Vasque Clarion GTX

Review Date
September 12, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 6 votes

Reviewed by: owtdore(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $150.00 at rei

Summary:
These are the best boots in the world!! I have worn them for 4.5 years. No break in was required! I have never gotten a blister while wearing these boots. It is a roomy boot so if you have small volume feet you will need a good insole. I have worn these boots in the Grand Canyon to knee deep snow in Minnesota. I have not taken care of these boots for 4.5 years. They are still mosty waterproof. Better still, the gortex line helps your feet breath and if your feet get wet, they will still stay warm. They can also be resoled. I love these boots!! When i get a new pair they will be new Clarion GTX. Thanks Vasque!

Similar Products Used:
Timbeland, good but narrow toe box.

Review Date
July 23, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.50 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: Jerrold (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $170.00 at Wildware(PA)

Summary:
I love these boots. I am a part-time backpacker, full-time builder. I have worn these boot for both work and play for the past two years. This summer they have finally died. Well not totally, I plan on still wearing them for the grungy stuff and keeping the new ones semi-clean. They have lasted longer than any boot I have ever bought. Keeping my feet dry, supported, and comfortable 6 days a week. I have done none of the recommended conditioning and care to them and they still lasted this long. I am now looking into buying another pair identical to them.

Customer Service:
Never had a problem

Similar Products Used:
Hi-Tech, Red Wing, Timberlands

Review Date
February 15, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: RosaVega(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $150.00 at Kalispell, MT

Summary:
These have been a great pair of medium duty boots. I got the Gore-Tex version with they nylon sides instead of full-leather. Like I said, for a medium duty boot, these are perfect-I have had them since August 2000. I haven't ever gotten my feet wet until recently where I spent a full day hiking in 5-6 inches of snow and then it was only the tips of my toes that got damp. Also worth mention, I do not treat my leather; that said-these boots really do excel in backpacking conditions within moderate limits. I am in the market for new boots however, needing a heavier-duty boot. Don't buy these boots if extreme, extended wet weather hiking or backpacking with heavy (over 50lb) loads and exposed rock travel is expected.

Customer Service:
Never have had to use it...

Similar Products Used:
Timberlands are pitiful, Rocky's are alright...

Review Date
September 23, 2002

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: F Oakley(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Southeast

Price Paid:  $100.00 at Hiking shop

Summary:
I have to admit that I purchased these boots mostly because I got a great deal on them - and because of their outstanding initial comfort. While these boots feel soft, they have stood up to a great deal of abuse. At about three pounds for the pair, these boots are a solid choice for backpacking with loads in the 40-50 pound range under most trail conditions. While the uppers have proven very durable, the flexibility of the insole limits the boot's effectiveness in situations requiring a stiff, highly protective boot. The level of ankle support can be fine-tuned with the excellent standard lacing system. Once again, however, the level of support is not up to off-trail conditions for the average hiker.

Review Date
July 6, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 4 votes

Reviewed by: James Howard(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Palmetto, FL, USA

Price Paid:  $180.00 at Redwing Shoe Store

Summary:
Awesome, could've gotten a better deal through REI, but I'm impulsive. Best feeling things I have to wear in the closet bar none, really none. And after 3 days in the rain in the Smokies, my tootsies were the only dry things I had. Thank your MR GORETEX.