I have had vasque sundowner's for 20 years, they were the best hiking boots out there. I got several good years out of each pair, until my last pair. I usually go out to Montana for a 5 day backpacking trip every year. I purchased my latest pair several weeks before the hike. This pair did not feel as comfortable as prvious pairs. When I got back from the backpacking trip, I noticed a poping sound with every step I took. There was no support anymore, the boot would bend very easily. It appeared the the support in the sole broke (were your foot bends). I E-mailed Vasque and asked about a warranty, since they were only a couple months old. They told me there is no warranty if I abused the boots. They told me to get a hold of the business I ordered them from. I kind of lost my cool and vowed never to buy another vasque boot again. I continued to wear them until about eight months later when I noticed my sock got wet when I was walking on a wet sidewalk. Took the boot off and the rubber sole split in half were the boot bends. There was a plastic support (imbedded in the rubber sole) that broke in half , and the sharp edges must have cut into the rubber sole , causing it to split. Its been several years now, and still wonder if the boot has lost some quality or if I just had bad luck on that pair ?

My old sundowners lasted 15 years and had thousands of hard trail miles on them. They fit the first time I put them on and were a joy to wear before their timely and total end. Of course I wanted a new pair and these ones suck. The leather was abraded after a couple of dozen miles, the fit was different, they reluctantly repel water for maybe 15minutes before soaking through in spite of religious nikwaxing, and even after a few hundred miles give me blisters if I'm out for more than a casual hike. I shed a tear when I had to throw out my old ones after squeezing every last possible step out of them. These I may trash out of spite as they've really let me down in every possible way and I get depressed just looking at them in the corner. I can't wait to get them out of my life. Vasque should be ashamed and they've certainly lost a customer in me.

Similar Products Used:

Original sundowners (although to call them a "similar product" is an insult to them)

Same issues as others in the post. My boots from the 1980's lasted for well over 10 years. Many people I work with have had their boots near 20 years. Now I bought a new pair to replace the pair that got lost during a move and I hate them. And YES, they are made in China. Very disappointed in Vasque (Redwing Shoes) for going to China and not keeping their high quality from boots made in Italy. Money always seems to be the bottom line even when the company talks up customer service and satisfaction. No more Vasque boots for me.

Total dissapointment all arround. Used them less than 10 times and one of the sole lugs broke off and left a big hole. Left me backpacking out in the rain in White Mountains for four days with one soaking wet foot. Emailed Vasque about it. Don't expect there customer service to be any better than there sundowner boots. They are not the sundowners like my wifes had for 20 years.

Customer Service

What customer service?

Took 14 years to destroy my first Italian built sundowners. In less than a month of ownership and having worn on fewer than 10 occasions the new darker colored boots have begun to separate from the rubber soles in four places. Very frustrating because they actually fit very well. They'll have to go back to REI

Similar Products Used:

Early 90's Sundowners. Romanian built Salomon hikers - fell apart after three years hard use.

I agree with the other posters on the china issue. My first pair of sundowners cost me $240 in 1980. I guess that this is equal to some $500+ boots today. I think it was easier to make $100 in 1980 though, at least for me.

I had some in the early 90's. They last for years. Recently I have gotten back into hiking etc and wanted to get another pair. The ones I got in the mail today were made in CHINA?!?!? I am so ticked. I spent hours and hours online to buy just these and just because I know they are not made in China. I will not buy another pair when these wear out. The Chinese make nothing worth buying. Look for Vasque at Wal-Mart.

I bought a pair of Sundowners in 1988 and wore them for 16 years...absolutely the best boot I'd ever had. The finally wore out and I got another pair three years ago. I HATE them. They are stiff and I cannot get them broken it. After reading some of the other reviews I check and sure enough my new ones are made in China. Maybe that IS the difference. How disappointing!

Purchased this pair in 1992 and went on severa backpacking trips. The fit is good and the workmansip is top notch. This pair is made in Italy, where many brand name shoes are made. It is sad to see the company went to China to save money and sacrifise quality.

Customer Service

Not used

Similar Products Used:

The one hiking boots ever owned.

I've had 4 or 5 pairs of Sundowners. All but one Italian made. I use them for work and hiking. They are (or were) the most comfortable footwear I've owned.

The Chinese made Sundowners don't fit me. They break improperly over, especially, my big toe. I bought one and only one pair. The second Chinese ones I returned immediately and had to order the Italian built ones.

Alas and alack, the Italian builds aren't offered any more. I'll look at Vasque's other offerings, but I may go right to the (ouch) $400 Filsons.

One gentleman here took the words right out of my mouth, I don't care what they cost, I want the Italian builds. But- if they don't sell they're not going to make them, as my salesman told me.
I'm rating the Italian build.

Customer Service

I drive over 25 miles to the same Redwing store I purchased my first Vasques from 15 years, or so, ago. But that may change. I couldn't find a decent pair of casual wear shoes there last year.

Similar Products Used:

Merril Switchbacks, GoreTex. Good fit, Chinese. On a scratch and dent table.

But I've already (3 weeks) broken one lace eye. Flimsy, cool-looking eyelets.