AllOutdoor Review: Irish Setter Trailblazer Boots

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 to be. Over 2025, I had the possibility to attempt their Trailblazers, however to not the total extent I’d hoped. I had deliberate on placing severe miles on these boots in upland searching season, however a severe 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 preferred.

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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 properly. Ordering boots with out attempting them on is at all times a little bit of a dangerous gamble, however on this case it labored out. I put on a measurement 11, with toes tending to the extra-wide aspect—which is an accessible 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 necessary to get proper. On this case, these boots had been bang-on.

Consolation on the Trails – Irish Setter Trailblazer Boots

Having an excellent match is one factor; having the boots match properly once you’re really sporting them is one other. Conventional-styled boots are usually 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 skill 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 Pink Wing firm. Their web site says UltraDry combines waterproof elements with a “moisture administration lining” to maintain your toes dry; I presume meaning a breathable lining, just like different membranes just like the a lot better-known Gore-Tex materials.

To this point, so good; UltraDry appears to work properly in these boots, identical to it labored properly within the Vasque hikers I examined some time again. I’ve worn them in extraordinarily slushy climate, and purposefully stomped via icy puddles to ensure the waterproofing continues to be working. To this point, 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 toes because of perspiration, both, so the breathability appears to work properly.

Good Appears to be like – 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 may not just like the Trailblazers. However personally, I believe they do an incredible job of wanting like an previous searching or mountain climbing boot with out wanting dated. I’ve had boots the place the false tongue seemed too floppy and ridiculous; on the Trailblazers, it’s barely noticeable.

The total-grain leather-based exterior of the Trailblazers sheds muck and salt stains properly. It will assist the boots keep in fine condition long-term, though I’m positive therapy with saddle cleaning soap and mink oil (or no matter cleaner and preservative you utilize) will ultimately be wanted.

Like a set of Eddier Bauer’s basic Okay-6 mountain climbing boots (now out of manufacturing), the Trailblazers’ seems to be imply you possibly can 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 gasoline station for contemporary doughnuts. I do know some individuals use Trailblazers as work boots, too, however with out metal toes, there are solely so many locations you should use them. If you happen to’re a surveyor within the woods, then perhaps they’re the ticket. If you happen to’re on a development web site with health-and-safety nosing round, then I’d purchase one thing with extra built-in security.

Certain Footing – Irish Setter Trailblazer Boots

Poor traction is a failing widespread to traditional-styled outdoor boots, a minimum of those I’ve worn. The Trailblazers’ Bulls-Eye Air Bob Carbon Rubber sole is stiff sufficient that, in the event you’re on moist, slippery rocks, there’s a little bit of a traction loss, nevertheless it’s nothing unreasonable. The tread sample presents plenty 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 offer some ankle help; an excellent compromise for my part.

The Backside Line – Irish Setter Trailblazer Boots

I count on to take pleasure in utilizing these boots for years to come back. Some house owners report points with the liner deteriorating in the back of the heel, however up to now, I’ve had no such points; the boots have held up very properly. MSRP is $234.99, and I believe they’re properly price that, based mostly on their efficiency up to now. See extra particulars here.