Dryshod Evalusion Hi: Are These the Lightweight Boots We’ve Been Waiting For?
ReviewOkay, so I spend a lot of time battling the elements. Whether I’m attempting a graceful hike (keyword: attempting) on muddy trails or just, you know, rescuing the dog from the swamp that was once my backyard after a decent rain, good footwear is non-negotiable. I’ve been through the wringer with boots – the heavy-duty leather kind that feel like you’re wearing cement blocks, the super-minimalist trail runners that leave you feeling every. single. rock. So, naturally, when the Dryshod Evalusion Hi boots crossed my radar, promising a lightweight, waterproof experience, my interest was piqued. Could these be the unicorns of the boot world?
First Impressions: Hold the Phone, These Are Light!
Honestly, picking them up, I was floored. The weight is the real deal. Forget clunky – these things are light. We’re talking more high-top sneaker vibes than your grandpa’s rubber galoshes. The rubber/neoprene build looks like it can take a beating, and that multi-lug tread? Yeah, it looks ready to grip anything.
Muddy Trails and Backyard Adventures: Putting Them to the Test
Over the past few weeks, I’ve really tried to give these boots a workout. And let me tell you, Mother Nature cooperated with a vengeance. We had rain. Then more rain. Then, just for kicks, even more rain. These boots? A total game-changer. Dog walks? Dry feet. Desperate attempts to salvage my tomato plants from the rising tide in the garden? Bone dry. Seriously, the waterproof construction is legit. I was ankle-deep in muck at one point, and my socks were still smiling.
But here’s the kicker: they’re comfortable. That “running shoe platform” isn’t just marketing fluff. I’ve logged some serious hours in these things without the usual foot-ache symphony I get from heavier boots. The DUREVA outsole is like walking on bouncy castles (a slight exaggeration, but you get the idea), and that tread? Sticks to everything. I even took them on a quick hike – nothing crazy, just a decent trail with some rocky bits – and they handled it like champs. Maybe not your go-to for scaling Everest, but for everyday trails? Absolutely.
Okay, a Couple of Tiny Things…
Alright, nothing’s perfect, right? So, a couple of minor quibbles. That knee-high shaft? It can feel a little stiff when you’re trying to bend down. Not a deal-breaker, but worth mentioning. And while the neoprene does offer some warmth, these aren’t arctic-level boots. That -20°F rating? I’d take that with a grain of salt. I’d say they’re happiest above freezing.
The Bottom Line:
Look, if you’re on the hunt for a lightweight, waterproof boot that can handle a bit of everything, the Dryshod Evalusion Hi is seriously worth a look. They’re comfy, they’re tough, and they grip like crazy. So, ditch the lead-weight boots and give these a whirl. I’m slapping a 4.5 out of 5 stars on these bad boys. They’ve officially earned a spot in my “wet weather warrior” arsenal. Highly recommend!