Review: Ridgeline Tasman hunting boots

The first time I used the Ridgeline Tasman boots in earnest was on a four-day hunt involving mud, creek crossings, sub-zero starts and plenty of walking, and I quickly began to appreciate their features and comfort.

To my way of thinking, the Tasmans are the best all-round boots in Ridgeline’s line-up of six different models, and they lift the standard of quality and design compared with the others.

Ridgeline Tasman boots review — The ball rollers in the lower lace holes are a beneficial inclusion

They’re leather boots, made primarily from what’s called Super Dakar leather, which appears to be a resilient and fairly tough hide. It has resisted damage and hasn’t shown any sign of cracking after regular use over the past six months, despite repeated soakings.

Naturally, I’ve given the leather a bit of love and attention through cleaning and applications of leather treatment. This has helped make what began as nicely supple boots even more pliant and flexible, increasing long-walk comfort.

Inside, the Tasmans have an insulated synthetic lining with a bit of padding and a waterproof, breathable Spotex membrane. They are warm but not hot and to date have maintained their waterproofing for longer than most boots I’ve had.

The heel counters at the rear are firm and well curved to cradle your heels, including on lift-off with each step. As a result the Tasmans conform well to your foot and, in conjunction with the mid-height cut, provide lots of ankle support; I’ve never turned an ankle in these boots when mis-stepping.

Ridgeline Tasman boot review — Yes, the Tasman boots remained dry inside … until Mick stepped into deep water. Should have worn good gaiters, too

The rand is modest but high enough to fully cover the joint between sole and upper to keep it protected. A good, thick toe cap comes up a little higher over the front for extra protection. None of this rubber armour is too bulky, helping keep weight down, yet at the same time it hasn’t shown any vulnerabilities.

Ball rollers have been included in the lower lacing points, a great inclusion than makes it so much quicker and easier to pull the laces evenly tight all the way up across the top of your foot, so when you step away you won’t have to stop soon after to re-adjust them.

There are hinged loops without rollers at the ankles and then two rows of quick-lacing hooks above them.

Underneath, the soles are of course Vibram, in this case with a reasonable amount of flexibility but favouring firmness, and with widely spaced, sharp-edged lugs that have given excellent grip in the very mixed terrains and conditions I’ve walked these boots into.

The soles look like they’re lasting well, too. Ridgeline does boast that these are long-lasting boots and while I haven’t had them long enough, nor walked far enough, to really test this claim yet, my early impressions are that it’s likely to prove true. I’ve seen no early warning signs of wear setting in to the Tasmans.

Tasman boots are made in Italy, which is typically a good thing for quality, and they also look good.

I reckon these are more comfortable and of higher quality than Ridgeline’s similarly specced Apache boots, and they have a better lacing system, so it’s easy to justify the extra $50 for the Tasmans, which retail for a few cents under $350.