I've worn my Zamberlans (w/Goretex & Vibran soles) for 8 years. It's been a love-hate relationship. It took me almost 80 miles to break them in. First challenging backpack in them was down the trecherous, steep, rocky Nankoweap Trail in the Grand Canyon. The Zams ate my feet up with blisters. My pack was close to 40 lbs because of necessary water weight. After I got the boots tamed, they treated me kindly until this past week in high alpine mtns. Pack was only 30 lbs. Boots stayed dry but I got a blister. I checked the inside. The heal padding had completely worn away down to the wood(?) or hard structural material. The Nubuck outer boot leather has taken severe rock crunching and held up well. After all these years and hundreds of miles in rough canyon country, the Nubuck outer leather is just beginning to show minor cracks. I give them A+ for ankle & arch support. The toe box is roomy and effortlessly takes the downhills...no black toes ever.

I have a pair of Zamberlan's-not sure if it's this style. Looks the same. Mine are med-wt backpackers w/Vibran soles, Gore-tex. I love them! I need a roomy toe box but narrow heel area. I had a REALLY hard time finding a boot that fit me right. This boot works perfect for my foot. Lots of toe room!!! I do have some trouble w/blisters on my right heel on steep uphill hikes but that seems to be more of an anatomical problems w/my heel-so I just pad it up real good. I don't think I can blame the boot. These are sturdy boots, keep my feet dry in wet conditions and excellent traction on glacier-polished granite. Great support. I don't use superfeet insoles w/them-doesn't work for me. But I did buy some insoles w/better arch support. My only complaint is that they are a little heavy. Otherwise, I highly recommend this boot for anyone who needs the same toe space/heel support that I do. Happy hiking!!!

Customer Service

Haven't needed it-but we all know how great REI customer service is-and that's where I bought them.

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Montrail GTX-hurt my toes. Had to give them away.

I've only worn these for two days to work and have noticed no binding or hot spots. -Replaced the insoles with a pair of too expensive aftermarket types and noticed a vast improvement in support. I would recomend wearing these boots to work etc. at least a week before taking them anywhere else. They are stiff. Make sure they fit well before leaving the store as with any boot. This weekend I'm taking them camping with a short haul with about 40 lbs. I am impressed with the workmanship. They feel like much more expensive boots so far.

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heavey weight Norweigan welt Italian boots 25 years ago.

Upons hearing great reviews, I gave these a try after my lovely broken in Vasques mysteriously went missing off the porch. The boot felt great in the store, except for a little rubbing of the tongue fold between my metatarsals on the right foot. A seven mile day hike, mostly downhill, went just fine. A 20 mile, 2 day backpacking trip was a disaster however. I've never gotten blisters on the heels before, and I've made up for it this time. The rub on the metatarsals made my first two toes numb on the right foot(they still are a couple of days later, but getting better), the first two toes on the left foot got smooshed and a bit bruised, and the backs of my ankles both got pretty bruised from the top of the boots diggin in on the downhills. The trail was pretty rigorous - so I don't know how much blame I should put on the boots, but I highly recommend ample break-in time on easier terrain. I think I'll work on them a bit despite this disaster - all this pain HAS to pay off!! I'll post again in a few months.

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Bought these on sale and love them. Did a lot of research and was undecided between these and the Vasque sundowner or clarion. The REI shoe guy suggested putting in a pair of the superfeet hikers (green ones) - and these won by a landslide!!! They're good alone, but with the superfeet the heel and ankle is much more supported and cushioned. There was no break-in time needed, and they feel great even if you have them on for days at a time! If you clean them when necessary and use the Nikwax for waterproofing every once in a while, they continue to be absolutely waterproof and look great. A great purchase!

Customer Service

Emailed with some questions before I decided to purchase, and responses were not only prompt, but totally informative.

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Vasque, Bush

I bought these after trying on different brand boots. These have proven to be great boots with very fast breakin period. I did substitute the insole with another one with more support. I really love these boots and will but them again when I wear these out!

I hiked in Nepal for 72 days and never had any problems with these boots. I usually have bisters on my heels, but this is the first time I've not had to use mole skin.

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These boots don't have the greatest support for the foot. Would not recommend to anyone doing extended hikes/backpacking. Positives: Look good and repel water very well (after applying water proofing).

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