Women's Vasque Wasatch GTX

My fourth pair of Vasque hiking boots. These are a new style for me. I couldn't find my old style. I bought Vasque again because I have always been able to wear them with no break in period. I hike trails in the north Georgia mountains, and the AT from Springer mountain. With these boots, I have hiked six times for ten miles each, in rain, up and down hills, over rocks and they have torn my feet up!! Especially the sides of my big toes. I ordered the same size I did in my other boots and have worn thick socks, medium, and regular (no, not at the same time.) Doesn't seem to matter. I'm afraid to wear them now for the backpacking hikes I have planned. In fact I'm ready to toss them. I am really disappointed in these boots, and the price I gave for them. They did keep my feet dry, but they are the most uncomfortable boot I've ever worn.

I've just taken these on a day hike at Starved Rock so far, but after a few miles with a pack on they still felt great. I'm a big fan of Superfeet which have given me amazing comfort. The only hot spot I had was on the top of one foot. With thicker socks and adjusting the laces I'm confident that these shoes will be comfortable on a week long backpacking trip I'm taking soon. These shoes are also much lighter than they look.

I have wide feet and had a terrible time finding boots that didn't squish my toes. I finally tried these in a 9 wide and they felt so much better than any of the others. I've backpacked 12 miles and day hiked 6 miles in them so far, and I'm very happy. It didn't take much to break them in, they are very comfortable, they provide lots of support, and my feet have stayed dry despite some muddy and wet trails. There is still a little friction on the tops of my pinky-toes by the end of each trip, but they are so much better than any of the other boots I tested out.

I bought these boots because i was backpacking the 100 mile wilderness in Maine (last 100 miles of the AT). about 2 weeks before i was supposed to leave i cut the front of my ankle and couldn't wear them in as much as i wanted they were still stiff when i headed out but i had no blisters. i did wear sock liners and Nikwaxed them as a precation. over 100 miles of roots rocks mud and streams through 2 days of rain i was the only one in my group that still had dry feet (i didn't even bring gators). my feet were sore down hill on all rock but i think that was more the weight of the pack i carried and not the boots i might get an insole for next time (or pack lighter) even when my feet swelled they were still comfortable.

With little to no break in, I wore these--blister free!-- for a two week trek through the Himalayan foothills. After hours of hiking uphill, downhill, through rain, mud, rocks, and sunshine, I was the only one with fresh, dry, blister-free feet. Even with a 35 pound pack, a pair of thick socks and the awesome arch support made it feel like I was hiking on air. I recommend these boots 100%+ and have nothing but great things to say about them!

I've had other Vasque hiking boots, but these are the best. The high and soft cuff provides cushioned support for my ankles, the rigidity of the shoe along the shank, coupled with a really deep tread, make for excellent traction and balance, especially when hiking up and down a mountain. They've become my boot of choice and I recommend them highly.

I think these boots are great! They are new to me. There was no break in period. I started hiking in them around my home and expected some soreness of new boots, but there was absolutely none. Additionally, and for me this is very important, these boots have kept my feet very warm, even in the teens in temps.