Review Date
May 7, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: shk4286(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Arlington, TX, USA

Price Paid:  $90.00 at Cumberland Mountain

Summary:
I wore these boots everyday for two and a half years. They have finally gotten old enough that they look bad so I don't wear them much anymore, but they are still comfortable and in one piece. They have made 40 plus mile hikes in the Smokey Mountains, walked around campus, and to work. The only thing that wore out were the laces. These are the best boots I have every owned. With some Kiwi Campdry they are just as waterproof as some Gore-Tex models. These are excellent boots, I got a pro-rated but would pay full price for another pair.

Customer Service:
Excellent when my laces broke I called and the mailed me another set free of charge

Similar Products Used:
Salomon Vasque

Review Date
January 26, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Jason Richard(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Bangor, Maine

Price Paid:  $189.00 at REI

Summary:
Yes--toe rand came apart after about 20 miles. I wore these boots on an Appalachain Trail thru-hike and the first pair lasted from Springer Mtn., Georgia to southern Massachusetts. Garmont replaced them for free when they cracked at toe-bend, and my 2nd pair went to Katahdin in Maine and I'm still wearing them 2 years later. Again, the toe rand came apart, but I stuck some seam seal in there and they are fine.

Review Date
February 14, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: MB (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Augusta, GA

Price Paid:  $185.00 at REI

Summary:
I did alot of online product research before buying these boots and what ultimately drew me to them was they way they looked and also their ruggedness and durability. I have been on one long hike (20 miles) and two short hikes with these since buying them. So far, they are comfortable, rugged and hold up extremely well on the trail. They are not Gore-Tex boots, but I put some Nikwax on them and they are now pretty waterproof. I also bought some Superfeet inserts (expensive, but worth every penny) and now they are EXTREMELY comfortable on the long trail. The original inserts that came with the boots did not feel very comfortable at all, so I recommend buying Superfeet inserts. I like the fact that this boot is constructed of one piece of leather as it will hold up better in the long run. These boots are also Italian made and are not cheaply made. I highly recommend these boots to anyone who is a serious backpacker/hiker if you are looking for a rugged, durable and comfortable boot. I hope to have these boots for a long time and put many miles on them on the trail.

Customer Service:
REI staff at store in Atlanta was very helpful and concerned for my purchase when I bought these.

Similar Products Used:
Vasque Highlanders

Review Date
January 27, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Chad Brow(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Middletown, RI

Price Paid:  $69.00 at gear.com

Summary:
I hiked 1500 miles on Appalachian Trail form Georgia to Connecticut and these boots held up great! I got off the trail but my boot were still 100% together. The Vibram soles show average wear and nothing is worn to to the point of failure. This Spring 2002 I'm getting back on the AT for the final 750 miles using these same boots. They are almost waterproof too, especially with gaitors. $189 (list price) is pretty steep but I would pay it, and I will, if these ever wear out.

Similar Products Used:
Merrell Blasts

Review Date
May 29, 2001

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.50 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: Doug A. Ditch(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Manchester, NH, USA

Price Paid:  $189.00 at REI

Summary:
I thought these boots were going to be great! They are very comfortable and took absolutely no time to break in. The first time I wore them on a day hike I thought they were the best boots I'd ever worn but boy was I wrong. The first problem I had with them is that they turned by brand new socks and sock liners bright red from the insoles. Then after the second hike I noticed that the rubber at the flex points was comming apart from the leather. Also the green plastic under the insole is starting to break down. Basically after only 3 hikes they look like they've been worn for an entire season. I'm just glad I bought them at REI because I'll be returning them soon!

Similar Products Used:
None