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.

Chinadowners suck, don't buy them. Between my backpacking buddy and I, we have thousands of trail miles in 5 pair of sundowners. Our first pairs were Italian made and purchased in 1994 for a trip to Idaho. I still have my pair and still hike in them 600+ miles and 13 years later. Sole is a bit thin now, and the upper is wearing through at the toe bend area, but they are even still mostly waterproof all these years later. On the other hand, the Chinadowners began to separate and fall apart on the first trip to Montana last year. The workmanship has entirely gone to pot on the Chinadowners, and of course, the cost savings of Chinese manufacture has not been passed down to the consumer who now has to replace his boots every year or two. Shame on Vasque. I was a loyal devotee of the Italian boots. I won't buy the Chinadowners again. Considering the Scarpa M3.

Similar Products Used:

Vasque Alpine GTX for mountaineering.

This is my second pair of Sundowners. I bought my first pair in 1995 and I was finally brought to the point of needing replacements. Funny that many of the reviews indicate that the new sundowners are made in China, because my new ones (2007) say they are made in Italy. In the store, a pair of Wastach boots were displayed and I looked at them and it said that they were made in China. Now I am confused. Overall, these new boots have the same feel and comfort as my first pair. Time will tell if they have the longevity like my first pair (11 years). These are well made boots. Well worth every penny.

Buyer bee ware these are not your nice Italian Hiking Boots you are familiar with. I have had two pairs of Chiadowners and they keep getting worse. The first pair the Leather deteriorated rapidly and gave out before the soles and the most resent pair which were “the same size” as my last pair hurt my feet so bad after an hour it took me a week to recover and I went back to my 10 year old skywalks which are ½ size to small but still fit better than either of the Chiadowners I have ever owned. When It comes to hiking boots price is not a factor there is a reason people would pay the $190 price tag for a pair of skywalks over the $60 to $90 for a pir of Chinese department store boots, Witch in my option that is exactly what Vasqe boots have become a second rate Cheep Chinese knock off of their former selves.

Customer Service

The old man at the red wing Store in what was New Rome, OH was awesome as usual been buying hiking boots form him for years always remembers who you are and what you like even four or five years later.

Similar Products Used:

The Predecessor to sun downers Vasquez Skywalks which were the ultimate comfort hiking boot. If any one has a where house of these I'd be willing to pay for or five hundred USD to get the real thing!

Cannot say anything about these boots other than they are spectacular... I've owned a pair of Chinadowners for 4 years now and am sad to say I've finally worn them out. I wear them for work (on my feet about 5-6 hours), then I walk or hike almost every night... and I day hike 8-10 miles on the weekends... So i average 8-10 hours EVERY DAY in these bad boys... no problems until few months ago when they started to break down.
I think only reason that reviewers say that they're not comfy is because they are a little difficult to size the first time... but once you get that straight, it's nothing but heaven!

Customer Service

Great in assisting me properly size (run about a full size larger than usual USA size)

Similar Products Used:

Timberland (Garbage)

The CHinese version replaced my Italian 14 year old pair. They seem pretty much the same to me. Quality and comfort are on par with my old pair. Inside seems sewn a bit different, but feel the same to me. I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains and hike allot. I find no real major differences between these Chinese made and my old Italian sewn. They have passed Vasque quality control and the materials seem to be a tad better on the new ones. Time will tell. Still a classic as far as I know.

Similar Products Used:

Asolo, Danner.

I have owned several diferent Vasque and these are very good boots. Took a few days to break in and I wore them for a month before my first hike with them . Excellent feel and look, recommended.

Customer Service

Very good

Similar Products Used:

Osolo
Norh Face

First off, I would like to say to the people who wrote the reviews about the “made in China” boot are clueless. I have been born and raised in the Rockies of Colorado and I have been hiking on these boots for about 20 years. I have never had the pleasure of having “Italian” Sundowners and I keep buying the same boot the sundowner.

Second, to the people writing reviews about having hiking boots that need no break-in are delirious! These boots are the all around best boot for a day hike or a month long pack trip, no matter what you do, they NEED to be broke-in and yes they will hurt for a day or two until the leather is stressed to form to your own foot, so put them on and wear them around the house and to work and right away you will feel the comfort and difference in them. I mean really the only thing I never break in are a pair of sport shoes and they break in as well, but not made for the trail, right, and if you want to wear those on the trails go for it, but take the time give them a couple shots of nikwax and truck around in them before you hit the trail and you will love these boots, made in China and all!!

Customer Service

great

Similar Products Used:

montrail,vasque,chaco,merrell,solomon,birks

The Chinese version of the sundowner are the worst 'quality' boot I have ever worn. If I wanted a boot like that, I would buy a cheap pair of boots at K-Mart. Thanks, but no thanks. Returned to Sierra Trading Post for a full refund.

Customer Service

69.99 seemed like a great deal for a pair of these boots, but I would never want to be stuck on a trip with these boots as an option. I'd rather hike barefoot. Oh, Sierra Trading Post service is stellar. No problems with the return.

Similar Products Used:

Merrell Ridgeline II Dunham Waffle Stomper Chaco Beckwith (the most comfortable boot I've ever worn, they just need to add a vibrum sole.)

The Chinese version of the sundowner are the worst 'quality' boot I have ever worn. If I wanted a boot like that, I would buy a cheap pair of boots at K-Mart. Thanks, but no thanks. Returned to Sierra Trading Post for a full refund.

Customer Service

69.99 seemed like a great deal for a pair of these boots, but I would never want to be stuck on a trip with these boots as an option. I'd rather hike barefoot. Oh, Sierra Trading Post service is stellar. No problems with the return.

Similar Products Used:

Merrell Ridgeline II Dunham Waffle Stomper Chaco Beckwith (the most comfortable boot I've ever worn, the just need to add a vibrum sole.)