First Impressions of LaCrosse Footwear Logger 917 Cap Toe GTX Shoes – Men’s
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’m always on the lookout for footwear that bridges the gap between rugged durability and everyday comfort. The LaCrosse Footwear Logger 917 Cap Toe GTX Shoes – Men’s caught my eye with its promise of combining the classic logging boot aesthetic with modern materials like GORE-TEX and Vibram. LaCrosse Footwear positions this shoe as a blend of performance and style, suitable for both demanding outdoor adventures and casual urban environments, a claim I was eager to verify.
I was searching for a pair of shoes that could handle light hiking and muddy trails without sacrificing comfort during longer periods of wear. I also needed something waterproof for unpredictable weather. The Logger 917’s combination of full-grain leather, GORE-TEX lining, and Vibram outsole seemed like a perfect fit, promising both protection and comfort.
Upon unboxing, the LaCrosse Footwear Logger 917 Cap Toe GTX Shoes – Men’s exuded quality. The full-grain leather upper felt substantial and well-constructed. The weight, at 36 oz per shoe, felt appropriate for its intended use – not too heavy to be cumbersome, but substantial enough to inspire confidence.
Compared to my other hiking shoes (a Salomon X Ultra 4 and a pair of Merrell Moab 2s), the Logger 917 stands out with its more traditional work boot aesthetic. While the Salomon and Merrell prioritize lightweight agility, the LaCrosse Footwear Logger 917 Cap Toe GTX Shoes – Men’s appears to prioritize robust durability. I chose the Logger 917 hoping for better long-term wear and tear resistance without completely sacrificing comfort.
Initially, I was impressed with the overall construction and materials. I was excited to see how the GORE-TEX liner would perform in wet conditions and how the Vibram sole would handle varied terrain. My first impression was one of optimistic anticipation.
Real-World Testing: Putting LaCrosse Footwear Logger 917 Cap Toe GTX Shoes – Men’s to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the LaCrosse Footwear Logger 917 Cap Toe GTX Shoes – Men’s on a day hike in the Cascade Mountains. The trail involved a mix of dry dirt, rocky sections, and a few stream crossings.
The shoes performed admirably in the varied conditions, providing solid traction on both wet and dry surfaces. I experienced no slippage on the rocks, and the GORE-TEX liner kept my feet completely dry during the stream crossings. They felt stiff initially, but conformed to my feet relatively quickly.
There were no immediate issues after the first use. The shoes were comfortable enough for a 5-mile hike. I was pleasantly surprised by the initial performance of the Vibram sole and the effectiveness of the GORE-TEX liner.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple hikes, a weekend camping trip, and some general yard work, the LaCrosse Footwear Logger 917 Cap Toe GTX Shoes – Men’s have proven to be quite reliable. The leather has softened slightly, improving overall comfort.
The durability has been excellent, with no significant signs of wear and tear. The full-grain leather upper has resisted scuffs and abrasions remarkably well. The Vibram sole still shows minimal wear, indicating its long-lasting construction.
Maintenance is relatively easy; I simply wipe them down with a damp cloth after each use. Applying a leather conditioner every few weeks helps to maintain the leather’s suppleness and water resistance. Compared to my previous experiences with other hiking shoes, the Logger 917 has outperformed in terms of durability and weather resistance.
Breaking Down the Features of LaCrosse Footwear Logger 917 Cap Toe GTX Shoes – Men’s
Specifications
The LaCrosse Footwear Logger 917 Cap Toe GTX Shoes – Men’s feature a full-grain leather upper, providing excellent durability and water resistance. The GORE-TEX liner ensures complete waterproofing and breathability, keeping feet dry and comfortable in various conditions. The shoe is built on LaCrosse Footwear’s modernized stitchdown construction for a wider platform and comfortable, flexible finish.
The Vibram SPE Midsole offers cushioning and support while being more durable than traditional EVA. The Vibram 917 Outsole features an XS Trek rubber compound for optimal traction in both wet and dry conditions. The shoe weighs 36 oz per shoe.
The OrthoLite footbed offers three layers of varying density for maximum cushioning and support. The footbed is also removable for easy cleaning or replacement with custom insoles. These specifications matter because they directly impact the shoe’s performance in demanding outdoor environments.
Performance & Functionality
The LaCrosse Footwear Logger 917 Cap Toe GTX Shoes – Men’s performs exceptionally well in its intended role as a versatile outdoor shoe. The waterproofing is reliable, and the traction is excellent on varied terrain. The shoe is comfortable enough for extended wear, though it does require a short break-in period.
One strength is the exceptional waterproofing provided by the GORE-TEX liner. One area for improvement might be the initial stiffness of the leather upper. Overall, it meets and slightly exceeds my expectations for a shoe in this category.
Design & Ergonomics
The Logger 917 features a classic logging boot design with a cap toe and a refined aesthetic. The build quality is excellent, with durable materials and solid construction. The weight is noticeable but not excessive, and the shoe feels comfortable and supportive on the foot.
The design is user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. The lacing system is straightforward and allows for a secure and customizable fit. The OrthoLite footbed provides good arch support and cushioning.
Durability & Maintenance
The LaCrosse Footwear Logger 917 Cap Toe GTX Shoes – Men’s is built to last. The full-grain leather upper and Vibram outsole are highly durable and resistant to wear and tear. With proper care and maintenance, these shoes should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and conditioning. LaCrosse Footwear also offers recrafting services, extending the life of the boot by replacing worn-out components. Note that the liner cannot be replaced due to the shoe’s construction, but resoling, stretching and basic packages are available.
Accessories and Customization Options
The LaCrosse Footwear Logger 917 Cap Toe GTX Shoes – Men’s comes with two lace options, allowing for some aesthetic customization. While no specific accessories are included, the removable OrthoLite footbed can be replaced with custom insoles for improved comfort or support.
The shoe is compatible with standard aftermarket laces and insoles. Other customization options are limited due to the shoe’s design, but the focus is on durability and performance rather than extensive modification.
Pros and Cons of LaCrosse Footwear Logger 917 Cap Toe GTX Shoes – Men’s
Pros
- Excellent waterproofing thanks to the GORE-TEX liner.
- Durable full-grain leather upper for long-lasting wear.
- Vibram outsole provides exceptional traction on various surfaces.
- Comfortable Vibram SPE midsole for cushioning and support.
- Classic logging boot aesthetic with a refined style.
Cons
- Initial stiffness of the leather upper requires a break-in period.
- Weight of 36 oz per shoe may be noticeable for some users.
Who Should Buy LaCrosse Footwear Logger 917 Cap Toe GTX Shoes – Men’s?
The LaCrosse Footwear Logger 917 Cap Toe GTX Shoes – Men’s are perfect for hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who needs a durable and waterproof shoe for everyday wear. These shoes are also an excellent choice for individuals who appreciate the classic logging boot style but require modern performance features.
Individuals looking for extremely lightweight and flexible footwear should skip this product. Those with very wide feet might also find the “D” width to be restrictive.
Must-have accessories include a good quality leather conditioner to maintain the upper and potentially aftermarket insoles if you require more arch support than the standard OrthoLite footbed provides.
Conclusion on LaCrosse Footwear Logger 917 Cap Toe GTX Shoes – Men’s
The LaCrosse Footwear Logger 917 Cap Toe GTX Shoes – Men’s successfully blend classic aesthetics with modern performance. The durable construction, reliable waterproofing, and excellent traction make it a versatile choice for various outdoor activities and everyday wear.
At $239.95, the price is justified by the quality of materials and construction, as well as the proven performance of the GORE-TEX liner and Vibram outsole. I would personally recommend the LaCrosse Footwear Logger 917 Cap Toe GTX Shoes – Men’s to anyone looking for a durable, waterproof, and stylish shoe that can handle demanding environments. Experience the blend of heritage and performance for yourself.