The RevolutionRace Phantom Trail Mid waterproof boots have quickly become a reliable companion on my hiking adventures, offering a compelling blend of comfort and grip that belies the brand’s perhaps lesser-known status in the UK. For those in search of a new pair of trail focused hiking boots, let’s delve into what makes this RevolutionRace offering a serious contender.
Product: RevolutionRace Phantom Trail Mid Hiking Boot
Price: £169
Verdict: 9/10
Short Description: A great three season hiking boot at a great price.
Pros:
- Excellent Comfort: Comfortable straight out of the box with a roomy toe box and customisable fit.
- Reliable Waterproofing: Hypershell Pro effectively keeps feet dry in wet conditions.
- Confident Grip: Innovation sole provides good traction on varied terrain.
- Good Stability & Support: Offers decent ankle support for mid-height boots.
- Lightweight Feel (when worn): Doesn’t cause fatigue on longer hikes.
- Great Value: Direct-to-customer model offers high quality at a competitive price.
- Thoughtful Features: Includes Trimfit insole, mudguard, and reflective details.
Cons:
- Brand Familiarity (UK): RevolutionRace might be less well-known to some UK buyers.
- Slightly Heavier (in hand): Felt a touch heavier than some comparable models when initially held.
To Buy: https://www.revolutionrace.co.uk/shoes/phantom-trail-mid-waterproof-hiking-boots-men
Key Features and Technical Specs:
- Waterproof Performance: Hypershell Pro Lining: Ensuring dry feet in wet conditions.
- Multi-Directional Grip: Innovation Rubber Outsole Design: Providing confident traction on varied terrain.
- Durable Comfort: Stitch-Free Upper: Minimising friction and potentially enhancing durability and water resistance.
- Supportive Comfort: Padding Collar: Enhancing ankle comfort and fit.
- Cushioned Steps: Energy Absorption Midsole: Reducing impact and providing underfoot comfort.
- Comfort and Freshness: Breathability and Durability PU Footbed: Promoting airflow and long-lasting support.
- Added Protection: Mudguard Protection: Shielding the boot from dirt and wear.
- Enhanced Visibility: Reflective Details: Improving safety in low-light conditions.
- Breathable Upper: Breathable and Soft Canvas: Contributing to ventilation and comfort.
- Ventilated Comfort: Ripstop Mesh on Tongue: Enhancing airflow and durability.
- Responsive Cushioning: Comfort ETPU Insole: Offering a comfortable and supportive underfoot feel.
Comfort and Fit of the Phantom Trail Mid Hiking Boot: A Delight Straight Out of the Box
Comfort is paramount for any hiker, and it sits right at the top of my priority list, closely followed by technical performance. Ultimately, if boots aren’t comfortable, they’ll likely stay at home.
From the moment I slipped these on and laced them up, the comfort was immediately apparent. The fit is excellent, providing secure support around the heel and the arch of my foot, with ample room for my toes. The generously sized toe box is a welcome feature, particularly for those who occasionally wear barefoot shoes or for longer hikes when feet tend to swell. It offers enough space without feeling cavernous, ensuring lasting comfort and proper foot function. The inclusion of an additional Trim fit sole is a thoughtful touch, a level of detail I haven’t often encountered. This extra insole allows for a truly customised fit by providing additional arch support or volume adjustment. It’s worth noting that the RevolutionRace boots fit true to size. As a UK size 11, the size 11 I ordered fit perfectly when worn with my usual hiking socks.
These boots have proven to be comfortable even over long distances, and so far (touch wood), I’ve experienced no blisters.
Waterproof and Breathable: Hypershell Pro – RevolutionRace’s Answer to the Elements
The Hypershell Pro fabric lives up to its claims of being waterproof. I’ve confidently sloshed through puddles (as you can see in the accompanying video) and hiked in both light and heavy rain, and my feet have remained completely dry. Despite their waterproof nature, the boots are surprisingly breathable, preventing that uncomfortable clammy feeling. Hypershell Pro is RevolutionRace’s proprietary membrane technology – essentially, their version of Gore-Tex! Having used their Revolution Race Arcade 3 Layer Hypershell Pro Rain jacket, I can attest that their technology works effectively.
Grip: Confident Traction Across Diverse Terrain
The Innovation Sole Technology, utilising a combination of High-Comp EVA and an R-rubber compound, delivers exceptional multi-directional grip. I felt confident navigating a wide array of surfaces, including gravel, mud, loose stone, wet stone, wet grass, wet wood decking and outdoor steps, forest debris, waterlogged paths, and numerous wet rocks. The grip feels slightly softer than some other outsoles I’ve tested, which likely contributes to the excellent traction. It’s worth noting that softer rubber compounds can sometimes wear more quickly on highly abrasive surfaces over extended periods. However, the performance on varied terrain has been outstanding. Impressively, the outsole and lug pattern effectively shed debris, remaining almost clear after each hike.
Stability and Durability: Built to Last on Challenging Trails
These boots strike a great balance between flexibility and stability. The rigid heel and ankle support, combined with the side protection panels and asymmetric reinforced toes, offer excellent stability and long-term durability.
Do they withstand rugged terrain? Absolutely. These are well-made boots that exude quality in every stitch and panel. All in all, the boots are constructed from premium materials that will undoubtedly contribute to their long-term durability.
The ankle support provided by these mid-height boots is commendable. For those hiking on uneven terrain or carrying heavier packs, the support offered by the RR Phantom Trail boots is essential. With the laces pulled tight, the boots effectively stabilise the ankles, helping to prevent potential injuries.
Weight: Lightweight Feel for Extended Hikes
Out of the box, I compared their weight by hand to boots from Grubs and Salomon, and they certainly felt within the same weight category, perhaps a touch heavier. However, once on my feet, these boots feel surprisingly light, and I experienced no fatigue from wearing them on multiple walks. They definitely have a lightweight feel during use.
Break-in Period: Ready for Adventure From Day One
As mentioned earlier, these boots are exceptionally comfortable right out of the box. Unlike heavy leather boots with extremely stiff soles designed for high-altitude mountaineering and demanding hikes, the Phantom Trail Mids are ready for your adventures as soon as you are.
Value: Exceptional Quality Without the Premium Price Tag
In today’s economic climate, value is a key consideration. RevolutionRace holds an advantage here over many of its competitors due to its direct-to-customer business model. This allows them to offer higher quality gear with reduced overhead costs by eliminating intermediaries. These boots represent incredible value, and at their price point, they are serious contenders against any other brand in the market, perfectly balancing performance, durability, and cost. RevolutionRace’s direct-to-customer model allows them to offer these high-quality boots at a more competitive price point compared to brands with traditional retail channels.
Overall: A Highly Recommended Trail Companion
The RevolutionRace Phantom Trail Mid boots are a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a lightweight hiking boot that doesn’t compromise on stability, durability, or comfort. They perform exceptionally well in various conditions, and the thoughtful design elements, such as the roomy toe box and customisable fit, make them a joy to wear. I highly recommend these boots to fellow outdoor enthusiasts looking for reliable and comfortable footwear for their adventures.
Looking for a good walking shoe? Check out our review of the RevolutionRace TrailKnit Hiking shoe.
