Beyond the world of crowded cubicles and instant connections. Far beyond the endless stream of red lights and status updates, there lies a rugged landscape that stirs the spirit and reinvigorates the soul. Where crisp alpine air reaches deep into your core, and the pristine purity of thick forests and granite monuments harken us to the doorstep of adventure. It’s the place you want to be, and Bogs designed the Tumalo Hiking Boot to get you there.
On Performance and Design…
Since their arrival, the Tumalo boots (available for men and women) have been steadily earning their stripes as some of our favorite day hikers – and for good reason. When Bogs set out to design their first full fledged hiking boot, they didn’t miss a trick.
From a genuine nubuck leather build that harkens back to the common-sense styling of classic leather boots, to the modern comfort that’s become synonymous with the Bogs brand, the Tumalo offers the comfort, stability, and craftsmanship of boots twice the price. But it’s more than just a decent price point and smooth ride that makes these boots adventure worthy.
While you may have escaped the endless stream of red lights and status updates, Mother Nature undoubtedly has a few of her own surprise streams, showers and snowstorms up her sleeve. Luckily for you, the 100% waterproof nubuck upper easily shrugs off whatever rain, wind, and snowy conditions that are bound to come your way.
To address the micro-climate inside your boot, Bogs lined the waterproof nubuck leather with EverDry. The lining helps absorb and evaporate sweat giving you a boot that remains highly breathable so your foot stays dry and comfortable whether it’s a rainy and cold day in the Sierra, or sunny and hot outing in the desert.
As with all Bogs, one of our favorite features is the wide toe box which offers two primary benefits. First, the spacious front end allows the forefoot to rest in a more natural position. That means you can move freely and not feel constricted for long days on the trail. Secondly, it gives the Tumalo a wider base giving the hiker a stable and efficient platform with each and every step.
For the days you find yourself in the middle of nature’s amphitheater with a heavy pack strapped to your back, you’ll appreciate the Dual-density, contoured EVA footbed. And as an added bonus, Bogs Rebound technology in the outsole provides a shock absorbing cushion and extra foot support for smooth rides on the days your single summit outings turn into a full day of peak bagging.
For that rugged landscape you cross between summits, Bogs utilizes their BioGrip rubber outsole. Unlike the outsole on some other hikers, this beefy tread can take an unholy beating while showing minimal wear. That means your boot lasts longer so you can rack up more adventure. And while it wasn’t our favorite on wet slick rock, it offered dependable traction on rough, rocky and uneven surfaces – a.k.a. most of what you’ll come across in the great wide open.
Notes from the Trail…
For some outdoor enthusiasts, days of tackling long miles can require a bit of extra support. Towards those ends, the Tumalo offers a level of support comparable to much burlier boots. Even with the easy pull-on handles, the Tumalo provides surprising ankle support so you can traverse boulder fields and descend loose trails without rolling your ankle. On the downside, that heavy duty support comes with a bit of a weight penalty.
Weighing in at 1lb 11oz in men’s (size 11), and 1lb 6oz in women’s (size 8), the Tumalo boots aren’t the lightest option available. Coupled with the broader build of Bogs, the Tumalo does lack the nimble nature and agility that speed hikers and those tackling more technical terrain will desire.
That being said, for the more traditional hiker who wants serious protection from the elements coupled with big comfort, the Tumalo offers a tremendous choice. Whether you hit the trail hard and fast or at your leisure, this adventure worthy hiker will keep you happy and grounded.
Bottom Line …
Lace up the Bogs Tumalo Hiking boot, shift your feet into four wheel drive and point your compass towards adventure.
*Gumption Gear Review received the product samples featured in this review from Bogs. The items featured were provided solely in exchange for testing the products and providing our honest views and opinions. We received no other form of compensation for this or any related review.