Review: Vasque
I have had some issues finding hiking boots that truly fit well and can be comfortable wearing hiking or backpacking all day. I started backpacking 15 years ago and was a Vasque Sundowner loyalist- no blisters, no hot spots, just incredibly comfortable stable boots. While working with www.FiftySense.com I have had the opportunity to put many boots by different companies to the test and I have become a little reluctant. I have had blisters, hot spots, lost toenails, and many, many pressure points. Thank goodness I also bring my tried and true boots to change into, though the damage had already been done. Perhaps I have mutant feet and it is their fault, not that of the boot, but I’d like to think not.
However, the pains are over- I LOVE the Bitteroot GTX! It was extremely comfortable right out of the box, allowing you to tailor the fit to your entire foot. A little tighter here, a little looser there, I was really able to get a snug fit with no pressure points.
As with all Vasque boots, they have Vibram soles, and Gore-Tex waterproofing. These particular boots use the Summit Last, which is a hybrid last, using the heel from the Arc Tempo with a straighter forepart. Positive lock heel pocket, excellent arch support, and rockered toe for less walking fatigue in stiffer boots.
They proved to be extremely durable, which is very important as I am incredibly rough and tough on my boots, I expect them to be able to keep up! These boots are a heavy duty, stable boot but not heavyweight! The women’s boot weighs in at a mere 2lbs. 14 oz.! The last thing you want on the trail is a brick on your foot- it is challenging enough to continue to pick up your feet towards the end of the day! I love them and will take them on all my hiking/backpacking adventures!
This is the ultimate all leather boot using premium leather tanned just down the street from the Vasque corporate headquarters in Red Wing, MN at one of the last remaining US tanneries- SB Foot Tanning CO.
This boot is a beautiful combination of features and quality materials. Gore-Tex lining, dual density polyurethane midsole and a Vasque-exclusive Vibram Summit sole.
This is a superbly comfortable boot whether hitting the trail, camping, or working outdoors. With the classic leather construction you could definitely use this as a travel boot as well.
Zephyr II
The old days of having to break a boot in for months before you can comfortably hit the trail are over with the Zephyr. I put these boots on right out of the box and hit the trail for 5 days. Thanks to the innovative three-part midsole providing a perfect balance of stability, cushioning and flex supplying outstanding comfort, I had no hot spots or pressure points.
These boots utilize an exclusive Vibram Summit sole.
Women's feet are anatomically different than men's in several fundamental ways and these boots are women-specific.
Men's Crossover Breeze LT GTX
Women's Crossover Breeze LT GTX
We decided to give Vasque a challenge and see if they could outfit a couple of our reviewers who were not die hard hikers. The husband was just getting into day hiking and this is the time when great fitting boots are really important. They went to the Shenandoah’s and hiked every day for a week. There was very little break in time and no blisters.
The boots breathed well, but were also waterproof. The wife was extremely glad that she could run down a field of boulders “really fast” with no slipping when she had a very close encounter with a huge rattlesnake! Thanks to Vasque, we have added a couple of happy day hikers to the sport.
When looking for a trail running shoe, it is important to pay special attention to the support and sole. The Velocity by Vasque provides both of these things.
The Velocity utilizes a dual-density EVA midsole to reduce pronation, while TPU-reinforced Airmesh and synthetic leather provide superior upper support. This system also softens the impact and prevents stone-bruising.
This shoe also has Vasque Mako soles which use aggressive shark tooth lugs to grab the trail while releasing dirt.
These shoes are not only comfortable enough to wear for everyday use, they provide stability and protection on any trail!
I have used Vasque boots for years, and have found that they last forever! The Wasatch GTX by Vasque is a durable, waterproof backpacking boot that incorporates the benefits of Vibram soles and Gore-Tex waterproofing.
This boot features Strobel construction and a compression-resistant midsole that give this medium duty boot a soft feel and athletic fit. It is so comfortable that it almost feels like you are wearing a running shoe instead of a sturdy boot, while providing incredible ankle support.
These boots have the superior vibram soles that we all know, love, and trust, to provide excellent traction and high abrasion resistance in a multitude of environments. They also last forever!
Even though this boot is listed as a medium duty boot, I felt that it would perform well in any situation you dare to throw at it!
...Fiftysense Product Review Panel