Category Archives: Navigation

Mens Vasque Breeze GTX Hiking Boot

Mens Vasque Breeze GTX Hiking Boot

Pros

  • Feels Like a Custom Fit
  • Excellent Traction
  • Superior Ventilation

Cons

  • Narrow need to Buy 1/2 Size Bigger or get them wide
Price around $149

Pros

  • Light Weight
  • Durable Construction
  • Good Traction

When it comes to hiking boots you need a boot that has been designed and equipped with just the features you need.  It takes a boot that makes hiking a breeze.  It takes a Vasque Men’s Breeze GTX Hiking Boot to be exact

Cons

Some wearers have reported this boots run a size too small but buying them one size bigger usually takes care of this problem. However, the boots have been reported to be a little narrow so if you have wider feet than most people you might want to get a wider size rather than longer.

Also, the stitching around the upper lace hook has been reported to give out if you wear them constantly in extreme terrain such as scree fields. But most boots would have this problem in those conditions.

Pros

The Vasque Breeze GTX Hiking Boot uniquely stretches to give you what feels like a custom form fitting feel. These boots are comfortable even without an extensive break in period and no blister problems have been reported. With a Vibram Contex outsole and dual-density EVA insole they provide excellent grip in all conditions even in light snow.

The waterproof Nubuck leather upper with airmesh nylon fabric and Gortex XCR membrane will keep you dry during stream crossings and cool with minimum sweating even in summer desert conditions. The upper also grips your ankles comfortably to provide you with excellent ankle support on firm and unstable surfaces.

Wrap Up

At 2 lb 9 oz in a size 9 these boots are not the lightest out there but are packed with features you can’t do without.

In conclusion if you want a boot that is extremely comfortable and requires no break in period, the Men’s Vasque Breeze GTX Hiking Boot simply breezes right by the competition.



Mens Vasque Mindbender GTX Trail Running Shoe

Vasque Mindbender Trail Running Shoe

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Waterproof
  • Durable

Cons

  • No Ankle Support
Price $70 to $95

Pros

  • Light Weight
  • Durable Construction
  • Good Traction



Mens Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid- Lightweight Hiking Boot with Superior Ventilation

Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Removable Footbeds
  • Superior Ventilation

Cons

  • Need to Buy 1/2 Size Bigger
  • Off Trail Durability Issues
  • Not For Hikers With Ankle Problems
Price $87 to $90

Pros

  • Light Weight
  • Durable Construction
  • Good Traction

At Last! A Lightweight Breathable Hiking Boot with Ankle Support

The Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid is reported to be an excellent lightweight hiker with ankle support. It has a Dura leather and mesh upper, padded tongue with an air cushion in the heel which absorbs shock and provides cushioning. The Vibram Multi-Sport soles with a 5mm Sole lug depth keep your feet on the trail where they belong. Weighing in at only 17 oz. per boot in a size 9 you will almost feel like you are walking on air.

Cons

Hikers reported if you have a tendency to turn ankles this boot will not provide the ankle support you need, but is fine for people without this problem. Some owners have reported durability issues when the boot has been used extensively off trail, but if you tend to stay on trail and only go off trail to see a sight or make camp the Merrell Moab Ventilator will hold up.

“Do not machine wash these boots,” have been warned by several people but we wouldn’t suggest you do that anyway. The biggest issue reported by the majority of wearers is that the boot wears a 1/2 size too small. However, if you buy this boot a 1/2 size bigger, with decent socks these boots will fit like a glove. So keep this in mind when ordering.

Pros

The sole of the Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid is soft and pliable so it grips the terrain well. The uppers and tongue are flexible, padded and fit snugly. Out of box comfort with a minimal break in period has been reported. This hiking boot wears like a sneaker but the nylon shank keeps your feet from feeling every sharp rock and stick you step on.

The breathability of these hiking boots is excellent and keeps foot sweating to a minimum which will help keep blisters at bay. These boots are quick drying after stream crossings, snow field crossings and early morning dew exposure. It has been reported these boots will dry out in as little as 30 minutes while wearing and will be dry in the morning if left out wet.

The Merrell Moab Ventilator comes with removable anatomically shaped foot beds for superior comfort and can be used right out of the box or replaced with your favorite after market foot bed for maximum comfort.

Wrap Up

Overall this is an excellent boot for those hikers that stick to the trail and keep the weight down in their pack. This is an A+ hiking boot with a large following of repeat wearers.



Vasque Sundowner Classic GTX Hiking Boots

vasque sundowner classic

Vasque Sundowner Classic GTX Hiking Boot

The Vasque Sundowner Classic GTX Hiking Boots is just that a classic. Vasque claims the Sundowner was “The Boot That Built the Brand” and there is obviously a good reason why. The Vasque Sundowner Classic was created over 25 years ago and the brand is still going strong. Known for its durability, many hikers have reported these boots have lasted for up to 10 years and quite a few are on their 2nd and 3rd pair.

The Vasque Sundowner Classic was one of the first hiking boots to use cement construction rather then welt construction which drastically reduces the weight of a hiking boot. The one piece leather upper has 0 seams to allow moisture to enter the boot. The full leather upper combined with a Gor-Tex liner will leave you high and dry even in the most inclement of weather. The Vasque Sundowner Classic weights 3lb 6oz so they are not for hikers that have gone light weight. But for men that prefer a solid almost damage proof boot it is right up their alley.

The Vasque Sundowner Classic hiking boot requires a break in period but once broken in they are just as comfortable if not more than a tennis shoe. The hiking boot is built for serious backpacking but is just as usable for a day hike on the trail. Vasque has updated the original hiking boot with their Ultimate fit Technology and is available in wide sizes. Because of the classic style and durability the Sundowner hiking boot is very versatile. If you want a boot for hiking, work boot, a night on the town or even all three the Vasque Sundowner Classic is the perfect hiking boot for you.

  • Boot Weight: 3lb. 6 oz. each
  • Outsole: Vasque Classic
  • Last: Sundowner
  • Midsole: Medium Density Rubber
  • Liner: Gor-Tex
  • Technology:
    • Ultimate Fit
    • Ultimate Fit Widths

If you would like to find out more about these hiking boots visit this link Vasque Men’s Sundowner Classic GTX Hiking Boot



Asolo Hiking Boots For Women

Asolo hiking boots for Women are top of the line. Asolo works hard to shape their hiking boots especially for women hikers. They take into account the unique shape of a women’s foot to provide you with the highest level of comfort. Today we are going to review 3 women’s Asolo Hiking Boots. All 3 are made only for women and do not have a male counterpart so you know they may be the best hiking boots for your feet.

 

ASOLO Stynger GTX- Women’s Waterproof Hiking Boots

womens hiking boots

Asolo Stynger GTX

The Asolo Stynger GTX is made just for women and do not have the appearance of the more manly looking hiking boots. Don’t let the sleek look fool you these boots are packed with the features found in heavy duty hiking boots.

The slim design is lightweight and enables you to cover long distances on the trail. These boots only weight 2lb 7oz, give or take an ounce depending on boot size. The Gore-Tex boot liner keeps your precious feet nice and dry so you can hike in comfort all day long. The Asolo Stynger GTX has a deep tread design plus a snug lacing system designed to keep your foot stable and glued to the trail.

Because of the lightweight and slim design you will feel like you are floating above the trail instead of hiking on it. Most owners of the Asolo Stynger GTX say these boots did not require a break in period and they experienced less blisters compared to other hiking boots they have worn. However, they do warn these boots are a little on the narrow side but are perfect if you have narrow heels and medium to high arches.

Asolo Omni GV- Women’s Trail Shoes / Hiking Boots

 

Asolo Omni GV

Asolo Omni GV

The Asolo Omni GV is a new trail shoe/ hiking boot for 2009. Some of the best features of this women’s specific trail shoe are that they are flexible, stable and lightweight. The Asolo Omni GV is a medium width trail shoe/ hiking boot with a lot of room in the toe-box. The Gore-Tex liner will keep your feet dry even in the most serious of downpours. Even with the superior waterproof design this shoe is reported to be exceptionally breathable but they still keep your feet warm on cold days.

Weighing in at only 13 oz per shoe they are perfect for day hikers or long distance hiking if you subscribe to lightweight backpacking principles. However, they may lack the support needed for those that carry heavier packs. At the time of publishing there are not many owner reviews online but I could not find one negative comment about them.

Asolo Shelter GTX- Women’s Hiking Boots

 

Asolo Women's Shelter GTX Boot (Fall 2009)

Asolo Shelter GTX


The Asolo Shelter GTX for women is a brand new hiking boot just released for fall 2009. This boot comes with AsoBrake tread technology which provides great grip on downhills and uneven terrain. This boot is rounded out with Asolo’s Active Heel Support for increased shock absorption and Gore-Tex for wet weather and creek crossings to keep your feet dry.

The insole is removable and easily replaced with your favorite third party insole or custom orthodontics. This hiking boot weights 2lb 6oz Made from suede and Cordura nylon the Asolo Shelter GTX is durable and will last many years on the trail. This boot is available in several colors but the cute pretty purple edition will have you hiking in style. Who says you can’t hike and be fashionable at the same time.

There are many other Asolo hiking boots for women but these cover the breath of the technology and styles available. All of these Asolo hiking boots are made specifically for women from the ground up.

If you have worn any of these boots please help everyone else by telling them about your experience in the comments to help them choose the best hiking boots for their feet.



Salomon Hiking Boots

salomon hiking bootsSalomon is a leader in outdoor apparel including the makers of some of the best hiking boots. Started in 1947 as a maker of ski boots, Salomon has been constantly at the forefront of innovation. Salomon was instrumental in perfecting the first of the modern ski bindings and still places a high emphasis on research.

Salomon is constantly developing new concepts in ski boots and equipment. Salomon also produces Salomon hiking boots, trail running shoes, snowboarding apparel and equipment, and other outdoor clothing.

Salomon hiking boots have been worn by many athletes in the World Ski Championships, X Games and the Olympics. Notable winnings for athletes wearing Salomon gear include 17 Gold Medals in cross country skiing during the 1989 World championships and winning 76% of all medals in the 2006Torino Olympic Games. Some of the A-list athletes that trust Salomon gear include extreme skier Sylvain Sauda,  Marc
Girardelli, Stefania Belmondo, snowboarder David Benedek and Olympic medalist Janica Kostelic.

Salomon incorporates trail running shoe technology into most of its Salomon hiking boots. This keeps the weight down and the comfort level up for long days on the trail. Salomon uses technologies such asGortex, Ortholite and Contagrip in its hiking boots and hiking shoes.

At Salomon you can find equipment and apparel for winter hiking, skiing, snowboarding or any other mountain sport you may want to participate in. Salomon belongs to parent company Amer Sports that include major manufacturers such as Wilson andSuunto. Salomon is a brand you can trust and Salomon hiking boots are some of the best there is.



Vasque manager, Brian Hall, Runs His First 100 Miler

brian-hall-leadville-100-vasqueBrian Hall a shoe designer for Vasque (makers of some of the best hiking boots) races in the Leadville Trail 100. He finishes in a respectable 29:06:09 hours.

The Leadville Trail 100 is an 100 mile trail run held in Leadville, Colorado in the middle of the Colorado Rockies.

He wears a Boa Technology prototype shoe and the new Vasque endurance shoe, the Mindbender, during the race.

Vasque Hiking Boots are just as good as their trail running shoes.

Read the full Article at blog.vasque.com

Other Race Links

  • Racing the Arizona Trail in 7 days « Diary of Scott Morris – The Arizona Trail has always been an obsession of mine. Whether riding, hiking, building or planning it, it seems to often be on my mind. In Spring 2005 I rode the length of the Arizona Trail (from Mexico to Utah) with my friend Lee Blackwell.


Vasque Hiking Boots

vasque hiking bootsVasque a Minnesota Outdoor footwear manufacturer make some of the best hiking boots today. Vasque was founded in 1965 under the name of Voyaguer and changed their name to Vasque in 1971. Vasque hiking boots are some of the best hiking boots in the world. Vasque really places an emphasis on technology which really rockets them to the forefront of outdoor footwear.

Vasque has a full line of trail running shoes, mountain climbing boots, Vasque hiking boots and crossover shoes. Many of Vasque’s shoes and hiking boots incorporate Vibram soles and Gortex fabric to keep your feet dry and on the trail. Recently they have been playing around with the BOA technology, a new advanced lacing system that makes hiking boots and shoes fit like they were made custom for your feet.

Their VST- Vasque Spine Technology provides you with shock absorption and stability when you need it the most. VST reduces heel impact and helps maintain a high level of cushioning throughout the life of Vasque hiking boots. They also carry many wide sizes in their most popular lines for those with broad feet. Vasque uses space-age gels, premium foot leather plus they place a high value on fit and comfort.

Vasque is also a big supporter of trail races and sponsors trail races throughout the United States. You can find Vasque being worn by many of the top trail runners and alpinists. The Vasque Sundowner GTX hiking boot just turned 25 years old and the line is still going strong. The Sundowner’s longevity is quite impressive for a hiking boot in this day and age. Vasque hiking boots are great boots and you should consider them when shopping for new boots.



Asolo Hiking Boots- Some of the best hiking boots in the world!

asolo hiking bootsAsolo produces some of the best hiking boots in the world. They were founded in 1975 and started off producing technical mountaineering shoes. They now manufacturer just about every type of outdoor footwear from light walking and hiking boots to rock climbing shoes. They cover the complete gambit of the outdoor footwear arena. Flexible, light weight and durable you would do well considering one of Asolo hiking boots as your best hiking boots.

Asolo has been awarded several awards throughout their existence. They have been awarded many of “The best shoe of the year award” by a wide range of popular outdoor publications. In 1993, the famous alpinist Reinhold Messner wore Asolo hiking boots for his entire trek across Greenland (2200 km) If you know anything about Greenland, it is 80% covered by a glacier; some of the ruggedest terrain in the world so that is quite an accomplishment. Also George Spearing a New Zealand fire fighter, who wrote the book, “Dancing with Marmots”, wore Asolo boots on his entire hike along the 2700 mile Pacific Crest trail. You can also find Asolo hiking boots on some of the tallest mountain tops in the world including Everest!

Asolo hiking boots are made to take the shock of constant pounding and stress on your feet over even the toughest terrain. All of Asolo’s hiking boots are breathable and quickly wick away moisture caused by sweat in an instant. Water and cold are instantly repelled thanks to the state of the art technology put into each and everyone of their hiking boots.Asolo hiking boots soles feature some of the most innovative tread design to keep your feet grounded even over loose and slippery surfaces.

If you are looking for a boot that provides excellent fit, comfort and performance you can’t cant go wrong choosing Asolo Hiking Boots. Asolo make some of the best hiking boots and you can’t go wrong by choosing them as your hiking footwear.