Comfort
The MUCK Peak Hardcore’s neoprene is soft and cushy and comfortable and needs no break in period. In warmer weather (45 deg. F) the feet weren’t too warm, but use in much warmer weather would be uncomfortable.

Stability & Traction
The Peak Hardcore boots had better than average traction on snow and ice and wet logs/rocks when the force was toe to heel but less so when the force was sideways (as in traversing a steep icy hill). The MUCK boots provided a good footbed for planting steps in snow but did not provide the support for kicking steps in firmer, icy snow.

Durability
The MUCK Peak Hardcore has a integrated lining and is not readily replaceable. They seem very well made, and there were no issues during testing with their durability.

Waterproofing
The Peak Hardcore boots provided superior waterproofness to any other boot tested. Feet stayed dry and warm on all trips, despite several times going through 9+ inches of water.

Off Trail
Designed for use in snow and cold, the Peak Hardcore boots also work well on the approach although they do not provide the tight and firm ankle support and rigid sole most more technical winter mountaineering boots provide. That said, the boots provided an excellent platform for plunge stepping and kick stepping in all but the most technical conditions, and the waterproofing worked well in stream crossings and snow.