As the weather turns and the chill fills the air, you’re going to need something a little beefier than sneakers. Hi-Tec designed the Trooper Mid Boot to get you through the extended cool season in comfort and style, so you can spend more time focusing on the important stuff like cabin trips and snowball fights.
On Performance and Design…
There’s a long established footwear paradigm for this time of year. Grab a burlier shoe for the fall; as winter settles move into a snow boot; then with the dawn of Spring change up yet again. It’s time for a paradigm change. So for this season Hi-Tec is offering a product that’s useful for 6 months, not 6 weeks – the Trooper Mid.
Built like an old school hiking boot, detailed with 1970s-era textiles, and accented with modern-day technology and colors, the Trooper Mid beats down any aesthetic expectations you have for the traditional ‘practical boot’. It’s this multi-dimensional design that sets the table for a boot that offers versatile, multi-month performance that aims to meet the needs of an active lifestyle in a wide array of weather conditions.
Listen, we all know that tromping through the cold will put the toughness and waterproofing of any boot to the test. Fortunately, the Hi-Tec Trooper Mid is made with Dri-Tec waterproof breathable membrane and Hi-Tec’s exclusive water, dirt and oil repellent technology — i-shield, for a one-two punch of weather-fighting protection. 
Not only that, but light layer of Thinsulate Insulation and micro-fleece lining helps keep feet from suffering from the freeze while avoiding overheating on warmer days. A cushioned Ortholite footbed provides superior comfort, breathability and provides anti-microbial function all in a lightweight package. As we noted in our review of the Hi-Tec Hurricane, the Ortholite insert is more than a creature comfort feature. 
The unique open cell structure of OrthoLite creates a moisture management system inside the shoe by moving moisture away from the foot leaving feet drier. That means less chance of blistering, and greater comfort over the course of extended miles whether those miles take place around the town or on the trail. And while you’re traveling those extended miles, a rugged Vibram outsole provides quality grip underfoot.
Notes from the Field…
Any outdoor enthusiast can appreciate a shoe that’s designed to get you through the entirety of a “cool season” – one boot to carry you through autumn, winter and spring. And the Trooper Mid does it all with a unique style that looks as good on store room shelf as it does on the trail.
There were two outstanding critiques that our field team offered after an extended period of time testing the Trooper Mid. First, we’d like to see a little more vertical space in the toe box for added comfort. Additionally, due to a stiff midsole, the Trooper Mid does take a little extra time to break in before hitting that ‘broken-in’ sweet spot.
Bottom Line…
The seasons may be changing, but the Hi-Tec Trooper Mid 200 i WP is ready to stand steadfast through it all.
*Gumption Gear Review received a product sample of the item featured in this review from Hi-Tec at no cost, and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The item featured was provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.