I picked up a pair of the SHULOOK Men's Waterproof Hiking Boots on a whim before a soggy weekend trip out to the Tillamook State Forest. My go-to boots had finally given up the ghost, delaminating sole, soaked-through lining, the whole sad picture, and I needed something fast that wouldn't crater my wallet. Mid-top, lightweight, waterproof membrane? Looked promising. Here's what I actually found after putting them through a couple of wet PNW outings.
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What I noticed first
Weight. Right out of the box, these things feel almost suspiciously light. At 1.25 lb for a size 10, they're noticeably lighter than most mid-tops I've worn, and that's the first thing my trail partner commented on too. After a knee surgery a few years back, I've become pretty obsessive about not strapping bricks to my feet, so this was genuinely a good sign.
The synthetic suede upper looks clean and holds its shape well. It doesn't have that plasticky, budget-boot sheen I was half-expecting. The lace-up fit is snug without being aggressive, and the closed-cell tongue is a nice practical touch, no more digging gravel out of your sock after a scramble through loose trail debris.
The memory foam insole is also immediately noticeable underfoot. It's soft and contoured enough that I wore these around the house for an evening before the trip without any of the usual break-in stiffness.
What works
The SL-TEX waterproof membrane held up well on wet trails. I crossed a couple of shallow streams on the Tillamook trip and pushed through some heavy brush that was still dripping from the previous night's rain. My feet stayed dry. That's not a small thing. Budget waterproofing often means a membrane that works once or twice and then quietly fails, but after a few outings I haven't had a soaker yet.
Traction is solid on packed dirt and loose gravel. The rubber sole grabbed confidently on the rooty, muddy stretches I tend to favor, and I didn't have any sketchy moments on wet rock either. Nothing I'd trust on a technical alpine scramble, but for the day-hiking and light-backpacking crowd, it's more than adequate.
The EVA midsole cushioning is real, not just marketing copy. It absorbs impact well, which my knees appreciate on the downhills. Combined with the targeted heel cushioning in the insole, these boots handled a five-mile round trip without leaving me reaching for the ibuprofen at the trailhead. That's a decent benchmark for me personally.
Breathability is hard to measure objectively, but I didn't finish either outing with that clammy, swampy feeling I get from some fully waterproofed boots. The D01 lining seems to do its job, at least in cool PNW temperatures. I'd be more cautious about recommending these in true summer heat, but for three-season Pacific Northwest use, they've been comfortable.
You can grab a pair through this link on Amazon if you want to check current sizing and availability.
What didn't click
Here's my honest gripe: ankle support is on the softer side for a mid-top. The collar height is fine, but the overall structure flexes more than I'd like on uneven, off-trail terrain. If you're mostly on maintained trails, you probably won't notice. But if you like to wander off the beaten path onto loose rock or steep side-slopes, you might find yourself wishing for a stiffer boot. I rolled my ankle slightly on a rocky descent, nothing serious, but it was a reminder that "mid-top" doesn't automatically mean "supportive."
The outsole lug pattern is also moderate rather than aggressive. It handles wet dirt well, but in thick mud it can pack up and lose grip. I'd call it a three-season trail boot, not a mud-season boot. Don't expect the tenacious bite of a dedicated Vibram sole.
One more thing: Amazon doesn't list a current price for these, so I can't tell you whether the value equation is consistent or whether it fluctuates. Worth checking before you commit.
All that said, for the lightweight, casual-to-moderate hiking use case these are clearly designed for, they deliver more than I expected. If you're a day-hiker who wants dry feet without hauling heavy leather up a trail, the SHULOOK boots are worth a serious look. Just go in with realistic expectations about ankle stability and aggressive terrain.
I'll keep testing these as the fall rain rolls in here in Portland. If the waterproofing holds through a full season of soggy trail days, I'll update this review. Until then, lace up, stay dry, and don't trust delaminating soles. Ask me how I know.
— Dave