Ok it’s been a solid 5 months since I purchase the Bestard Canyon guide boots and in that time they have taken me on approximately 32 trips. Mostly  canyons but with some creek walking and the occassional normal bush walk too so I thought it time to give an updated review.

 

You can read my intial thoughts here

 

 

Price.

As stated in the earlier review I got mine on special from the Canyonstore online. After postage they worked out to be a bit over $200.

About 1 week after I ordered them I heard of a new shop openning in Katoomba that was to stock them,

Adventure Base Katoomba have them listed as $250. Which isn’t too shabby, and probably a touch cheaper than what I would have gotten mine for if not for the special.

Looks.

I said it before I’ll say it again? They are friggin moon boots straight from a dodgy 80’s sci-fi show. Cool if you are into that sort of thing.

Though I do believe they have mellowed a bit with time.

Fit.

At the time fit was my biggest concern when ordering online. I probably went half a size to big. This hasn’t been an issue as the lace system gives plenty of scope to tighten them up and now the weather has turned and the water is somewhat cooler it allows me to comfortably wear 2 sets of woolen socks to help keep my toes warm.

With an Aussie retailer keeping plenty of sizes in stock this should no longer be an issue for Blue mtns canyoners

Grip

No real issues with grip. I did have a bit of a slide on a wet log but I’m not sure different rubber could help there. And I did find a few spots in Arethusa a tad dicy, but it’s reknown for being slippery.

Sand

The only sand that seems to make it’s way into the boots is the stuff you get on your socks when getting changed into or out of your wetsuit. Win

Swimming

I still find the sensation of swimming in them weird. Its hard to explain what it is. But not a major issue

Wear

So they have seen a bit of action. I’ve snapped both laces. Didn’t notice until I got home and was taking them off, In fact I didn’t notice the last one until I took the photo below. Fixed with a knott or if you want a new set of boot laces.

The toe box of one also copped a cut.

I’m not sure what I caught it on but I’m guessing with out the toe capping that might have been my flesh that was cut.

it didn’t affect the material underneath. A bit of stikka flex 1100c and shes as good as new

Sole wear. This a bit hard to tell from the photos as it looks like the side tread has worn a little bit but even when new the tread chamfers off toward the edge.

There is a bit of wear there but plenty of tread left.

The uppers has seen a fair bit of action in thick scrub as well as the usual harsh canyon environment yet seem to have faired virtually unscaved

Comfort

 

I wish all hiking boots were this comfortable out of the box.

In my first review I was a bit concerned how hot they might get on a long walk out but that was never an issue. They breathe pretty well and, I’m not sure if they hold a bit of moisture in the padding or something but they just never felt hot.

 

All in all, I rate them

 

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