Vasque Sundowner Classic GTX Mid-Weight Backpacking Boots - Men's

Comments about Vasque Sundowner Classic GTX Mid-Weight Backpacking Boots - Men's:

He had a pair for 20 years. The pair I bought him for Christmas is replacing something he has loved for a very long time. He was estatic to receive them.

Comments about Vasque Sundowner Classic GTX Mid-Weight Backpacking Boots - Men's:

GREAT BOOT

Comments about Vasque Sundowner Classic GTX Mid-Weight Backpacking Boots - Men's:

I have worn these Boots for 25 years and other than production has gone from Italy to China which is disturbing I still call the Vasque name and the Sundowner a great choice.

Comments about Vasque Sundowner Classic GTX Mid-Weight Backpacking Boots - Men's:

Very good indeed.

Comments about Vasque Sundowner Classic GTX Mid-Weight Backpacking Boots - Men's:

I'm on my second pair of sundowners since 1993, and my current pair has been resoled twice. Mine originally had the beveled heel, which was great for walking but not good for hiking descents in muddy or soft conditions. My two resoles have been a vibram sole with standard heel (which is what the boots are sold with now), and I love them. The toe of the boot will take some scuffing and abuse right off the bat, which is due to the nature of the leather finish and lack of a toe bumper, but is only superficial. It becomes part of the sundowner style - and every pair of well-loved sundowners has it. It takes several hikes to break them in, but the benefit of an all-leather boot is that once you break it in, it fits your foot perfectly forever! Carry moleskin for your first few hikes - it is worth some hot spots and a little foot TLC to get through that stage. Condition the leather once a year or so, and you will be loving (and resoling) your sundowners for a long long time. Not heavy enough for crampons, but I've used my sundowners for day hikes, light backpacking, and multi-night backpacking trips. Great for a slushy walk to work once in a while too - but make sure you condition the leather to protect it from road salt!

Comments about Vasque Sundowner Classic GTX Mid-Weight Backpacking Boots - Men's:

I spent most of the 1990s backpacking the Appalachian trail and in the Rockies. I had several brands of boots. Nike(aweful), Merrel, Solomon, ect and I had problems with all of them. The Merrel boots were pretty good, light and comfy but they werent very stable and the grip sucked on wet rocks. Then in the fall of 1997, I bought my first pair of Sundowners and I still own them to this day. I've bought another pair that are good and broken in now and they are just like the originals- bulletproof. They also come in narrow sizes which is good because I have a very narrow foot. Both pair have been very rugged and have remained waterproof. Vibram soles are still the best. They are my go-to boots for wet weather. Simply put- these are the best mid-weight hiking/backpacking boots you can buy.

Comments about Vasque Sundowner Classic GTX Mid-Weight Backpacking Boots - Men's:

I was disappointed that the pair of Sundowners was made in [*]. My old pair of Sundowners purchased 21 years ago was made in USA. They have been resoled twice and are still serviceable, but I felt that I should get a new pair. These new ones are slightly different from the old pair, but appear to be of the same quality, however only time will tell.

Comments about Vasque Sundowner Classic GTX Mid-Weight Backpacking Boots - Men's:

I've owned 4 pair of these boots and simply can't get enough. I'm constantly in and out of the office on a daily basis and wear them 7 months out of the year! Each pair I've bought have lasted nearly a year and half. Campmor is one of the few places I've still been able to find this older model of boot. Have bought a few casual Vasque shoes as well and haven't been disappointed.

Comments about Vasque Sundowner Classic GTX Mid-Weight Backpacking Boots - Men's:

I bought my first pair of these boots in the mid 1980s and am about to retire my third pair. I wear them almost every day and almost every place, so they get a lot of miles and a lot of abuse. I treat them with good leather grease once in a while. My second pair (bought in 1993 or so) - worn out and relegated to muck work on the farm in 2001 - are just now starting to leak a little when I wade the creek. My "good" pair is still water proof but the soles are just about worn through. 10 years is a pretty good lifetime for everyday boots. They are certainly the most comfortable shoes I've ever had, including sneakers.

Comments about Vasque Sundowner Classic GTX Mid-Weight Backpacking Boots - Men's:

These boots are made for hiking. I still have my SkyWalkers after 15 years and hundreds of miles on the trail. The Sundowner is basically the same model, just a new name. They take some serious beatings and stay waterproof and stable. Keep in mind, they do require some breaking in and can cause blisters. But, with the right socks/liners, and a few trips around the park to break them in, you should be very happy on the trail. They are also great for alternative lacing when needed.
Basically, if you are looking for a pair of boots that will hold up for years in any weather, these are the ones. Happy hiking.