Montaras make mole hills out of mountains

Written by: Terri Campbell

Initial look at the Womens Ahnu Montara hiking boots

• Price: $160.00
• Model: Montara AF2139
• Color: BLACK
• Material: Leather and swede accents
• Sizes: 5-11
• Features: Padded leather collar and tongue, eVent® breathable waterproof bootie, Rubber toe protector, Vibram® outsole for traction on variety of surfaces.

I love exploring the beauty of nature by venturing out on a light hike now and again. The publisher of “Mike’s Road Trip,” Mike Shubic, was recently praising a brand of hiking boots he was introduced to at the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City, by Ahnu Footwear. He reached out to Ahnu to see if they would be interested in having a female perspective on their hiking boots… they generously complied and a week later a new pair of boots arrived at my door.

When I took the boots out of the box, the first thing I noticed was how feather light they were. I have tried various brands of hiking boots in the past with little to no success. Most of my experience with other boots have felt clunky and over weighted, like wearing two bricks. When I initially tried the Ahnu Montara boots on, it was like having comfortable leather clouds on my feet. Not to mention they are sleek and attractive… imagine my delight! Comfortable, lightweight AND attractive boots? This is usually an oxymoron, so what a welcome surprise this was.

Mike and I headed out to Papago Park in Tempe, AZ to give my new boots a test run. Well, what a test run it was! The mountain we climbed was very steep with no rails to support your balance. When descending from the TOP of the mountain, I was so grateful for my Ahnu boots… they were gripping the rock like little suction cups bringing me peace of mind as I looked over the 45 degree precipitous drop. These boots took me safely to the base of the mountain where we ventured out to another spot that was enveloped with gravel… a potential foot landslide. Once again, as I ascended the next hill, my new boots gripped the ground allowing me to climb with confidence.

In addition to the over-weighted feel, another issue I have always had with other brands of hiking boots is the dreaded hot spots (blisters) I seem to get when wearing them. These Montara boots had only one hot spot on the outer side of my heels. In the boot’s defense, this is a hot spot I get in most every shoe I have due to the many years of wearing spiked “girly” heels. I am certain once I completely break in my new boots, this hot spot area will dissipate.

I would definitely recommend the Ahnu Montara women’s hiking boot. The retail price of $160.00 is very reasonable to ask for the comfort, confidence and style they provide. If you have any questions, or own a pair of the Ahnu Montara boots, please post a comment below. If the man in your life is interested in a similar boot by Ahnu, check out our write-up on the Mendocino hiking boots.