provided a secure and comfortable fit right out of the box.

One slight issue emerged during the stream crossings: while the shoes aren’t advertised as waterproof, I noticed they absorbed water relatively quickly, leading to slightly damp socks for the remainder of the hike.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Forsake Thatcher Low Top Hiking Boots – Women’s for both hiking and everyday wear, I have a better understanding of their strengths and limitations. The boots have held up well to regular use, showing minimal signs of wear and tear. The engineered mesh upper has proven to be durable and resistant to abrasions, and the sole still grips as needed.

I’ve primarily used them for light to moderate day hikes, averaging 5-8 miles, and they’ve remained comfortable throughout. Maintenance has been straightforward; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep them clean. Compared to my previous experiences with heavier hiking boots, the Forsake Thatcher Low Top Hiking Boots – Women’s offer a significant improvement in comfort and versatility.

They don’t outperform dedicated hiking boots on technical terrain, but they excel as a comfortable and stylish option for everyday adventures.

Breaking Down the Features of Forsake Thatcher Low Top Hiking Boots – Women’s

Specifications

• Weight: 14 oz. This lightweight design makes them ideal for long days on your feet.
• Footwear Upper Fabric/Material: Breathable Mesh, Full Grain Leather. The combination ensures breathability and durability.
• Outsole Material: Peak-to-Pavement. Designed to provide traction on both trails and city streets.
• Lining Material: Mesh. Enhances breathability and comfort.
• Footwear Closure: Laces. Offers a secure and adjustable fit.

These specifications are crucial because they define the versatility and comfort of the boot. The light weight prevents fatigue on longer hikes, while the Peak-to-Pavement outsole allows for seamless transitions between different terrains.

Performance & Functionality

The Forsake Thatcher Low Top Hiking Boots – Women’s perform admirably for their intended purpose: light to moderate hiking and everyday wear. The traction on the Peak-to-Pavement outsole is sufficient for most trails, providing a secure grip on dirt, gravel, and pavement. However, they’re not designed for technical terrain or very muddy conditions, where more aggressive lugs would be necessary.

The breathability of the mesh upper is a significant strength, keeping feet cool and dry in warm weather. The boots also offer decent arch support, contributing to overall comfort during longer hikes. One area that could be improved is the water resistance. While they’re not advertised as waterproof, a more water-resistant treatment on the upper would enhance their versatility.

They meet expectations as a comfortable and stylish hiking shoe for light trails and everyday wear.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Forsake Thatcher Low Top Hiking Boots – Women’s is impressive, especially considering their lightweight construction. The materials feel durable and well-assembled, and the stitching is clean and precise. The weight is a major plus, making them feel more like a trail runner than a traditional hiking boot.

The design is sleek and modern, making them suitable for both outdoor and urban environments. The lacing system is easy to use and allows for a customized fit. The Forsake Thatcher Low Top Hiking Boots – Women’s are user-friendly and require no break-in period.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Forsake Thatcher Low Top Hiking Boots – Women’s are likely to last for several seasons of regular use. The materials are resistant to abrasions and wear, and the sole shows minimal signs of degradation. Maintenance is simple; a quick cleaning with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.

More extensive cleaning may be required after particularly muddy hikes, but the materials are easy to care for. With proper care, these boots should provide reliable performance for a considerable time.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Forsake Thatcher Low Top Hiking Boots – Women’s do not come with many accessories, focusing instead on a minimalist design. The key feature is the LAVA XL anti-odor treatment, which helps to keep the boots fresh even after prolonged use. The boots are compatible with most aftermarket insoles, allowing users to customize the level of arch support and cushioning to their preference.

Standard hiking socks work well with these boots, but thicker socks may be necessary for colder conditions. Given their intended use, there are not a lot of customization options.

Pros and Cons of Forsake Thatcher Low Top Hiking Boots – Women’s