Montrail Vercors Mens Hiking Backpacking Boots
Montrail Vercors Mens Hiking Backpacking Boots
USER REVIEWS
[Feb 22, 2003]
tomzazen
Backpacker
I hike 60 to 70 days a year. French Alps, Italian Alps for 2 weeks or so a year the the White Mountains, Adirondacks etc. These are the best boots I have ever worn. Fit, Comfort etc. Great for long days. I Just purchased my second pair from Rock Creek Outfitters. Then I found out Montrail may not make them any more so I ordered an additional two pairs to use over the next decade or so of hiking. Montrail should continue making this boot. |
[Dec 03, 2002]
greg cathey
Mountaineer
I wanted a light weight sturdy boot for back packing and a little summer climbing. The integra fit design is great if the boot fits well. I got a half size too big, and payed the price with blisters. After the long,and some times painful break in period they worked great. I just recently climbed a couple colorado fourteeners in them. If you are looking for a stiffer more climbing oriented montrail boot, go with the mazama's or moraines. They are both really nice when the terrain gets steep. Customer Service none Similar Products Used: montrail mazama(very nice), moraines, La sportiva nepal top. |
[Jun 18, 2002]
Backpacker
Caution!! These boots are NOT for the day hiker. They are stiff, sturdy, and built for the longer haul with a heavier pack. For me they took a while to break in. If you plan to go for several days or longer, or do anything off-trail, then these are great boots. They are light and provide great support. After broken in, they fit like a glove you forget you are wearing them. For short trips, however, they are too heavy and took a long time to break in. It took about 50 miles of trail before I could put away the duct tape. I am very happy with them now, but if I had to do it again, I would shop around more, and spend more time on fit in the store. Lesson: Do your homework before buying boots Customer Service I called about the break-in time, and they service rep was not very helpful. He suggested buying Superfeet insoles. Similar Products Used: Lots. |
[Mar 18, 2002]
badhiker
Backpacker
May be best boots ever owned (all-in-all). Bought through mail order after not finding size and full leather boot locally. Note that I am very partial to "heavy-duty, mountaineering style boots", in fact, came close to purchasing the higher-end boot in their line (Moraine?)- kinda glad I did not, at least for most usage. BTW, I am ~ 6''2". 200# and size 15 ( med) in boots (14 in street shoe). Boots felt ok around house. First trip not real good - could not tighten laces enough to prevent mid-foot slippage. After experimenting with new socks etc. ended up with (old-standby) rag wool with at LEAST 2 polypro liners. Also,used old trick of Spenco (green) insole UNDER footbed! (Knowledgable guy at REI freeked when I asked him where Spencos were, did not have chance to tell him they went UNDER existing insoles - try it! Also works real well with cycling shoes if you have the room). Anyway, as mentioned these pups took some work/effort to figure out. And even more important, these boots really require a breakin- like none I have ever owned.I am about at 150 miles and they are feeling (and lacing up) good (finally!). For the novice, they always tell you that boots need breaking in, for the most part (and I am speaking of fairly heavy-duty boots plus my own experience) this is BS. Pluses: Exellent workmanship, good fit (after some work); absoluting no pain,blisters, not even hot spots after first major trip (hot-mid Sept Rim-Rim Grand Canyon Trip). Minus: Require break-in, fitting and/or minor adjustments . Maybe larger: Soles: Large lugs, maybe designed for mud/snow. I like the Vibrams with large lugs with intricate grooves, etc. (think of real nice "all-weather" car/truck tires). Where I hike mostly (loose stuff, small rocks, scree, etc) this makes most sense for traction. Also, after only 125 or so mi it appears that sole have worn a fair amount!I have never had boots re-soled, may be the first! Couple of other thoughts: What is up with Vasque??? They used to produce some awesome stuff. The very best boots (at least comfortwise)I ever owned were Vasque, by FAR. This was a while ago, I think the model was "Cascade" or similar - I am talking about early 1980s. I have tried on a number of Vasques over the last 10 or so years and I don''t like fit or even the way they look! ( I mean, look closely at the materials, etc.). Good hiking... Customer Service Not needed Similar Products Used: Vasque (several models), Raliche Vista |
[Mar 18, 2002]
badhiker
Backpacker
May be best boots ever owned (all-in-all). Bought through mail order after not finding size and full leather boot locally. Note that I am very partial to "heavy-duty, mountaineering style boots", in fact, came close to purchasing the higher-end boot in their line (Moraine?)- kinda glad I did not, at least for most usage. BTW, I am ~ 6''2". 200# and size 15 ( med) in boots (14 in street shoe). Boots felt ok around house. First trip not real good - could not tighten laces enough to prevent mid-foot slippage. After experimenting with new socks etc. ended up with (old-standby) rag wool with at LEAST 2 polypro liners. Also,used old trick of Spenco (green) insole UNDER footbed! (Knowledgable guy at REI freeked when I asked him where Spencos were, did not have chance to tell him they went UNDER existing insoles - try it! Also works real well with cycling shoes if you have the room). Anyway, as mentioned these pups took some work/effort to figure out. And even more important, these boots really require a breakin- like none I have ever owned.I am about at 150 miles and they are feeling (and lacing up) good (finally!). For the novice, they always tell you that boots need breaking in, for the most part (and I am speaking of fairly heavy-duty boots plus my own experience) this is BS. Pluses: Exellent workmanship, good fit (after some work); absoluting no pain,blisters, not even hot spots after first major trip (hot-mid Sept Rim-Rim Grand Canyon Trip). Minus: Require break-in, fitting and/or minor adjustments . Maybe larger: Soles: Large lugs, maybe designed for mud/snow. I like the Vibrams with large lugs with intricate grooves, etc. (think of real nice "all-weather" car/truck tires). Where I hike mostly (loose stuff, small rocks, scree, etc) this makes most sense for traction. Also, after only 125 or so mi it appears that sole have worn a fair amount!I have never had boots re-soled, may be the first! Couple of other thoughts: What is up with Vasque??? They used to produce some awesome stuff. The very best boots (at least comfortwise)I ever owned were Vasque, by FAR. This was a while ago, I think the model was "Cascade" or similar - I am talking about early 1980s. I have tried on a number of Vasques over the last 10 or so years and I don''t like fit or even the way they look! ( I mean, look closely at the materials, etc.). Good hiking... Customer Service Not needed Similar Products Used: Vasque (several models), Raliche Vista |
[Aug 13, 2001]
Brian Evans
Backpacker
The Montrail Vercors are lightweight, sturdy, and very comfortable. I have always struggled to find a good fit in backpacking boots because of my wide flat feet. When I tried these boots on in the store, they felt comfortable, however I was sure that I would suffer breaking them in. I purchased Montrails IntegraFit insoles to give extra support to my flat feet. Similar Products Used: None |
[Jul 29, 2001]
Jacks Cold Sweat
Mountaineer
I had roughly one week to break these dogs in before hitting the CDtrail in CO. and to tag a few 14ers. With Nixwax, they' performed flawlessly. Each step was comfortable and confidante. One small blister developed on my right heel, but only because I didn't give ample time to break them. Light and strong best describe these shoes. My feet stayed put with every step. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to put some distance between themselves and the city. Customer Service none so far.... Similar Products Used: None |
[Apr 10, 2001]
Mark Moody
Backpacker
I have worn these boots several trips, totalling about 150 miles. Some of the terrain was very rocky, and my pack usually weighs about 38 lbs. I have not yet had a single blister in these boots. The stiff sole really keeps foot fatigue to a minimum on rough terrain. I waterproofed them with nikwax, and I have also stayed dry. Traction is excellent. I have a high volume foot, and the fit is good. I sometimes use creative lacing to relieve pressure on the top of my foot. In summary, no blisters and a dry foot equal total satisfaction on my part. Customer Service no experience needed. Similar Products Used: None |
[May 25, 2000]
chris
Backpacker
I am just begining to get my mountaineer/alpning chops and was looking for a pair of winter use, crampon-compatable boots to start out with. These boots are the lightest and most flexible of what Montrail calls their Italian Backcountry line which includes the Moraine AT and the Mazama. They are constructed of 3mm first split Perwanger leather with a fully gusseted tongue. My size twelves weigh in at four and a half pounds. The full nylon shank/footbed combo makes the just stiff enough for strap-on crampons. Customer Service Sent for boots by mail they were at my door in a couple of days. E-mailed with some questions about the boot and they got back to me immediately even though it was a Saturday with very complete answers. So far so good with customer service. Similar Products Used: Garmont, Vasque, Pivetta |