Mike here, and after spending $347 on failed shoes this year, I was skeptical about another budget option promising the world. But something about the overwhelmingly positive photos and that sub-$60 price point made me curious enough to spend 3 months putting these through every hiking scenario I could imagine. Here’s whether they can actually deliver on those bold waterproof claims.
Technical Specifications
- 💰 Price: $55 ()
- ⚖️ Weight: 1.25 lbs (men’s size 10)
- 🧪 Midsole material: EVA foam
- 👟 Upper material: Synthetic suede with SL-TEX membrane
- 🏃♂️ Category: Mid-top hiking boots
- 🎯 Best for: Day hikes, light outdoor work, casual trails
- ⏱️ Testing period: 3 months, 47 hikes/work sessions, 156 total miles
Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance
Right out of the box, these boots have a solid first impression. The synthetic suede upper feels more premium than I expected for a sub-$60 boot, and the black/red colorway actually looks pretty sharp. The construction appears clean with even stitching throughout, though I did notice some minor glue residue around the sole junction – nothing major, but worth mentioning.
The lacing system includes both traditional eyelets and two metal hooks at the top, though I’ll warn you upfront – these hooks are the boot’s biggest weakness. They’re plastic, not metal as they appear, and multiple reviewers (myself included) experienced failures here. The extra set of laces is a nice touch that shows SHULOOK understands their target market.
The fit runs true to size for most foot shapes, though guys with wider feet might want to consider sizing up half a size. At 175 lbs with normal-width feet, the size 10 fit perfectly with room for thick hiking socks. The toe box provides adequate space without feeling sloppy, and the ankle collar sits comfortably without pressure points.
Trail Cushioning & Support Performance
Here’s where things get interesting. The EVA midsole provides decent cushioning for a budget boot, though it’s nothing revolutionary. During my 8-mile test hike through Shenandoah’s rocky trails, my feet felt supported but definitely knew they’d been working by the end. The memory foam insole feels plush initially but compresses pretty quickly – I ended up swapping it out for aftermarket insoles after about 6 weeks.
The ankle support genuinely impressed me. These boots lock your foot down securely without feeling restrictive, and I never experienced any ankle rolling even on uneven terrain. For a lightweight boot at this price point, the support-to-weight ratio is actually excellent.
On-the-Trail Performance
The rubber outsole provides solid traction on most surfaces. I tested these on everything from smooth rock faces to loose gravel, muddy trails, and even some light scrambling. The 4mm lugs bite well into soft surfaces, and the rubber compound offers good grip on dry rock. Wet conditions are where things get trickier – while the traction holds up reasonably well, it’s not quite as confidence-inspiring as premium hiking boots.
Temperature regulation has been mostly positive. These boots breathe better than many waterproof options, though they can get a bit warm during summer hiking. The synthetic materials wick moisture reasonably well, and I rarely experienced the swamp-foot that plagued my previous budget boots.
Meeting Your Hiking Goals – Does It Deliver?
For casual day hiking and light outdoor work, these boots punch above their weight class. I’ve worn them for 8-10 hour construction days, weekend camping trips, and plenty of local trail adventures. The combination of ankle support, decent cushioning, and lightweight design makes them genuinely comfortable for extended wear.
However, there’s a clear ceiling here. These aren’t backpacking boots, and they’re not built for serious mountain adventures. Think weekend warrior gear rather than expedition equipment.
Performance in Various Hiking Conditions
Dry Conditions: Excellent performance across the board. The boots feel agile and responsive, with good ground feel and reliable traction.
Wet Weather: This is where we need to have an honest conversation. Despite the “waterproof” marketing, these boots have significant water resistance issues. Multiple users report water infiltration within 30 minutes to a few hours of wet conditions. I experienced this firsthand during a rainy day hike – my socks were damp within 45 minutes despite not stepping in any deep puddles.
Rocky Terrain: The toe protection works well, and I never felt rocks through the sole. The ankle support really shines here, providing confidence on uneven surfaces.
Muddy Trails: Good grip and easy cleanup, though mud does tend to pack into the tread pattern.
Does SHULOOK Deliver on Their Promises?
Let’s break down the marketing claims versus reality:
✅ “Ultra-light weight: 1.25lb” – Accurate. These are genuinely lightweight compared to traditional hiking boots.
⚠️ “SL-TEX waterproof membrane” – This is where expectations need adjustment. The boots offer water resistance for light moisture but fail under sustained wet conditions.
✅ “Breathable and skin-friendly lining” – True. Ventilation is better than expected for a “waterproof” boot.
❌ “Durable construction” – Mixed results. While the overall build feels solid, the plastic lace hooks are a clear failure point.
The biggest disconnect is in the waterproofing claims. SHULOOK markets these as waterproof hiking boots, but real-world performance suggests they’re more accurately described as water-resistant casual hikers.
My Overall Assessment
After 3 months of testing, I have mixed feelings about these boots. They excel in several areas while falling short in others that might be deal-breakers depending on your needs.
Detailed Scoring by Category
- Comfort (7.5/10): Genuinely comfortable right out of the box with minimal break-in needed. Ankle support is excellent, though insole quality limits long-term comfort.
- Durability (6/10): Overall construction feels solid, but the plastic lace hooks and compressed insoles reduce longevity expectations.
- Waterproofing (4/10): Major weakness. Works for light moisture but fails under real hiking conditions.
- Traction (7/10): Good performance on most surfaces, adequate for casual hiking needs.
- Value (7.5/10): At $55, these offer decent performance for recreational use despite the waterproofing issues.
- Style (8/10): Actually look more expensive than they are. Clean design that works for both trails and casual wear.
What Other Hikers Are Saying
The Amazon reviews paint a consistent picture: people love the initial comfort and lightweight design but are frustrated by the waterproofing failures and durability concerns. Common praise includes “comfortable right out of the box,” “true to size,” and “good value for money.” Common complaints focus on “not waterproof,” “lace hooks breaking,” and “cheap insoles.
Spanish-speaking customers frequently mention “muy cómodas” (very comfortable) and “buena calidad con respecto al precio” (good quality for the price), reinforcing the value positioning.
Final Verdict
The Good and The Bad
What Works:
- Genuinely lightweight and comfortable design
- Excellent ankle support for the price point
- True-to-size fit for most foot shapes
- Good traction on dry surfaces
- Attractive styling that looks more expensive
- Minimal break-in required
- Extra laces included
What Doesn’t:
- Waterproofing fails under real conditions
- Plastic lace hooks break easily
- Cheap insoles compress quickly
- Strong chemical smell out of the box
- Limited durability for intensive use
- Not suitable for serious hiking
Who Should Buy the SHULOOK Hiking Boots?
Perfect For:
- Casual weekend hikers who prioritize comfort and style
- Light outdoor work where waterproofing isn’t critical
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking decent ankle support
- Urban hiking and groomed trail adventures
- Backup boots for occasional use
Skip If You Need:
- Reliable waterproofing for wet conditions
- Boots for serious backpacking or mountain hiking
- Long-term durability for daily use
- Premium materials and construction
- Boots for technical terrain
Better Options for Specific Needs
If waterproofing is non-negotiable, consider spending more on Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof ($120) or Keen Targhee III ($130). For budget alternatives with better durability, look at Columbia Newton Ridge ($80) or Timberland White Ledge ($90).
Final Recommendation
The SHULOOK Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots earn a 6.8/10 – a solid budget option with clear limitations. At $55, they deliver on comfort, style, and basic hiking performance while falling short on waterproofing and long-term durability.
If you understand what you’re buying – comfortable, lightweight hiking boots for dry conditions and casual use – you’ll likely be satisfied. Just don’t expect waterproof performance or premium durability at this price point.
🛒 Get the best deal:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are SHULOOK hiking boots actually waterproof?
Despite marketing claims, real-world testing shows they’re water-resistant rather than waterproof. They’ll handle light moisture and brief wet conditions but fail during sustained rain or stream crossings.
How long do SHULOOK hiking boots typically last?
For casual weekend use, expect 1-2 years. Daily work use typically yields 6-12 months before significant wear appears. The lace hooks are often the first failure point.
Do these boots require a break-in period?
Minimal break-in needed. Most users report comfort right out of the box, though the boots do soften slightly after a few hikes.
How’s the sizing compared to other hiking boot brands?
True to size for most users. If you have wide feet, consider sizing up half a size for comfort.
Can I replace the insoles?
Yes, the memory foam insoles are removable. Many users upgrade to aftermarket insoles for better arch support and durability.
Are they good for winter hiking?
Limited winter capability due to waterproofing issues. Fine for dry winter conditions but not recommended for snow or ice.
How do they compare to Timberland or Merrell boots?
Comparable comfort and style but significantly lower durability and waterproof performance. Good budget alternative for casual use.
What’s the return policy if the waterproofing fails?
SHULOOK offers a one-year guarantee, though specific waterproof performance claims may be difficult to verify for returns.
Get the best price on Amazon: 👉 Click here to check current pricing and availability
Review Scoring Summary
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 7.5/10 | Excellent out-of-box comfort, good ankle support |
| Durability | 6.0/10 | Plastic lace hooks fail, insoles compress quickly |
| Waterproofing | 4.0/10 | Major weakness – water-resistant only |
| Traction | 7.0/10 | Good grip on most surfaces |
| Value | 7.5/10 | Solid performance for $55 price point |
| Style | 8.0/10 | Attractive design, looks more expensive |
| Overall Rating | 6.8/10 | Good budget option with clear limitations |