LaCrosse Footwear Mountain 600 4.5in Boots – Men’s Review

First Impressions of LaCrosse Footwear Mountain 600 4.5in Boots – Men’s

The LaCrosse Footwear Mountain 600 4.5in Boots – Men’s promise a blend of classic aesthetics and modern performance. Manufactured by LaCrosse Footwear, these boots aim to bridge the gap between traditional hiking boot styling and lightweight, athletic functionality. They sport a full-grain leather upper, Danner Dry waterproof protection, and a Vibram SPE midsole.

I’d been searching for a shorter hiking boot that could handle day hikes and casual outdoor excursions. My old, full-height hikers felt overkill for shorter trails and less demanding terrain. I was looking for something lighter and more flexible, but still waterproof and durable enough to handle unpredictable conditions.

Unboxing the LaCrosse Footwear Mountain 600 4.5in Boots – Men’s was a pleasant experience. The boots felt surprisingly light, especially considering their leather construction, and the dark earth and chocolate chip color combination gives them a rugged, yet stylish look. The leather felt supple and well-stitched, suggesting a solid build quality.

I considered the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX and the Merrell Moab 2 Vent Mid as alternatives. I ultimately chose the LaCrosse Footwear Mountain 600 4.5in Boots – Men’s because I was drawn to their classic leather look and the promise of a more durable, recraftable construction. The other boots felt more like athletic shoes with ankle support, whereas the Mountain 600 seemed to offer a more traditional boot experience with modern tech.

My first impression was excitement; they seemed like a well-made, versatile boot that could handle a variety of outdoor activities. I couldn’t wait to hit the trails and see how they performed.


Real-World Testing: Putting LaCrosse Footwear Mountain 600 4.5in Boots – Men’s to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the LaCrosse Footwear Mountain 600 4.5in Boots – Men’s on a moderate 5-mile hike in the foothills near my home. The trail was a mix of dirt, gravel, and some rocky sections. I wanted to assess their comfort, traction, and overall performance on a relatively easy hike before tackling anything more challenging.

The weather was dry, but the trail had some lingering damp spots from a recent rain. The Vibram Fuga outsole performed admirably, providing solid grip on both the dry and slightly wet surfaces. I was impressed with the level of comfort straight out of the box, with minimal break-in required.

I noticed a bit of heel slippage on steeper inclines initially. After tightening the laces more securely, this issue was resolved.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including multiple hikes and some light yard work, the LaCrosse Footwear Mountain 600 4.5in Boots – Men’s have held up well. The leather has conformed to my feet, making them even more comfortable with each wear. There are a few minor scuffs on the leather, but nothing that detracts from their overall appearance or performance.

The boots still look almost new, with the soles showing minimal wear. Cleaning them is simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth removes most dirt and debris. They are easy to maintain, and the recraftable nature of the boot gives me confidence in their long-term durability.

I previously used a pair of similar hiking boots from another brand. The LaCrosse Footwear Mountain 600 4.5in Boots – Men’s definitely outperform them in terms of comfort and traction, especially on varied terrain.

Breaking Down the Features of LaCrosse Footwear Mountain 600 4.5in Boots – Men’s

Specifications

The LaCrosse Footwear Mountain 600 4.5in Boots – Men’s boasts several notable specifications. They weigh 37 oz per pair, are made with a suede upper, and feature a Danner Dry waterproof lining. The midsole is made of Vibram SPE, and the outsole is Vibram Fuga.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the boot’s performance and comfort. The suede upper provides durability and a classic look, while the Danner Dry lining ensures waterproof protection. The Vibram SPE midsole offers excellent cushioning without adding excessive weight, and the Vibram Fuga outsole provides superior grip on various surfaces.

Performance & Functionality

The LaCrosse Footwear Mountain 600 4.5in Boots – Men’s perform admirably in a variety of conditions. They provide excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces, thanks to the Vibram Fuga outsole. The Danner Dry waterproof lining keeps feet dry in wet conditions.

The boot’s main strength is its versatility and comfort. The slightly shorter 4.5-inch height offers a good balance of ankle support and freedom of movement. I find that the heel cup needs further refinements, as there are some heel slippage issues for some users.

The boots meet expectations as a lightweight, comfortable, and waterproof hiking option.

Design & Ergonomics

The LaCrosse Footwear Mountain 600 4.5in Boots – Men’s feature a classic hiking boot design with a modern twist. The suede upper is both durable and aesthetically pleasing, and the overall build quality feels solid and well-crafted. They’re easy to wear thanks to the lacing design, with no steep learning curve.

The boots are relatively lightweight and comfortable on the foot. They offer ample cushioning and support, making them suitable for extended wear.

Durability & Maintenance

The LaCrosse Footwear Mountain 600 4.5in Boots – Men’s appear to be built to last. The full-grain leather upper is resistant to abrasions and scuffs, and the Vibram outsole is known for its durability. With proper care, these boots should provide years of reliable service.

Maintaining the boots is relatively easy. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional leather conditioning will help keep them in top condition. The fact that these boots are recraftable is a huge advantage.

Accessories and Customization Options

The LaCrosse Footwear Mountain 600 4.5in Boots – Men’s come with a removable OrthoLite footbed for added comfort and support. While there are no specific customization options offered directly by LaCrosse Footwear, the boots are compatible with aftermarket insoles. You can swap the factory insoles for something with more arch support or cushioning if desired.

The boots can also be resoled, further extending their lifespan.

Pros and Cons of LaCrosse Footwear Mountain 600 4.5in Boots – Men’s

Pros

  • The Vibram Fuga outsole provides excellent grip on wet and dry surfaces.
  • The Danner Dry lining keeps feet dry and comfortable in wet conditions.
  • The Vibram SPE midsole offers excellent cushioning without adding excessive weight.
  • The boots are stylish and versatile, suitable for both hiking and casual wear.
  • They are recraftable, extending their lifespan and value.

Cons

  • Some users may experience slight heel slippage, especially on steep inclines.
  • The suede upper can be susceptible to staining if not properly cared for.


Who Should Buy LaCrosse Footwear Mountain 600 4.5in Boots – Men’s?

The LaCrosse Footwear Mountain 600 4.5in Boots – Men’s are perfect for hikers who prefer a shorter, more lightweight boot. They’re also well-suited for casual outdoor enthusiasts who want a versatile boot that can handle various activities. These boots are a good fit for those who appreciate classic styling and durable construction.

Individuals who need maximum ankle support or frequently hike in extremely rugged terrain might want to consider a taller boot. Someone seeking a highly breathable, non-waterproof boot for hot weather should also avoid this model.

A good pair of hiking socks is a must-have accessory. Consider aftermarket insoles if you need more arch support than the included OrthoLite footbed provides.

Conclusion on LaCrosse Footwear Mountain 600 4.5in Boots – Men’s

The LaCrosse Footwear Mountain 600 4.5in Boots – Men’s are a well-designed and versatile hiking boot that blends classic styling with modern performance features. They offer excellent traction, waterproof protection, and all-day comfort. The quality materials used in the boot’s construction makes the price point justified.

I would definitely recommend these boots to anyone looking for a lightweight, comfortable, and durable hiking option. The LaCrosse Footwear Mountain 600 4.5in Boots – Men’s is an excellent choice. Go ahead and get yourself a pair!

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