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 appears to be like. Over 2025, I had the possibility to strive their Trailblazers, however to not the total extent I’d hoped. I had deliberate on placing severe miles on these boots in upland looking 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 favored.

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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 measurement 11, with ft tending to the extra-wide facet—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, however it’s necessary to get proper. On this case, these boots had been bang-on.

Consolation on the Trails – Irish Setter Trailblazer Boots

Having match is one factor; having the boots match effectively if 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 capability to construct in flexy mesh panels, and many others., 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 imagine that materials is constructed to a recipe proprietary to the Purple Wing firm. Their web site says UltraDry combines waterproof elements with a “moisture administration lining” to maintain your ft dry; I presume which means a breathable lining, much like different membranes just like the a lot better-known Gore-Tex materials.

Thus far, so good; UltraDry appears to work effectively in these boots, similar 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 means of icy puddles to verify the waterproofing continues to be working. Thus far, 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 attributable to perspiration, both, so the breathability appears to work effectively.

Good Seems to be – 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 a fantastic job of wanting like an outdated looking or mountaineering boot with out wanting dated. I’ve had boots the place the false tongue appeared 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 effectively. This may assist the boots keep in good condition long-term, though I’m positive remedy 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 traditional Ok-6 mountaineering boots (now out of manufacturing), the Trailblazers’ appears to be like 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 fuel station for recent doughnuts. I do know some individuals use Trailblazers as work boots, too, however with out metal toes, there are solely so many locations you need to use them. When you’re a surveyor within the woods, then possibly they’re the ticket. When you’re on a development website 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 open air boots, at the very least those I’ve worn. The Trailblazers’ Bulls-Eye Air Bob Carbon Rubber sole is stiff sufficient that, if you happen to’re on moist, slippery rocks, there’s a little bit of a traction loss, however it’s nothing unreasonable. The tread sample affords 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 supply some ankle assist; compromise in my view.

The Backside Line – Irish Setter Trailblazer Boots

I anticipate 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 value that, primarily based on their efficiency to date. See extra particulars right here.

Zac Ok.

Retired sea salt with a style for venison and fresh-caught fish.