I think this is a great light hiking boot, I purchased mine for an Outward Bound course. They held up OK... The one complaint I have is that the Shank came loose and rattles slightly inside the sole. I would recommend something a little more syurdy for heavy load backpacking.

Customer Service

When I brought the boots back because of the shank, they replaced them no problem.

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These are the best hiking mid weight hiking boots that I've ever used. They excel in every manner. When the old one's wear out then I will buy some more.

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I've had my Sundowners for 3-4 years and still love them. They are the most comfortable, best supporting boot I have ever had. I have had 2 friends who have returned them due to problems with blisters but I have found they fit my foot shape perfect. They do tend to scuff (as many people mentioned) but they hold their waterproof qualities so who cares!!! Overall, they are a great boot, they last long, wear well, and are comfortable.

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Vasque Clarion

I was looking for a sturdy, bombproof boot that would wear well. I found it in the Sundowner. I purchased these from REI last year and have had no qualms with them so far as a hiking boot. As a driving boot, that's another story, but that's not their intended purpose. I've just done the usual care for them and they haven't deteriorated like my friends told me they would. Support for my feet is topnotch, they're my favorite boot of my closet for weekend hiking.

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I've had my Sundowners for two years now and couldn't be happier with my purchase. They are very comfortable after only a short break-in period. It also looks like they will be very durable. The Gore Tex liner works great. I use mine for everything from multi-day backpacking trips to just kicking around town. I took mine to Munich last year for Oktoberfest and they survived five days of abuse in the beer tents. A true test for any boot! My only complaint is that they scuff easily.

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I have gone through two pairs of these boots over the last three years and I think they are the best pairs of shoes I've had. Very comfortable from the start to the finish. I trekked Australia and New Zealand for four months straight and was extremely rough on the boots. Throughout the trip they never let me down. The boots maintained their comfort and the integrity of the waterproofing was never compromised. My only complaint with the boot is that the color wears down into a pale pink (the only reason I bought a new pair). They aren't cheap but the comfort and quality are worth the price once you're on the trail.

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I've had several pair hiking boots that when I broke them in the fit was terrible. This is not one of those boots. They were stiff at first but fit well. After breaking them in they fit even better. This is the best hiking boot I have ever used.

Customer Service

My old pair of Vasque had a flaw in the material. I sent them back with many hundreds of miles on them and they quickly sent me a new pair. These guys give true meaning to customer service

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Raichle- bad fit after breaking in. Timberland- not rugged enough Saloman- great shoe but odd fit

I tried three sizes - one was too small but comfortable if I was not going down steep trails, the other two had major "boot bite" problems - the leather just dug into the top of my feet and I could not break them in. Coincidentally, the "comfortable" pair was made in Italy and the other two in China. Overall, I was pretty disappointed with the quality and would probably never buy one again. I wasted a lot of time and money on these.

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Not a bad boot if you stay in the malls and downtown. I went through my first pair in 2 months and the replacement pair in 1 month. Pretty sad considering the price. The stitching came undone and the soles came off the first pair. The stitching came undone on the 2nd pair too. They were decently built support-wise though. Not for off-trail backpacking though (even if the stitching held together).

Customer Service

The store (Bob Ward & Sons in MT) replaced them quick enough, but the store had problems with Vasque.

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Many brands and models. Asolo 535s (the best), La Sportiva Makalu (great), various Scarpa, Salomons, Merrels, etc.

These are a great pair of boots. I've had several pairs of boots and they never quite fit me. I was happy to find that Vasque makes a narrow boot. The extra money was worth it. They are great!

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