Samelin
Black Hiking Boots
Black Hiking Boots
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A proper hiking boot. Black. Vibram sole. Waterproof.
The 553 Black is the same boot as the Firtree and Tundra — waterproof nubuck leather upper, 4-layer TOPAZ membrane, 2-layer Vibram outsole. Black finish: cleaner and more versatile across urban and outdoor contexts. NATO-certified Samelin construction, Estonia.
Why these boots
- Waterproof nubuck leather upper — tough, breathable, weather-resistant
- 2-layer Vibram outsole — proven grip on wet rock, mud, and loose terrain
- 4-layer TOPAZ waterproof membrane — keeps feet dry without trapping moisture
- Anatomical insole — antibacterial and washable
- Made by Samelin, Estonia — same NATO-certified factory as Norwegian M77 military boots
- NATO AQAP 2110 / ISO 9001 certified
- EU 36–48
Built for real outdoor use
Designed for Nordic climate — rain, mud, wet forest, cold. The black finish also handles mixed city and trail use better than the coloured variants.
- Hiking and trekking in varied terrain
- Wet forest and trail conditions
- Nordic outdoor activities
- Cold-weather outdoor work
- Urban outdoor crossover
Construction details
Upper: Waterproof genuine nubuck leather Outsole: 2-layer Vibram sole Lining: 4-layer TOPAZ waterproof breathable membrane Insole: Anatomical, antibacterial, washable Weight: 1.5 kg (size 41) Standards: NATO AQAP 2110 / ISO 9001 Origin: Tartu, Estonia
Fit and sizing
These boots run large. Size down one full size. If you normally wear a 41, order a 40.
Available in EU 36–48.
FAQ
How does the black compare to Firtree and Tundra? Same boot, different leather colour. Black is the most versatile — works for both trail and everyday use. Firtree is forest green, Tundra is a lighter tan. Choose based on preference; construction is identical.
What is the TOPAZ membrane? A 4-layer waterproof breathable lining — blocks liquid water from outside while allowing moisture vapour to escape. Feet stay dry from rain and sweat.
What does the Vibram sole add? Vibram is the benchmark for hiking outsoles. The 2-layer construction gives reliable grip on wet rock, mud, and loose terrain.
How do these compare to the M77 for hiking? The 553 is purpose-built for hiking — Vibram sole, waterproof membrane, nubuck upper. The M77 is a military combat boot that handles hiking well but isn't designed specifically for trail use. For dedicated hiking, the 553 is the better choice.
Do these need breaking in? Some. The nubuck leather softens with wear. Most people find them comfortable within a few days of regular use.
Order with confidence
- Made by Samelin — NATO-certified manufacturer, Estonia
- Ships to EU in 3–7 working days
- Free shipping available — check if you qualify at checkout
- 30-day returns on unused, unworn items
- Questions? hello@whatshoes.co
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2-year warranty
2-year warranty on manufacturing defects. If something's wrong, we fix it, replace it, or refund it — no runaround. Write to hello@whatshoes.co
- 5 stars: 11 (92%)
- 4 stars: 0 (0%)
- 3 stars: 0 (0%)
- 2 stars: 1 (8%)
- 1 star: 0 (0%)
The best boots I have ever owned.
When I ordered these boots a few years ago I wasn't planning to wear them to the Song Festival. But there I was, and happy about it. These are simply very good waterproof boots.
Good all-round boots — whatever the weather or season, I've never been let down by them. Only downside is they could be a little lighter.
The sole becomes extremely slippery after some wear. I've fallen both in summer and in winter. Otherwise perfectly fine for the price.
Comfortable, waterproof, warm, yet the foot doesn't sweat even in milder weather.
Since I already had the red pilot boots, I wondered if it was possible to love another pair of boots just as much. Turns out — yes! These are truly the most comfortable boots in the world.
Comfortable hiking boots, even after a long day with many kilometres walked. The only downside is they could be a little lighter. But overall, very good boots!
The best boots of my life, genuinely! If my feet used to be cold after longer walks in rain or snow, with these boots my feet stay truly dry and warm.
Good boots, praise to the Estonian manufacturer!
I've been wearing them for several years now — comfortable and waterproof. When water comes over the top it doesn't get cold immediately while moving, though it does while standing. The flex zones are starting to give out now, but that's age and the kilometres they've covered.
I have been using Samelin products for 10 years. Why do I own 10 pairs of their boots, for both hiking and daily use? Simple. Once you try them, you don't want anything else. I've hiked hundreds of kilometres in these and they just keep going.
After about five years of heavy use, something crazy happened — the sole came away on my right boot. The left is still like new. True, they've covered a lot of kilometres and taken a lot of punishment, and worth every cent at the price.