Excellent Mid-Height Hiker
I've had these for a 1.5 months now, and they have held up well over the first 150 miles of use, on a couple of big trips in the Sierras, Denali, and the Kenai Peninsula. Great traction and support for me (note: I'm in my mid-twenties, and have strong ankles, someone with twist prone ankles may want a heftier boot.)
In general my feet were quite dry in these boots (through moderate rain storms, light stream rock hopping, and dense snow pack). Once in Denali though (and dozens of river/creek crossings, and glacier ascents/descents), the boots were soaked (as expected). They were long to thoroughly dry though (almost 6 days, after exiting the park).
Great traction on long ascents up steep trail-less scree passes, gravel moraine, and loose soil. These boots provide enough comfort on maintained trails, asphalt, and concrete sidewalks, as well.
No blisters during the break-in process or afterward (my 3rd pair of Vasques that were incredibly easy to break-in).
I highly recommend these boots.
James the Vagabond at
REI on
08/08/2013
LOVE these boots
I LOVE these boots. I had a pair of Merrell boots for 18 years that finally gave out. I replaced them with a pair of Merrell Geomorph boots (also a great boot) but had to return them due to the height of the heal and the angle of the sole. I broke my right ankle about 8 years ago and now have limited motion in my right ankle. I'm limited to hiking boots with a relatively low heal and flat sole. This boot fits the bill. I've put about 30 miles on these boots so far in dry and wet conditions and some pretty steep and rocky grades and they have performed flawlessly. They are super comfortable both on the feet and the ankle area and are "flat" enough for me so that I don't get ankle pains on extended hikes. They've stayed dry in very wet conditions and they wick moisture away superbly. I couldn't be happier with these boots.
scubadiverma at
REI on
04/04/2013
Really Like This Boot
I wont contradict the AT thru hiker below because I just bought these. Had to get something on a Sunday and these seemed like the best deal in the store. I have had durability problems with Merrells so I gave this brand a try. Wore them 2 times during the week over 6 miles each time and they were PERFECT!
Maybe not up to par for 500 mile thru hikes compared to the super high end boots. But if you are a weekender, day hiker and use wool socks you will love these boots.
Again after 6.5 miles first time wearing them my feet were just fine.
**If you get these, do yourself a favor and get replacement laces. Their laces slide and slip when trying to tighten.
Bash at
REI on
03/03/2013
Good Hiking Boot
I bought these to use for day hiking and overnight hiking/backpacking. I've used these at the Grand Canyon, hikes around Phoenix to include Usery Pass Mt trail, San Tan trails, and South Mt. The fit is good and the boot is comfortable. They do need a good period to break in, but I'm very satisfied with the fit and comfort. Traction is good in rocky terrain. Can't comment on waterproofing as I've not used them wet conditions. I wear sock liners and have worn both heavy and lite wool socks with these and the comfort is the same.
SkeeterWade at
REI on
05/05/2013
Great waterproof hiking boot
This shoe was comfortable right out of the box. My foot runs to the narrow side and Vasque shoes always seem to fit my foot well. Broke them in on a half dozen short hikes and then wore them on an 18 mile hike down the Kaupo Gap in Haleakala NP (downhill 10,000 feet to sea level). No problems; it got really wet on the Paliku side and my feet stayed nice & dry; shoes proved to be very waterproof and provided good traction and stability. I'm happy with the shoe and would buy them again.
hikemt at
REI on
05/05/2013
Vasques are the best
After trying true lightweights and finding them less comfortable than I had hoped, I traded them in for the Vasque midweights and am delighted with them. I inaugurated the boots in the Cotswolds - not rigorous but steady hiking through rainy meadows, pastures and hills with minimal pack loads - and the boots performed perfectly.
MODELMAN at
REI on
06/06/2013
nice boot, but too narrow for my feet.
I wish it came in a wide sizes. I very much liked this boot, but after a few days my feet got too fatigued and sore due to narrow fit. Had to return and get a different Vasque boot that had wide fit sizes.
Otherwise boot was very solid and comfortable in general.
mikek at
REI on
12/12/2013
Great boots
Comfortable right out of the box, daily use for walking dog in the winter, hiking 3 season. No problems with boots or feet after 12 miles in 7 hours hiking the Porcupine Mtns. I've had these a year now, they are holding up great.
Do yourself a favor and replace the laces.
CamoEvo at
REI on
07/07/2013
Real Boots
I needed a pair of boots that were supportive and comfortable. These are stiffer than my last boots (Garmont) and take a little more breaking in, but are comfortable. They do great on the rocks in our desert terrain in Arizona.
Kelly O at
REI on
01/01/2014
Best boot I've owned
Looking for a boot to walk in the rain. Don't like to go around puddles. This has been perfect so far (1 month).
I needed a half size larger than your shoe size.
MelnicInc at
REI on
11/11/2013