Had them for 10 years. 10.5 narrow, Hiked to top of volcanoes in the tropics, glaciers in the rockies, forests in the midwest. I have not found a terrain or temperature that they do not excell in. great backpacking with large packs. Only complaints are that the narrow is still a bit wide, thus to get them to fit, I hafe to crank down on the laces. This has likely contibuted to the 4 pairs of laces I have been through.

Similar Products Used:

None

I bought a pair of these awhile back when the Legends started to get hard to find. They have served well but aren't as rugged as the former. I don't think the bonded soles hold up as well as traditional stitched soles and the heel & toe rands are a poor idea (who thought up that one?) since the rubber always eventually parts company with the leather at these points. The leather on the tops is thinner as well and a more pronounced heel block would really help, but that's a minor beef. I wish Vasque still made the Legend..

Similar Products Used:

Vasque Legend
Danner

I love these boots. In 15 years of use, I've never had a blister or wet feet (thanks to the seamless leather construction and full Gore-Tex booties). These boots have taken me hiking and backpacking throughout North America and Europe. With sock liners and wool socks, they've kept my feet happy from -10 to +100F. They're also surprisingly lightweight. I was recently going to buy some low-cut boots for summer hiking, but I could not find a pair that were noticeably lighter than the Sundowners and as comfortable. When they get scuffed, I polish them and they look great -- you can't do that with suede or nylon. The most significant signs of wear: the leather upper is scratched around the toebox, the outsole has separated slightly from the toe area and, of course, the tread has worn down a bit, but they still fit and work great. Even the laces haven't worn out. When I bought them for $120 in 1985, I thought they were expensive, but the long-term cost has been less than $0.75 per month. What a bargain!

I was once asked to name my most valuable possession. I asked myself which of my possessions has enriched my life more than any other thing I've ever owned. It came down to my bicycle and these boots. The boots won, because they've taken me to more places that I never dreamed I would go. They are freedom. If I could, I'd give these boots a lot more than 5 stars.

PS: I'm taking these boots with me when I die. If heaven exists but I don't get in, at least I'll be able to hike there.

Customer Service

No idea. These boots have worked flawlessly for 15 years.

Similar Products Used:

None

I HAVE HAD THESE BOOTS 9 YEARS, AND I LOVE THEM.
I HAVE COVERED A LOT OF GROUND IN THESE BOOTS, FROM DESERT, TO RAINFOREST, TO MOUNTAIN RANGE.
THERE ARE NO HOLES, NEVER HAD THE SOLE SEPERATE, NO PROBLEMS AT ALL.
HAD THEM RESOLED 2 YEARS AGO, WAS INEXPENSIVE TO HAVE RESOLED.
THEY ARE ITALIAN MADE NOT CHINESE.
I ALSO HAVE A PAIR OF SKYWALKS THAT I HAD FOR 4 YEARS, WHICH HAVE ALSO SERVED ME WELL, ALSO ITALIAN NOT CHINESE.
ANYONE LOOKING FOR A LIGHT, DURABLE, HIKING BOOT, THESE ARE THE ONES TO BUY.
THEY ARE WORTH THE PRICE.
(DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE CHINESE BOOTS, EVERYONE I KNOW HAS THE ITALIAN VERSION.)

Customer Service

EXCELLENT, WHENEVER I HAVE BUSTED A LACE, I GO BACK TO THE SHOP I BOUGHT THEM AT TO BUY NEW LACES, THE OWNER GIVES ME A NEW PAIR OF LACES AND SAYS THAT,"THEY ARE ON VASQUE".
WORKS FOR ME.

Similar Products Used:

SKYWALK

I really wanted to buy a pair of Sundowners based on reviews that I have read as well as the boot on display at my local ratailer. To my dismay... I found out that the boot on display was Italian (small size) and all other stock was Chinese. The quality and fit difference was huge! I just could not justify paying a premium price for the "Imitation" look and feel of the China boots. While considering the Italian Sundowner MXII (more $$), I tried a pair of Danner Mountain Lite II's and was sold instantly on the fit and comfort, as well as the $80 savings. Sorry Vasque.

Customer Service

I spoke to the Canadian Vasque HQ in Vancouver, and the rep ensured me that the China boots were as good or better than the Italian boots. He went to great lengths describing all the steps taken to ensure the integrity of the original Sundowner when they moved to China. The product speaks for itself though and its not the same. If you want an Italian made boot, the MXII is still made in Italy but costs $40-$60 more.

Similar Products Used:

Asolo Pantera
Danner Mountain lite II
Salomon Authentic 6

My first pair of Vasques were a nu-buck type and not water resistant. So I went for the Sundowner's (gore-tex) in '91.
They were excellent boots, been backpacking to N-Mex on and extended trip. My feet were greatful, absolutely
no foot problems. Been camping with them for years and love em. All good things come to an end, they did wear over those 9 years and I opted for a pair of the Vasque Clarions as a replacement. I will also point out that my 2 sons also have Sundowners, my older son's pair did have the soles seperate. Campmor and Vasque even after 9 years of use gave me a fair credit toward replacement for them. I am most happy about them standing behing their products. All 3 of our Sundowners were made in Italy not China.

Customer Service

As I mentioned the company was good to me with the problem I had and made a generous offer.

Similar Products Used:

None

I have had Sundowners for years...I'm on my third pair now. They are starting to rip on the inside, and when I went to REI to replace them, I was shocked to see what import crap Vasque is trying to pawn...even the salesman indicated that he was disappointed and was steering customers away from the product. No more Backpacker Magazine awards for Vasque, I would guess.

Customer Service

I contacted Vasque about the new boots and the rep said that Vasque had been having much of the boot assembly done in Korea for years, with the final lasting done in Italy...either they have misrepresented themselves in the past, or are doing so now to recover on a bad business decision...not for my money.

Similar Products Used:

Raichle, Zamberlan, Salomon, Asolo

Absolutely superb boot! This boot is unbeatable for mid to heavy duty on and off trail backpacking. I have used it everywhere from Minnesota to California to Alaska. This boot is built great, lasts forever, and is extrememly comfortable...once you break it in!

Similar Products Used:

asolo one sport

I've had these boots for about 5 or 6 years now. They are a good comfortable boot with enough support to carry a 40# pack on moderate terrain.

Similar Products Used:

None

I have been wearing Vasque Sundowners for 4 years... seven days a week. I am talking about the same pair of boots!!! The materials and craftsmanship have been exellant. They were comfortable through the breakin period, after I added Spenco orthotics. After trying several brands of footwear ( Danner, Wolverine, HiTech, etc.) I was getting discouraged about finding anything that would fit a wider foot. Vasque took care of that problem too! I finally wore down the original soles about one month ago but was lucky enough to discover that a local business had purchased the equipment to resole them, with Vasque soles no less, for the reasonable cost of $45. If that had not been an option, I still would have bought a new pair of Sundowners.

Customer Service

I can take my boots to the Red Wing dealer where they were purchased for treatment of the leather and even replacement of boot laces at no charge. That is customer service!!

Similar Products Used:

None