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Hardscrabble Hiker

When you're trekking on the Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim hike through the Grand Canyon, the steep, rocky terrain calls for a lightweight hiker with determined support and traction.  This summer or early fall hiker cradles you in practically bulletproof leather, while our nylon midsoles keep it light without compromising toughness.  3.5 lbs.  Made in Italy.  Available in Medium, Narrow or Wide widths.  Men's sizing (whole & half) Narrow (8-12, 13, 14, 15*, 16*)  Medium (7-12, 13, 14, 15*, 16*) or Wide (8-12, 13) (*)note: sizes 15 & 16 have an oversize charge of $40.

Key Features:

  • 7" tall leather uppers made with 2.8mm premium leather that utilize a one piece vamp construction with no seams down the tongue for abrasion resistance and waterproofness
  • Reinforced double and triple stitching in high wear areas
  • 7mm nylon midsoles provide extra support with heavy pack loads
  • Kenetrek Supportive Footbeds provide foundational arch support and a pronounced heel pocket
  • Anti-corrosion boot hardware that swivels instead of breaking
  • Reinforced rubber sole guard for extra abrasion resistance
  • Non-insulated for use in warmer weather
  • Windtex® waterproof, breathable, flexible membrane
  • Lightweight K-Talon™ outsoles provide excellent traction
Size

Overall rating: 4.899194 / 5 from 248 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The Hardscrabble Hiker offers a great fit and comfort with minimal break-in period. Customers rave about the outstanding ankle support, comfort, and high-quality construction. The lightweight design and excellent traction make it ideal for steep, rocky terrains. However, some customers reported varying experiences with foot support.

Summary topics

  • Break-in Period (7%): Customers appreciated the great fit and comfort of these boots, with minimal break in period.
  • Ankle Support (14%): Customers raved about the outstanding ankle support provided by these boots, praising their comfort and ankle support.
  • Overall Comfort (4%): Customers expressed appreciation for the great support and comfort provided by these boots. (100% agreement)
  • Boot Fit (12%): It was noted by customers that the fit of the boots was great and perfect, with no break-in required.
  • Boot Quality (7%): Customers appreciated the high quality of the boots, with multiple reviews praising their excellent and top-notch quality.

Review topics: ["fit","size","weight","issues","quality","feel","feet","look","customer service","wear","comfort","service","width","spots","leather","boots","stability","conditions","support","break","hikers","pair","socks","foot","traction","mountain","miles","shoes","laces","brand"].

Review highlights

  • "fantastic boot, no break in required, great fit and comfort!!!" — Rick B.
  • "I wear this boot everyday to work, great fit, great support, Great comfort." — Jim S.
  • "Minimal break in period, no hot spots, no rubs, great boots!!" — Paul A.

Reviews

Better than Mountain Extreme?

"I love the Hard Scrabble. But, I loved my Mountain Extremes as well. I made the choice to go Hard Scrabble. I think they are as stable & comfortable as the ME’s, but easier to put on and take off. Both pair were ready to go “out of the box”…zero break in!"

— GREGORY T. (5/5)

Favorite Hikers

"This is my second pair, replacing a pair I wore out in three years. I hike 4 to 5 days a week, so three years means durable, reliable and sturdy. The most comfortable boots I have ever owned. They get my highest recommendation. You cannot go wrong with these boots."

— EDWARD R. (5/5)

Hardscrabble Hiker

"I bought the boots to wear on my Elk Hunting trip to Colorado. They are nice looking and very comfortable boots. I used the Kenetrek conditioner on the boots. I did not care for how much they darkened the color of the boots."

— mark r. (4/5)

Best Boot Around

"Got these boots for early season elk hunting. Only got about 10 miles on them before wearing them as my travel shoes for a Dall Sheep hunt planning to use my broken in Mountain Extreme 400's. My bag with my boots didnt make it, so I had to wear these for 16 days hunting and traveling and they were amazing, needless to say they are now broken in."

— RYAN W. (5/5)

4th pair or hardscrabble

"They just fit! Great product!"

— TIM W. (5/5)

Hardscrable review

"Purchased these boots about a month ago. I first wore them around the house for a few hours. They felt great. I then wore them on a few evening walks with my wife. They felt great. Then I coated them with Kennetrek boot cream to preserve the leather and help with conditioning and waterproofing. I then took them to Maine with me on a 10 day archery bear hunt. They performed flawlessly. Next week my wife and I fly to California for a 2 week hiking vacation and they will be my primary footwear on that entire trip. I’m very happy with them. They are my second pair of Kennetrek Boots and definitely not my last. My Mountain Extremes (400) were my first and they are also superior. Those boots are exclusively for hunting. They are insulated and have been all across the country and still going strong. Nothing but positive feedback. You will pay a bit more for Kennetrek Boots but they are top tier quality."

— Michael K. (5/5)

I have useed Kenetrek boots

"I have useed Kenetrek boots for decades. They are the best, this is my first go for a shorter version in the Hardscrabble and the same quality and support are there. Great boots!"

— Ronald H. (5/5)

Couldn’t be happier

"Awesome product. Amazing customer service. 10/10 would recommend"

— CHASE F. (5/5)

I wear them everyday!

"I have three pair!"

— ROB D. (5/5)

Great

"Use for work and hunting. Very comfortable. My second pair!"

— Henry H. (5/5)

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