KODIAK Boot Surrey ll Hiking, Black Matte, 5

Mainly, I needed boots for walking my dog, which can be on nice sidewalks or muddy trails, and can be dry and cold, or covered in mud, tire slush, ice, you name it. I have great Columbia snow boots, and nice Sperry rain boots, but for just muddy or slushy days, or when a running shoe just wouldn't cut it, I needed a good boot. After trying and returning a couple pairs of other brands that I was familiar with, I gave these a shot. They work perfectly for what I need them for. I am not hiking the wilderness for miles and miles at a time multiple times a week. I am walking for about an hour a day in really crappy weather.Fit: I normally wear a size 8, and that's what I ordered. They fit, although they are almost too tight. I usually wear a pair of medium thick merino wool calf socks with these, and if I wore anything thicker, they might be too small. They have stretched out a little with breaking in, and now fit closer to the size 8 I was expecting.Comfort: When I first put these boots on, it almost felt like they were pinching and poking in a couple places. After I wore them around for a few minutes, it was like they molded to my feet and were really comfortable. Initially I broke them in around the house. I haven't walked longer than an hour in them, but they feel very supportive when I'm walking.Traction: Winter in Indiana is a dirty, muddy, icy, slushy mess. I have walked through ankle deep slushy water, over icy roads and sidewalks, and dangerously slippery gravel trails with these boots, and haven't slipped at all.Waterproof: I don't go trekking through creeks in these, but I have walked through some ankle deep puddles that I thought for sure would cause water to seep in. However, when I get home and get my boots off, my socks are always totally dry.How they are holding up after a few months: They are muddy and a little scuffed, but that's what boots are for. These boots are super practical, and it is a bonus that they are so cute. I will say that I do hose the soles off, and brush the uppers off, just to keep the salt from damaging the boots. I will give them a deeper clean when the season is over so that they will hopefully hold up longer.

I normally wear an 8, but had to get an 8.5 because these are fairly tight fitting and narrow. Sizing up made them fit fine though. They're super warm for cold weather, but not too hot for a spring or fall weather. I've tested them hiking through a creek, and am happy to report that they are indeed absolutely waterproof! Another thing I'll say if after hiking through water, sand, mud, leaves, etc in the woods-- I didn't need to clean them after (dirt doesn't really stick to them) and I was able to wear them around the next day or so and they still looked like "fashion" hiking boots, as practical as they are for actually hiking and getting dirty. They also do not scratch easily, or require any special prepping with water proof sprays--v high quality shoe and leather! They're super comfy, and I can (and have) walked miles in them. I've gotten tons of compliments as they are quite eye catching, yet understated, with the red laces, and grey felt on the chocolate leather.

Please excuse the blurriness of the photos. I'm very happy with the look and feel of these and felt the need to show how cute they are, even if my phone camera didn't agree.I wanted something three-season (minimum), waterproof, and functional, while avoiding the popular duck boot trend (too preppy for my style), as well as something that would work with jeans, pants, shorts, leggings, etc. This is it. I originally bought the Kodiak leather winter ankle boots (no gray cuff) in two sizes to try them, and sent back both because they looked huge, clunky, and clownish on the foot. I needed a 7 in them, too, even though I'm a true 6.5.6.5 in these hikers, however, is PERFECT. They're sleeker and and lack the wide, almost flared toe box of the other variety (the returned ones). I love the interchangeable laces, too. I left the gray ones on for the photo, but definitely will be switching them back and forth with the natural ones.These are comfortable and obviously well-made. The packaging is lovely. The leather is rich and beautiful, and is thick without being rigid. I can't wait to wear these all autumn long with cuffed jeans, flannels, pullovers, fleece leggings, etc. I like them so much that I ordered them in black, too; those come with fantastically bold red laces.If these hold up as well as they seem like they will, Kodiak will absolutely be a top go-to for boots in the future.

I returned these because they didn’t quite fill the needs I had, but I really liked them! They were cute and very cozy and felt like they would be comfortable. The downside was the very little tread. I wanted them to be more for hiking, but couldn’t justify the price when they wouldn’t keep me safe.

This is my third pair and i fall in love with this boot more by each purchase. They are stylish with your hiking clothes and cute with a dress you can do anything in them. They are true to size my color matched. perfect to the picture but the pictures doesn’t give them justice. I get so many compliments wearing them and i do wear a pair every day i havr feet problems and my feet do not hurt half as much in them . They are very well made and do not look cheap they look like they should being a leather boot. These are a win win win for me! Update 11/2/2023 just added my 4th and 5th pair the 4th just arrived they will be my goingWith my “good boots “Not to ruin asap like first pair. My dad summed it up for you whenI ask him if he liked them and he responds “ you got ya slick pair of boots young lady “ In my parts that’s a compliment. 👍🏻 update 11/5/2023I just got 2 new pair in different shades one pair not in photo butI’m obsessed with theses boots they look so good on i get so many compliments . I buy soMany pairs due to them being discontinued and not be Able to find them anymore let’s hope this doesNot happen. These are great hiking boots I like on the highest peak east of the Mississippi so wilderness is basically all I see Hills and rocks is a every day adventure with these boots i get great traction no slipping