Outdoor Research Sparkplug Gaiters

Got these for my 5'10, 155-pound ultrarunner husband. Wears size 11.5 street shoe, size 12 running shoe. Totally normal ankles for a guy that size. Tried the l/xl AND the sm/med -- and you definitely need to size down, as other posters have said. The sm/med is great -- fits closely enough around the ankle that it doesn't fall down, but not what I would call "snug." Put it this way, if his ankles swelled on a 100-mile run, the gaiters would still fit OK.We added industrial strength velcro from Home Depot (about $3) to the backs of his shoes. It was obvious just from looking that the included velcro patches were dinky and would come unstuck pretty fast. The industrial-strength seems like it'll stay on with no problem -- but if it comes off, we'll just attach with waterproof construction adhesive (like Loctite).He ran nearly 100 miles with these on crushed limestone trail. Said he didn't even notice he had them on. Kept 99% of the crud out of his shoes and amazingly, his socks were hardly dusty -- and they're white, so you can really tell.He doesn't remove them to change his shoes or socks during runs -- he just unsticks the velcro, unhooks the metal tab from the shoe laces and scootches them up his ankle.A+ for function, F for sizing accuracy, D for dinky velcro patches. Definitely worthwhile.PS these are not waterproof, and that is NOT a design defect. They are designed to be breathable in hot weather. That's why they are super lightweight. Weatherproof gaiters are an entirely different product, much heavier (often made of Goretex, for example). They would cook you in hot weather. If you really want waterproof gaiters, you're looking at the wrong product.

Great gaiters! When I bought them though, I did not expected to have to put velcro on the back of my shoes so that the gaiters would be secure. This means that if you change shoes, but want to use the gaiters, that you would need to put new velcro so that the gaiters stay in place. They are very easy to put on and secure. There is a hook in the front so that the gaiters can secure to the front of the shoes.

The metal clip that attaches to your shoe by the laces popped out, and it doesn't look like I can fix it. This was my first hike with these and they broke as I put them on. I am very disappointed because I bought these over 6 weeks ago and can't return. If the seller makes good on replacing them, I'll remove this negative comment.

Very helpful on the trail. I have used then on 3 backpacking trips that were 3 days each at this point and they are great. Keeps those pesky pebbles, dirty, and twigs out of your shoes while hiking. They have weathered through lots of rain and muddy trails. There are some Pros and Cons just like every product. I give this 4 stars because of the velcro that sticks to your shoes is not very durable and only lasts a few backpacking trips if that. Still a great product, just have to replace the velcro on your shoe often. I chose these over the "Dirty Girl Gaiters" because of the better warranty Outdoor Research offered.Pros:-Good warranty through Outdoor Research-Light weight-DurableCons:-Velcro for your shoe will start to come off due to dirt and moisture. This is an easy fix by going to Walmart and buying more velcro and sticking on the back of your shoes

I bought these for my Appalachian Trail thru hike. I like to hike in trail runners, so I wanted something to keep debris out of my shoes without weighing my down. These worked a trick, held up the whole hike, and I still use them. Would highly recommend.Weight: 1.11oz or 32 grams for the pair.Pros:* Light weight* Keep debris out of your shoes* Easy to add to any shoes. Just stick the provided Velcro dots on the back of your shoes and clip to the front.* Machine washableCons:* They cover the top of your shoes and up your ankle adding more insulation and thus make your feet hotter* Elastic starts to stretch out over time

First off, the included velcro is complete rubbish. I ordered these because I forgot to order gaiters in time for my 50K and these were Prime. I read the reviews about the velcro and ordered some industrial velcro. The included ones fell off immediately and the the industrial stuff held tight. I'm hoping it's the right kind because it said not to use on fabric of flexible vinyl but I attached to the heel on the foam section so we'll see. I've been hesitant to attach anything to my shoes but other brands attach under the shoe and my trail shoes don't have a great place for that to work (Salomon XR Mission). If they survive tomorrow's 50K, I'll update but they seem to be a rather flimsy material and the tag is attached right in the seam so it is now a weak point in the material.

cheap and they work *great*. I wasn't sure about the whole stick-velcro-to-your-shoe thing, but it was unobtrusive and easy, and I bought a roll of cheap sticky-velcro to cut for my other trail shoes. i use them with salomon s-lab sense ultra 3's and 3-sg's. i am used to trail-running and getting mud and gravel and crud and ice and snow in my shoes pretty regularly on messy or gravel or snowy trails, having to stop occasionally to pick out a rock or get the freezing snow wedged into my sock out, and then having to spend an extra 5 minutes after my run properly washing the mud out of the sock part of my shoe. now the whole sock area stays clean, no crud gets in my shoes, and cleaning my shoes after the run takes 30 seconds instead of 3 minutes. win-win. not my favorite color, though.

These things are terrific. Light weight, durable and functional. I've logged around 200kms of hiking on them since purchase. Sometimes the velcro disconnects from the heel patch but they still do their job properly. They dry quickly and pack tiny if you opt not to wear them. They are fantastic for keeping small pebbles, sticks and debris out of your boots/shoes and aren't as cumbersome as the full calf size gaiters. They also offer some measure of protection against insects as well. The only reason they don't get five stars is the lack of colour options. Something a bit more subdued would be ideal. But, they get dirty so quickly, the 'neon' is gone after a few hikes.

Ajusta muy bien , tela suave y transpirable ,funciona a la perfección , 100 recomendable , muy Feliz con esta compra