As someone who hasn’t traditionally been a boot guy, the XB seems to strike a perfect balance between fit and functionality, fixing the reasons why I have never been a boot guy.
With 1000s of backpacked miles under my belt, I’ve always veered to shoe options because boots never felt very accommodating on multiple points. From narrow toe boxes to ankle restricting uppers(not in the good way) that were less supportive/stabilizing and seemed more for aesthetic, every boot or shoe disguised as a “boot” just missed the mark.

Enter the XB!

Very accommodating toe box! While the foot it’s secure and snug as a bug from ankle to midsole, the toe box allows for the toes to splay nice and naturally. Paired with a 5mm drop, and a rocker shape, these will definitely make for all day comfort at quick fast pack speeds.
Feels the exact same length as the GL SVT but with a boot fit. Normal size M8.5, order M8.5. Fit great

Finally the ankle support and lockdown.
Unparalleled! Have not felt more true ankle support but at the same time mobility from a boot. It truly is a unique experience. The lower cut Achilles section really adds to the unrestricted forward movement feeling.

Very much looking forward to many backcountry miles in these. With the BOA cables instead of laces I don’t foresee these breaking down any time soon.

Another unique knockout boys!

-Cv-

I have/have worn a lot of different hunting boots (lowa, hanwag, crispi)
I think these have the best grip, compound, and lug pattern. The fit is the best of any hunting boot i've ever worn (huge shout out to BOA) and the Speedland toebox is far and away superior to others in the market, much more room for the toes to splay (lowas are the closest)
As far as stiffness goes I would put them in the #3 range. Not rigid like a mountaineering type boot but firm. The fit around the ankles is very nice also. Sidehilling they give you a nice responsive groundfeel so you can be more sure of your footing. I am looking forward to putting a lot of miles into these with a heavy pack.

My first new footwear since the accident, and learning on my prosthetics. Since they took both legs just below the knee, I have a very short swing and was told I likely wouldn’t be wearing high tops ever again but they were wrong. Sizing was way off from stated, but in my case, it wasn’t hard to shave off eight mm from the heels to get a proper fit.