VASQUE Men's Wasatch GTX Backpacking Boots

Comments about VASQUE Men's Wasatch GTX Backpacking Boots:

Durability not good
I am a director for a 600 acre nature preserve in PA, and bought these boots for work. I have worn these boots pretty much every day since buying them six months ago. They immediately provided great stability and were quick to break in. Very comfortable. The boots held up and stayed dry numerous times when doing trail maintenance; water, mud, rock terrain, etc. they kept up. Two major complaints: the laces blew out four months after purchasing them, and now the soles on both boots have cracked just past the ball of the foot, making them useless for keeping water out. I purchased Vasque because of their noted history of durability… I have had many better boots that have lasted multiple years.

Comments about VASQUE Men's Wasatch GTX Backpacking Boots:

Great boot for my line of work. Comfy at the get go. Have had them for about 4 months now. I walk close to 150k sqft a day in the line of work that I do. Sole started to crack in the past month just at the ball of the foot on both left and right. Water resistant for the most part except for heavy saturation.

Comments about VASQUE Men's Wasatch GTX Backpacking Boots:

I bought these boots in the early 09 season and have put them through hell. They've exceeded my already high expecatations. Killer outsole, self cleaning lugs, I had a little heal-lift problem that was easily solved by the doubling back on the lacing hooks. Only problem is that water/mud seriously permeates the outer fabric. The gore-tex laminate remains awesome, but the outer fabric easily absorbs water and ends up making the boot very musty/moldy, even after only one bad weather day-hike. That said, one of the best designed boots I've ever worn outside of the full leather Asolos.

Comments about VASQUE Men's Wasatch GTX Backpacking Boots:

I've been using Vasque mountaineering boots for many years with great results. I am very rough on footwear.
I just bought my second pair of Wasatch boots; the fit, comfort, and support were exceptional. I used them very hard for 2.5 years, hiking across the Balkans, Alps, and Pyrenees. I ended up spending 21 days on the Camino de Santiago across Spain, doing 30-40 km days with a very heavy pack. I didn't get a single blister or hot spot the entire time. When it came time to get replacement boots I specifically chose the Wasatch. Hopefully this pair treats me as well.

Comments about VASQUE Men's Wasatch GTX Backpacking Boots:

Hiked all 48 4000' in the White Mts. in NH with these boots, and half way through them again. I've got sort of weak ankles, but have never sprained one with these boots on. Traction is great, even when wet, I have no problem with them slipping. There was no break in period. They fit fine rate out of the box. They aren't waterproof after the first year. I've treated the them quite often, and my feet still get wet when it rains. But, I've hiked plenty of miles with wet feet and no blisters, so who cares if there wet.

Comments about VASQUE Men's Wasatch GTX Backpacking Boots:

I am happy with product and will return too replace as needed!

Comments about VASQUE Men's Wasatch GTX Backpacking Boots:

These shoes are immediately comfortable and require little to no breaking in. Unfortunately, they develop cracks through the soles and blow out quickly. At first I thought it was just a defect in my original pair. But when I returned them and the same thing happened to the replacements, both in less than 16 months, I knew it was just an inferior product. If you are looking for a durable, long lasting shoe, this is not your pair. If you want something comfortable to do yard work in every now and then, I would maybe consider it.

Comments about VASQUE Men's Wasatch GTX Backpacking Boots:

As a female needing a wider toebox but narrow heel, I tend towards men's 9.5 regular width to fit my foot (which is a 10.5 womens, but no one makes 10.5). After trying them on in the store and walking around for a while, I bought them because they were the first shoes that didn't hurt my feet within minutes. There was plenty of room in the toebox and a reasonably snug heal so I thought they'd be winners. They are extremely stiff, sturdy boots just walking in the store, so you definitely noticed them on your feet. Wanting to break them in, I walked around for about 3 hours (just around, not hiking trails). My pinky toes were rubbed raw and my feet were so tired, I had to take them off. I tried them on 2 more times, again with the same socks and different socks and my pinky toes were rubbed raw again and my heel started to hurt. I even sat for about an hour in them on the couch and because they are so stiff, my legs and feet were extremely tired even with no activity. I wore them in the rain the 3rd time and they did keep my feet dry, but I will be returning them.

Comments about VASQUE Men's Wasatch GTX Backpacking Boots:

Used these boots mostly for backpacking and hiking and in the second season the sole on the right boot began separating badly. Used shoe glue for repair and continued using until hiking Grand Canyon this Spring noticed both soles are cracked under the ball of the foot. I feel that the boots/soles should not have worn so quickly.

Comments about VASQUE Men's Wasatch GTX Backpacking Boots:

A little heavier than hoped for but a great feel. Should do well on Colorado's rocky trails. Looks good even with toe protection.