Summary
Looking at the rugged construction of the Irish Setter Men’s 878 Trailblazer Waterproof 7-Inch Leather Boot, I assumed it would bring at least a bit of discomfort when worn. I was pleasantly surprised to discover the opposite of my initial assumption, as this boot turned out to be quite comfortable. Aside from the comfort factor, what stands out most with this boot is its heavy-duty construction and materials that showed the quality and craftsmanship that went into the product’s creation. These reassured me that I can rely on the boot to provide the long-lasting protection and durability I’ll most likely need in tough outdoor settings, without the boot easily breaking apart when exposed to the hazards that can be expected with such harsh environments. This boot works great for loggers as well as for hiking or hunting big game – but still showcases a silhouette stylish enough that it won’t look out of place when used in casual settings.
The Irish Setter Men’s 878 Trailblazer Waterproof 7-Inch Leather Boot is built with full-grain leather that exudes a premium aesthetic, which can also be experienced in the boot’s overall strength and durability. The waterproof construction works nonstop to keep the foot protected from being soaked when walking or staying in wet conditions as required by your job, or as part of your preferred leisure activity while enjoying the great outdoors. This boot is equipped with a sturdy outsole with aggressive treads for a firm grip on the ground that will help you maintain your steady footing across different terrains and ground conditions. This means you can be assured of a safer experience as you navigate the challenges presented by outdoor settings. However, the lack of safety toes reduces the overall protection that the boot can provide, especially in harsh environments where there are compression and impact hazards around. Below we’ll take a deeper look into the boot’s most impressive features and determine what else can be improved for better performance.
When you need your gear to be tough enough to withstand the harsh outdoors, this boot is packed with features that can stand up to that challenge.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
The Irish Setter Men’s 878 Trailblazer Waterproof 7-Inch Leather Boot is built with a removable padded insole that worked hard to keep my foot comfortable throughout the long hours of trekking outdoors for work or play. The insole is covered with fabric that added to the comfortable feel of the boot’s interior. This insole worked in tandem with the EVA midsole that offered continuous cushioning underfoot, absorbing most of the impact resulting from my movements throughout the day. This meant I was able to avoid the extreme discomfort that can come from foot fatigue, especially during long hours of nonstop standing, walking, and moving around without rest.
I especially liked how the padded tongue and collar worked to cushion my foot, so my constant movements didn’t result in the boot digging painfully into my skin. These padded components also worked to secure the boot in place with a snug fit that allowed me to move confidently even over uneven ground conditions, without worrying that a misstep would cause painful ankle twisting.
This boot is equipped with a steel shank that worked to deliver much-needed support to keep my steps more stable, especially when walking on slippery or bumpy surfaces outdoors.
With a sturdy outsole in place, I felt confident enough to walk around on various floor and surface conditions without compromising my safety and comfort in the process.
Weight
I would have to say that this boot weighs as about what I expected it to weigh when I first laid my eyes on it, but it’s made a lot more comfortable with the help of the cushioned midsole. The EVA midsole comes with a lightweight structure that doesn’t add much to the overall weight of the boot yet works doubly hard for shock absorption all day long. The cork EVA material absorbs most of the impact of the repetitive movements without the bulky profile that can be seen in other work or logger boots. The midsole balances the weight that comes from the aggressive outsole with its strong treads, resulting in a boot weight that may not be considered lightweight, but isn’t extremely heavy either.
Traction
This boot is equipped with a sturdy Bulls-Eye Air Bob Carbon rubber outsole with aggressive lugs that are capable of biting into the ground so you won’t need to worry too much about losing your steady footing over a variety of terrains. This outsole delivered powerful traction, so I was able to confidently walk over wet, muddy, and mulch-filled ground without easily slipping. This enabled me to continue focusing on the most important tasks of the day without sacrificing my safety and efficient movements in the process.
Fit and Sizing
This boot has a snug fit that contributed to a secure feeling as I walked over tricky surfaces.
However, the snugness may be a bit uncomfortable for some and may require you to go up half a size – or a full size if you prefer more space.
I wear a size 10 and I think a 10.5 would have been more ideal to provide more room inside for my toes to wiggle when necessary, to prevent painful cramps and pinching from setting in. The padded collar and tongue provided welcome cushioning throughout the top portion of the boot so that it felt more secure, preventing unnecessary movement that could have caused an unstable feeling, especially when walking on challenging ground conditions. The lace-up design offered convenient adjustments so getting to the fit that feels most secure and comfortable was not a problem.
Waterproofing
This is a waterproof boot that can keep the foot protected against wetness in harsh outdoor settings. It’s built with the exclusive Irish Setter UltraDry waterproofing system that works with the seam-sealed leather to ensure that no water or liquids will be able to penetrate the boot. Walking on waterlogged or muddy ground outdoors didn’t present problems because I was confident that the liquids wouldn’t be able to get into the boot. I was able to enjoy complete foot dryness throughout the day even when I needed to work while surrounded by water and other liquid substances.
Breathability
The waterproofing system also works to keep the boot as breathable as possible. The system includes a special lining that allows air to move through the boot to encourage any built-up heat to quickly dissipate before it can develop into serious overheating problems. My feet stayed cool within the boots even when I worked long hours at a time without rest periods in between demanding activities. It also helped that the lining worked to wick away moisture so that I didn’t experience an uncomfortable sweaty feeling inside the boots no matter how hot my surroundings turned out to be.
Quality and Durability
The Irish Setter Trailblazer Boot’s full-grain leather upper is designed to withstand the challenging tasks and environments that are associated with hunting or hiking activities, as well as other professions and leisurely pursuits that involve spending a significant amount of time in harsh outdoor settings. This boot is built with reinforced metal eyelets to ensure that the heavy-duty laces can be adjusted as often as needed without the metal parts breaking apart with the repetitive movements and modifications, allowing you to achieve the perfect fit while preserving the structural integrity of the footwear. The leather kiltie helps keep debris from getting inside the boot or getting caught on the laces. This kiltie can be removed for convenient cleaning purposes, or when you want the boot to have a more classic silhouette without the kiltie as an accent.
A leather loop on the heel area helps with pulling the boot on and off in the easiest way, so you won’t need to pull on the collar itself when it’s time to prepare for another hectic day.
This boot is equipped with a steel shank for extra support for the feet and calves, and to maintain your stability when walking on uneven or slippery surface conditions. The Goodyear welt construction ensures a strong bond between the upper and the sole and allows re-soling as necessary so you can get the most out of the boot for a long period of time.
Other Versions
The Irish Setter Men’s 878 Trailblazer Waterproof 7-Inch Leather Boot does not have other versions and is available in brown and dark brown colors. The logger boot is offered in medium (regular) sizes as well as wide size options for those with wide feet or people who are more comfortable with roomier boots.
The Challengers
Irish Setter Men’s 807 Wingshooter 7-Inch Upland Hunting Boot
The Irish Setter Men’s 807 Wingshooter 7-Inch Upland Hunting Boot is an excellent alternative if you’re looking for a waterproof hunting boot that won’t compromise your comfort and style. This boot comes with a moc toe silhouette that not only looks handsome but also offers more room for your foot to shift when needed to fight foot fatigue. The outsole delivers strong traction to prevent slipping on challenging surfaces and works to continuously shed off debris and prevent it from accumulating underfoot, allowing you to keep moving without the need to constantly scrape off mud or mulch. This boot is built with thick, full-grain leather for a premium texture that you’ll be able to enjoy within the workplace and in more casual settings.
Irish Setter Elk Tracker GORE-TEX 12-Inch Waterproof Insulated Boot
The Irish Setter Elk Tracker GORE-TEX 12-Inch Waterproof Insulated Boot may be more to your liking if you’re on the lookout for a tall boot that can provide increased protection against the elements. The GORE-TEX waterproof membrane stops moisture from seeping into the boot to guarantee long-lasting foot dryness even with constant exposure to water and other liquids in and around the area. This membrane also works to dissipate moisture so it can quickly evaporate before the boot’s interior becomes overheated. This boot can be relied on to keep your feet warm when you need to move through cold weather conditions, with 3M Thinsulate Ultra to provide impressive insulation that works double-time with long-lasting durability so you can be sure the material will be able to keep up with the demands of your job or chosen leisure activity. This boot is also enhanced with the exclusive Irish Setter scent control system that works by killing odor-causing bacteria so you won’t have to deal with smelly feet.
Chippewa Graeme 6-Inch Waterproof Boot
The Chippewa Graeme 6-Inch Waterproof Boot is built with a waterproof and seam-sealed construction. It’s equipped with a fiberglass shank that delivers long-lasting stability to keep you safer when you’re navigating tricky surfaces, without adding too much to the overall weight. This allows the boot to maintain rugged strength while maintaining a lightweight profile that won’t result in a dragging feeling on your foot. The exclusive insoles are designed for maximum flexibility to allow you to move as freely and as naturally as possible without anything rigid to interfere with your efficient movements throughout the day.
Timberland PRO 9-Inch Buzzsaw Waterproof Comp Toe Logger Boot
For the ultimate protection in harsh settings, the Timberland PRO 9-Inch Buzzsaw Waterproof Composite Toe Logger Boot is a tough contender to beat. This boot features a waterproof construction to ensure your foot will remain dry and comfortable all day long. The composite safety toe caps protect the foot from being severely injured when something heavy or blunt falls on the boot from a great height, so you can confidently and safely work in areas where compression and impact hazards can be expected. This boot uses anti-fatigue technology to deliver reliable arch support that will enable you to keep on working without worrying about pain at the end of the day. The cushioned footbed works to keep the foot cradled and supported so you can remain productivite all day long.
Carolina CA825 Elm Logger Boot
The Carolina CA825 Elm Logger Boot is a no-frills logger boot that can keep up with your activities without compromising your comfort. The traditional lace-up style allows for convenient adjustments, so you modify the fit until you get to the most comfortable setting. A steel shank stabilizes your footing and delivers all-day support for the foot and calf. This boot offers a secondary layer of protection against electrical hazards and is equipped with a rugged rubber outsole that firmly grips the ground to prevent slipping accidents, especially in wet or slippery areas. The classic boot silhouette can be used in more relaxed settings without looking out of place with your casual outfits.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Irish Setter Men’s 878 Trailblazer Waterproof 7-Inch Leather Boot is a comfortable choice that stands out with its distinctive logger boot silhouette. The sturdy waterproof construction is designed to keep up with harsh outdoor settings without easily breaking apart in the process. This boot is equipped with a heavy-duty outsole that delivers maximum traction for safer movements on various terrains. It should be noted as this boot does not come with toe protection, it’s not recommended for settings where there are impact and compression hazards.
