The Men's Sundowner GTX Boot by Vasque. The boot that built the brand has a reputation for longevity, comfort and old school style, which may explain why it is as common in the city as it is on the trail.
The Vasque Sundowner GTX Boot is a mid-weight backpacker with a reputation for comfort and old-school style, which may explain why it's as common at the grocery store as on the trail. It's also equally at home under the weight of a pack or on a casual day hike.
Country of Origin: Imported
Avg. Weight (Pair): | 3 lb. 6 oz. (1531 g) |
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Circumference: | 14 1⁄2 in |
Country Of Origin: | Asia |
Foot Volume: | Medium |
Footbed: | Dual Density EVA |
Footwear Type: | Hiking/Backpacking |
Forefoot Width: | Medium |
Forefoot Width Measurement: | 3.684 in. |
Heel Width: | Wide |
Heel Width Measurement: | 2.789 in. |
Insole: | Bimodal 2 |
Last: | Sundowner |
Lining: | 3-Bar Knit Nylon |
Material Technology: | GORE-TEX |
Midsole: | Medium Density Rubber |
Other: | Padded Collar; Waterproof |
Outsole: | Vasque Classic rubber |
Shaft: | 5 in |
Shoe Stability: | Stability |
Sole: | Vasque Classic |
Upper: | 2.4mm Waterproof Smoothout Leather |
Volume Measurement: | 765 ml |
Waterproof: | Yes |
Weight: | 3 lbs 6 oz / 1.53 kg (Mens 9) |
I got these boots for Christmas when I was in 9th grade. I am now 24 years old and still wear the hell outta these boots! Although the sole is very warn (to be expected after 8+ years of use) the leather is still in great condition and the sole still provides reasonable support! I've had 2 other pair of $200 range backpacking boots that have fallen apart in much less time. Most comfortable boots I've warn and like other reviews say.... GIVE THEM TIME to break in! Any full leather high end boot is going to be stiff straight outta the box. Break them in and you'll have yourself an incredible boot for years to come. (One disclaimer.... I bought these when they were made in Italy, and I'm pretty sure they are now made in China. So if they fail to hold up to the abuse I described.... Blame China!)
I've had my current sundowners for 9 years. Ive resoled them once and to be bluntly honest. I haven't taken care of the leather at all. After thousands of miles on trails and pavement they are still great boots. I wore out the original insole several years ago and have been using superfeet ever since. I've recently started working with search and rescue and have finally decided to buy a new pair. They aren't as water proof as they used to be and the leather uppers are cracking and stretched out a bit much for hardcore hiking in the northwest. But considering I got 9 solid years out of them I couldn't be happier. I highly recommend these or any other full leather boot from a reputable company. They will give you your moneys worth time and again
I've had my Sundowners for 20 years, and though they're looking a little rough now, they're still the great boots they've always been. Still comfortable, still with excellent tread, still dry, and still my favorite. Vasque and others have moved on with all sorts of hi-tech boots and shoes, but the fact that Sundowners are still big sellers testifies to the great value of these boots. Thumbs up after all these years.
I have had 4 pairs of these boots over the last 20 years. I have loved every generation. It's a full on leather hiking boot. So not for the fast and light crew. but if you need something sturdy and long lasting...this can't be beat. Water proof and breathable (for a leather boot.) I review and test gear fro Gore as part of a program called Mountain techs
I just replaced my older (~8 yrs, resoled once) Sundowners, and I can already tell the new version will not hold a candle to the old. My older Sundowners were from the days when Vasque was still manufacturing in Italy and using vibram soles. These are now made in China and it shows, and they've dropped the brand name soles. The size is off, even though I bought the same 10.5 - there's a wierd combination of fit by length but too much room in the toebox, and there's significant slip in the heels that I can't fix with different lacing styles. As much as I hate to say it, if you got used to the old school, you will be disappointed by the new.
Made in China=junk
When they where made in Italy they where best hiking boots ever made!!!!
I feel the Vasque Sundowner's are heavy and not as comfortable as Asolo or Zamberlan.
TOUGH BOOT. VERY FLEXIBLE AT THE TOES & NOT GOOD IF YOU HAVE ANY TOE ISSUES AS IT PUTS TO MUCH WEIGHT ON YOUR PAWS. SEEMS DURABLE AND VERY WATER PROOF. $150 BUCKS... PROBABLY LAST IF YOU DONT HAVE THE ABOVE PROBLEM. BOOT SEEMS READY TO GO FOR THE SOLID FOOT.