Giveaway: #win a pair of Wolverine Hiking Boots

We are a very active family and spend a lot of time outside.  I love hiking because it is the perfect combination of exercise and communing with nature!  I have encouraged my children's love of nature since  they were little and the thing my son loves most about Boy Scouting is being in the woods!   As a family, we often go hike up Stone Mountain on the weekend for exercise.  It is the largest piece of exposed granite in the world and gives quite a workout to hike to the top!   It is a rather steep climb that even requires hand rails in one spot so good hiking shoes are very important!  My son and I were recently sent some hiking boots from Wolverine to try out on our climb and we were really impressed!  If you are not familiar with Wolverine, here is some information about them from their website:

Since 1883, generations of American workers have come to depend on Wolverine boots for comfort and durability. Today, Wolverine continues to deliver with an extensive range of premium products including boots, shoes, apparel and gear. They are a  leader in the industry because of a relentless commitment to continuous innovations in comfort technologies.

They are proud supporters of the Wolverine Foundation!  I think it is great that they are working to raise awareness of this amazing animal!

The Wolverine hiking boots come in several styles, depending on your preferences.  They are offered in both men's and women's sizes and now feature a new comfort system called  iCS (Individual Comfort System) technology.  Since everyone's feet are slightly different, this system allows you to choose the setting that is right for you. In the heel of the boot, you will find a small disk that you rotate to increase arch support or provide more cushionto the heel, etc.  Pick the setting that provides the most comfort and you can stay on your feet longer!

These are the boots that were sent for my son to try out. It is the Terrain iCS Waterproof Mid-Cut Trail Hiker.  My son at the age of 11 is already in an adult size 9 which truly scares me!  These boots run true to size, which I find very helpful when ordering online! The first thing I noticed about both pairs of boots I received was how amazingly light they are for such a sturdy looking shoe!  When you are hiking for hours, you really do notice the weight of a heavy boot!  These are very light weight!  I like the mid cut ankle for added support, although they also offer a lower cut boot as well as a higher cut.  The sole provided amazing traction, even on wet rocks and sandy spots.  There was absolutely no slipping at all.  After we spent over an hour hiking around on rock and trails, his feet still were comfortable.  Since he has low arches, we put the comfort disk in the position to provide arch support.  To change the disk, you just remove the insole (very easy!), take out the rubber disk, and put it in whichever position you prefer.  Quick and easy! 

Another HUGE benefit to being able to remove the insole so easily is the ease of drying if they get wet and/or sweaty inside!  Last weekend my son took them on an absolutely disastrous camping trip that involved flash flood warnings, tornado warnings, 60 mph winds,  and hail.  They had to bail out at midnight because of safety concerns and there is not a waterproof boot in the world that will stay dry in that kind of deluge!  I just took out the insert and put everything by the fan and they were dry by the next morning.

The boot on the right is the one I was sent to try for myself.  It is the Sierra Women's Wolverine iCS Waterproof Mid-Cut Trail Hiker.  I also have arch support issues (I guess my son gets it from me!) and love the extra support provided by the Comfort System.  This boot seems a little more streamline than my son's but maybe it is just because it is a smaller shoe or the fact that it is women's and not men's.  I really like the look and feel...not bulky at all but still provides amazing traction and comfort.  I didn't get a chance to 'break them in' at all before our hiking trip but did not end up with a single blister or sore spot at all.   

My kids and I made it to the top of the mountain exhausted but triumphant!  The trip down was much faster than the way up and we managed to stop only once for a water break on the descent.  I always find going DOWN harder than going UP for some reason.  My footing was more secure in these boots than in sneakers, let me tell you!  I was much more confident coming down than I usually am!

My son and I were both very happy with these boots.  They are attractive and comfortable but also provide excellent traction and arch support. 

My thanks to Wolverine for allowing me to review these boots!

The Giveaway: Wolverine has given me permission to give one of my readers a pair of hiking boot for themselves!  You get to choose the style/size/color that you prefer.  Follow the entry methods listed below, one entry per method chosen unless otherwise stated.  Leave a separate comment for each entry. You must be 18 and older and a US resident to win.  Please make sure your email address is in your profile or in your comment so I can find you. I reserve the right to delete any comment that I deem inappropriate. Contest is open until midnight on  April 22, 2011  and the winner will be chosen using Random.org.

                        

Mandatory Entry:

Check out the Wolverine hiking boots and tell me which style you would choose!

Bonus Entries:

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4.  Enter another one of my current giveaways.  Leave a comment as to which one! (1 entry for each contest entered…leave separate comments for each entry!)

5. Subscribe to Turning the Clock Back via email

6. Put my button on your blog (2 entries) Tell me where to find it!

7. Blog about this giveaway on your blog  AND leave a link back to my site. (5 entries!)

Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received product samples in exchange for my honest review.  I received no monetary compensation.  All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.