Impeccably made, period. I bought a pair before I went on a NOLS fall semester in the Rockies and tried to break them in a bit before I got there. I decided later that they were too small, so I ended up hitting the trail with a brand new pair on my feet. Were a bit stiff at first, but I didn't have any blisters until later in the trip. Were extremely comfortable under a 70 lb. pack even on high mileage days. Stood up well, got really scuffed up on granite and Utah sandstone. That was 3 years ago and I've used them on many trips since w/ no problems. I'm only just now thinking of replacing them simply because the sole is now starting to really wear down (and I'll probably get another pair of Scarpas). I use them for work now, about sixty hours a week and always on my feet. The leather is top quality--I'm not very good about keeping it cleaned and waxed regularly, but I haven't had any cracks yet. I haven't even had to replace the laces. I totally recommend this boot for backpacking. Also, get an aftermarket insole. Superfeets are awesome. I mean, hey, if NOLS approves it it's gotta be good!

Customer Service

Haven't had to deal with customer service, but who wants to? That says something about the product...no complaints or returns = good craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. What more could you ask for?

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Various Vasque boots--lighter weight. Good boots (Sundowner especially), but didn't hold up very well.

I'm an experienced bushwalker here in Tasmania so when my Australian made boots wore out I thought I'd try some "flash" (aussie slang for fancy)Italian boots. Big mistake- my Scarpa SLs are the most slippery soled boots I've ever had. I don't know if it is because they are the new model and scarpa have changed the sole composition and design or what, but they are a menace when walking on wet rocks (and I've even done comparison testing against my old boots and my work boots). If anyone else has had the same problem with the new model SLs could they please email me!.

Customer Service

Well so far I've only been dealing with the dealer and he says "oh but they need to make the sole compound hard so they'll last" (not much point of that if I'm dead!).

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Blundstone 208, Altama Military Jungle Boot, Rossi Eagles

These boots are excellent. Very supportive, durable, comfortable, and all around great. The Vibram sole grips like a claw. Good for walking around town to tough off trail work. For me the break was brief and easy, I have and had no blisters with these boots. I replaced the cheap insole(like on most boots) with one from SofSole. I have pair of Goretex Vasques which also love, but these are better in condition where these is not as much moisture and gore-tex is not needed. Buy a pair if you can, they are worth it, especially at the price I paid.

Customer Service

Had not had to contact them yet, and don't expect to.

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Vasque Sundowners, Lowa Yellowstone

This is my first pair of serious hiking boots and before I bought them I did a lot of looking. I tried on Vasque and Asolo of course but turned down each of them based on fit and reviews I had read. (Problems with Chinese made Vasque boots and some longevity problems with Asolo.)

With the proper socks the boots fit my narrow foot very snuggly. They are comfortable to stand and walk in and as the leather begins to shape to my foot they are rapidly becoming my daily wear boots.....(quickly knocking off my cheap light duty boots.)

Personally, I don't find them all that heavy considering their sturdiness. I've worn boots that felt much heavier and were not nearly as well made. The inner padding is comfortable around the ankles and underfoot and the sole provides what seems to be great traction. (And for you people with crappy linoleum floors in your kitchen and bathroom....they don't leave impossible to remove black marks either. )

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Tried several models of Vasque and Asolo.

I can't say enough about these boots. They offer maximum protection, whilst providing perfect comfort. The sherpa HS12 leather keeps water out, and the soles last for ages. My first pair took me three-quarters of the way along the Appalachian Trail (from Maine to mid-virinia), and I didn't get a single blister, the same goes for my second pair which finished the trip and are still in use today. The only downside is the price, and the fact that they require a considerable amount of breaking-in (6 weeks). Ideal for long hiking trips, where you might encounter any trail/weather conditions, these are worth any price.

Customer Service

The best thing that can be said about a piece of equipment is that you never had reason to contact customer service because the boots never let me down

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A great group of friends bought these boots for me on my 30th birthday. I had injured my ankle the previous fall and needed some boots that offered lots of stability. Well it took me a while to break these babies in, but do they treat me good. Fit like slippers. Their first huge workout was Mt. Borah, the highest point in Idaho. A solid 12 hours of climbing with a total of 10,000 feet in elevation change that day without even a hot spot. I love these boots.

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Scarpa SL Extremely good boot. Used them, almost straight from the box, on 100 mile 3day race over the Long Trail and had no blisters. Well made. Good support. Very comfortable around ankles. Make sure length is not too short as toe box curves down at end.

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I have a pair of Fabianos so old that the model name is no longer in use. I purchased them in 1970 and wore them on extended hikes (up to 10 days) with heavy loads in summer and winter until 1986. I no longer do winter camping but the boots are still in good shape after three resolings.

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Great boot! Took a while to break in, but once I did, they fit like a glove. Very comfortable and very supportive. I've done numerous 10 day backpacking trips in them and have yet to get a single blister!!

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Asolo AFX 530

Great boot. Well made. Relatively easy break=in. I have high arches, slightly wide feet in the toe/ball of foot area, reasonably normal heel, low-to-mid volume feet. The Scarpa SL's (don't think Fabiano is distributor anymore) give good support and traction. Fit my feet well. Only other boot I have found with a comparable fit is the all leather Raichle Mt. Trekker. Haven't put a lot of miles on the SL's yet, so see other reviewers for long-term durability.

Similar Products Used:

Vasque Super Tankers from mid 1980's (don't know model, but they weigh a lot) One Sport Moraine Asolo Raichle Mt. Trekker