Irish Setter has been promoting made-in-the-USA and imported boots for a very long time now, with conventional leather-based lace-up seems. Over 2025, I had the prospect to strive their Trailblazers, however to not the total extent I’d hoped. I had deliberate on placing critical miles on these boots in upland searching season, however a critical moto crash on the primary weekend of the season meant partridge-busting must wait till subsequent season. However within the months earlier than and since that crash, I nonetheless had loads of time to check these boots. Right here’s what I appreciated.
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Consolation Out of the Field – Irish Setter Trailblazer Boots
The Irish Setter Trailblazers required only some minutes of stomping down the road earlier than they match completely effectively. Ordering boots with out attempting them on is all the time a little bit of a dangerous gamble, however on this case it labored out. I put on a dimension 11, with ft tending to the extra-wide aspect—which is an out there choice, however I didn’t want it. The Trailblazers match completely front-to-back and side-to-side. It’s a primary element, nevertheless it’s essential to get proper. On this case, these boots have been bang-on.
Consolation on the Trails – Irish Setter Trailblazer Boots
Having a superb match is one factor; having the boots match effectively whenever you’re truly carrying them is one other. Conventional-styled boots are typically a bit stiffer to put on than modern-styled footwear just like the Vasque Talus AT Ultradry hikers I examined some time again—there’s much less capacity to construct in flexy mesh panels, and so on., and most boots just like the Trailblazers with their Goodyear welt don’t have Vibram soles.
To not fear, although; they nonetheless had loads of cushion on pavement and rock, and there have been no nasty protruding bits within the lining inflicting chafing. When laced up, nothing rubbed my ankles uncooked. They’re boots to spend all day strolling in.
For breathable waterproofing, these boots depend on the UltraDry waterproofing system. I consider that materials is constructed to a recipe proprietary to the Crimson Wing firm. Their web site says UltraDry combines waterproof parts with a “moisture administration lining” to maintain your ft dry; I presume meaning a breathable lining, just like different membranes just like the a lot better-known Gore-Tex materials.
Up to now, so good; UltraDry appears to work effectively in these boots, identical to it labored effectively within the Vasque hikers I examined some time again. I’ve worn them in extraordinarily slushy climate, and purposefully stomped by icy puddles to verify the waterproofing continues to be working. Up to now, so good. UltraDry doesn’t include the identical ironclad lifetime assure that Gore-Tex does, however I’ve but to spring a leak on these boots or the Vasque boots I wore with UltraDry. And I’ve by no means soaked my ft as a result of perspiration, both, so the breathability appears to work effectively.
Good Seems – Irish Setter Trailblazer Boots
That is subjective, as a result of not everybody likes conventional leather-based lace-up boots, and even those that do won’t just like the Trailblazers. However personally, I believe they do an important job of wanting like an outdated searching or climbing boot with out wanting dated. I’ve had boots the place the false tongue regarded too floppy and ridiculous; on the Trailblazers, it’s barely noticeable.
The complete-grain leather-based exterior of the Trailblazers sheds muck and salt stains effectively. This can assist the boots keep in fine condition long-term, though I’m certain therapy with saddle cleaning soap and mink oil (or no matter cleaner and preservative you employ) will finally be wanted.
Like a set of Eddier Bauer’s basic Ok-6 climbing boots (now out of manufacturing), the Trailblazers’ seems imply you may put on them in a variety of conditions, from out within the bush to even serving as informal boots for city weekend adventures. Though, in my neck of the woods (actually), the closest factor I can pull off to an “city” journey is a drive as much as the fuel station for recent doughnuts. I do know some folks use Trailblazers as work boots, too, however with out metal toes, there are solely so many locations you need to use them. Should you’re a surveyor within the woods, then perhaps they’re the ticket. Should you’re on a development web site with health-and-safety nosing round, then I’d purchase one thing with extra built-in security.
Positive Footing – Irish Setter Trailblazer Boots
Poor traction is a failing widespread to traditional-styled outside boots, no less than those I’ve worn. The Trailblazers’ Bulls-Eye Air Bob Carbon Rubber sole is stiff sufficient that, when you’re on moist, slippery rocks, there’s a little bit of a traction loss, nevertheless it’s nothing unreasonable. The tread sample gives a number of lock-on grip, with multi-direction lugs stopping you from sliding round an excessive amount of. And though they’re solely 7-inch boots, they’re tall sufficient to supply some ankle assist; a superb compromise for my part.
The Backside Line – Irish Setter Trailblazer Boots
I count on to get pleasure from utilizing these boots for years to come back. Some homeowners report points with the liner deteriorating in the back of the heel, however to date, I’ve had no such points; the boots have held up very effectively. MSRP is $234.99, and I believe they’re effectively price that, based mostly on their efficiency to date. See extra particulars here.
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