Comments on: Hi-Tec Boots featuring Ion-Mask Technology

By: J Ramsden

J Ramsden — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:08:28 +0000

So what happens when the Ion Mask eventually wears out (or off)? I’ve had these Hi Tec Altitude WPi boots for just over a year now and they are starting to let in water. Am I safe to start using boot polish and / or dubbin on them and if so, what’s the best brand or type to use?
Cheers

By: J. Cusworth

J. Cusworth — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:27:07 +0000

I have had my Ironmask boots for two years and have loved them but the last couple of times of wearing them they have let in the wet from the grass. My local Tog 24 shop (where I purchased them) suggested that I use their own brand Leather Conditioner to cover the scuffs. There is nothing on the jar to say that it contains alcahol and so I don’t know if this is why the problem has started. If any one knows if anything can be done to make them waterproof again I would be pleased to give it a try as I am so disappointed with them now.

By: Peter Sanderson

Peter Sanderson — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 12:06:31 +0000

Just got a pair of these from Amazon having had a pair of Hi-tech Whistler 600. and so was confident in the sizing. I was right they have gone on and feel as comfortable as my old boots. Looking forward to doing some long distance walking in them next year.

By: Neil Alexander-Boxall

Neil Alexander-Boxall — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 02:05:54 +0000

I purchased a pair for both my wife and myself over a year ago after extensive research online. Both were instantly comfortable and we use them nearly every weekend for 10-12 mile walks. Our feet are always dry even when walking through long wet grass. - One question though - how do I cover the scuffs at the toe area of the leather?

By: Dave

Dave — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 11:17:34 +0000

Hi, I’ve had two pairs of these ion mask boots now. Over the past couple of years I use them two to three times a week and have never cleaned them. The first pair I bought when they were first advertised did leak at the tongue attachment. I checked online and contacted hi-tech who advised I sent them to there testing facility. They were quickly replaced by a brand new pair of the new version. I can honestly say they are lite, totally waterproof and comfortable to use. The only thing I would say against them is that they like to shred laces. But I can forgive this minor indiscretion as I still totally love them. I wish lots more stuff was ion masked.

By: Mat

Mat — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 15:12:04 +0000

I got a pair of hi tec sonoma ion mask at first the water just rolled off, but now after just a month my feet are still dry but the water doesn’t bead off like they did when new. Should this happen or should I get them to swop for a new pair.

By: Simon Page

Simon Page — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:34:19 +0000

@pattherat - I’m sure it is a bad batch as you are the first negative comment I have heard about these boots and both my pairs have been going strong for over a year now. Let me know how you get on with the other pair. All the best.

By: pattherat

pattherat — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 17:20:54 +0000

bought a pair of these boots in april 09…and had to hand them back today 28 december 09….why? coz they were letting the wet stuff in!was told it was a bad batch and instead of refund took another pair to TRY OUT again,was really dissapointed by the leak because they were great boots straight onto the munro’s with them no breaking in at all.so fingers crossed it really was a BAD BATCH.p.s. the leak was the bottom three eyelets .

By: Doug Scriven

Doug Scriven — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 20:29:28 +0000

Just bought a pair of ion-mask boots today, I went for a six mile walk over the moor two hours after buying them to try them out and I was amazed how comfortable they were.
The moor is saturated after weeks of rain and little if any fine weather, my feet were bone dry after the walk and I felt as though I had had the boots for months, no unpleasant breaking in at all.
Well done hi-tec

By: Phil Haines

Phil Haines — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:24:28 +0000

If you look further up the page you will find the answer you are looking for.

By: pattherat

pattherat — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 10:20:01 +0000

just got a pair of ion-mask boots.wow didnt even have to break them in straight up ben arthur it was like wearing trainers,but due to some scrambling i have givien them a good few scuffs,will Dubbin or polish be best

By: Simon Page

Simon Page — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 13:02:29 +0000

hey thats great thanks for letting me know Graham!

By: Graham

Graham — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:07:00 +0000

Bought these after reading this page, because Hi-Tec’s website a bit complicated and I couldn’t find a pause button. Got them for fishing when it’s raining and also just in case I accidentally step into the water, which I have done on countless occasions. Normal boots soak up water no matter how much waxing I applied, so these were a godsend. Have been using for about a month and have had dry (and therefore warm) feet all day every time I go fishing. Thanks for the info.

By: Simon Page

Simon Page — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:08:39 +0000

Koender your best bet (and for anyone else looking to get these not in the UK and USA) is to contact Hi-Tec direct you - should be able to get them shipped to you now:

Hi-Tec Contact Form

By: Koenders

Koenders — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:06:52 +0000

Can you tell me when I can buy the Ion-mask shoes in Holland?

By: Simon Page

Simon Page — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 21:04:29 +0000

@Phil - thanks very much for that very useful info!

By: Phil Haines

Phil Haines — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:39:01 +0000

This is a reply to my email to Hi-Tec regarding the problems of scuffing.
“Regarding your question on how to care for these boots, we have been advised to inform our customers of the following ….
Do not use any alcohol based cleaners or solutions. If need to be cleaned, wipe over with a damp cloth and dry naturally away from any direct heat.
Do not need to protect with anything before use.
Normal boot polish can be used to keep the leather supple if required, as long as the polish is not alcohol based.
We do recommend our customers to Nikwax with regard to cleaning products – they can advise the best product to use.
Hope the above information is of help to you and that you continue to enjoy your new boots!!”

By: Simon Page

Simon Page — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 13:11:18 +0000

Ion Mask technology is more than fine - its great.

I have been wearing a pair for well over a month now and have had a few scuffs but I haven’t noticed any problems because of it.

You would need to slice the surface of the boots off to make any real impact on the ion mask - I can’t think of any activity where this would happen?

By: Bill McTimoney

Bill McTimoney — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 12:49:34 +0000

Technology sounds fine, but what happens as the boots get scuffed in use?

Bill.

By: Mark Ellis

Mark Ellis — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:40:13 +0000

Good article, the boots are great and the potentials for the technology are endless.

By: Simon Page

Simon Page — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:54:43 +0000

I would use the contact form here if you can’t get them from the site itself - http://www.hi-tec.com/ne/