replacement for Vasque hiking boots?

[Metis]

in search of a mid to heavy duty hiking boot w/ following features that somebody has actually worn:

-one piece leather body

-no 'soft collar' at ankle

-available w/ Thinsulate

i keep hearing about Asolo, but just want some feedback befor i shell out $200+

after wearing Vasque Sundowner hiking boots for the last 10 years they've 'redesigned' them to be total crap.

my first pair lasted SEVEN YEARS with almost constant wear: work/hike/street.

been wearing the new pair about 2 years and the new style isn't up to thier old standards. i emailed Vasque to complain and was told that the 'updates' were desired by a younger customer base and have largely been met with approval.

great updates:

-thinner, lower quality leather
-softer, less durable sole
-padded ankle collar that shreds before anything else wears out
-lining worn through within a year

they probably just discovered they made the old ones so well they weren't selling them fast enough...

there, i'm done. thanks for listening and any suggestions,

Metis

 

[CD Fleischer]

I have a pair of Asolo Pinnacles I have had for 7 years. They have held up exceptionally. I only have one gripe: 1) I wish the tongue was fully gussetted.

I would think there would be an Asolo with the features you mentioned. If not, I would check out Danner.

I think Vasque moved production of the cheaper boots to China. Seems to me that they used to all be made in Italy.

 

[Rifter]

My vote goes with Danner. They have all the features you want and will last for years.

 

[Metis]

thanks for the help so far.

there is one pair of Danners i like, and i saw the Merrell Wilderness and (based on the spec sheet) love them. have to go track down some to try on now.

 

[blackz28]

Metis,

I've replaced my Vasque boots that I lost in a fire a few years ago with Danners. Great Boots.
I've bought them from here
Great Service & prices. They didn't have the ones that I wanted at their web site, So I went to Danners Site, Found a pair that I wanted, They ordered them for me, had them deliver from the factory directly to me in a few days, and knocked off 20% from Danners site prices.

Ed

 

[Honeywell]

You want something along the lines of this? They sure don't make 'em like they used to. Like you I'm still a fan of the all leather boot, even though this synthetic gore-tex stuff they are coming out with may be more breathable and lighter I'll stick to my trusty old leather ones.

These would be more on the heavy duty/moutaineering side.

 

[Metis]

nice boots, are they still made? never heard of Kastinger before.

also, i just found out there's a custom hiking boot maker in the next town! they actually look very similar to yours. they start about $500. not *too* bad for a custom fit / options.

M

 

[Honeywell]

Originally posted by Metis
nice boots, are they still made? never heard of Kastinger before.

also, i just found out there's a custom hiking boot maker in the next town! they actually look very similar to yours. they start about $500. not *too* bad for a custom fit / options.

M

You know I don't know. A quick search of "Kastinger boots" on google listed some information but no website. My father gave me these boots when my feet where big enough to fit into them. He had worn them before that.

 

[ccdog]

[Edit, I tracked the article online and some pictures]

That's too bad to hear the new Sundowners are not as good. I just noticed some of the leather on mine is starting to crack and figure I better start thinking about a replacement (I can't remember how many years old they are).

So, the new pair you have are the Sundowner MX2 GTX?

Regarding the picture of the boots, above -- I suspect those would fall in to a heavy boot catagory where the Sundowners are more of a midweight boot. It is distinctly possible they might be a bit heavier than you are interested in (given you liked the Sundowners).

I've got a copy of the Outside Buyer's Guide "Gear of the Year, 2000 Annual" (pp 40,41) and the following midweight boots get good very good ratings. I found they have the review online. Here are the quotes:


- Montrail Torre GTX, $150
Light, comfortable, waterproof, and handsome as heck, the Torres happily boogied along with a 45-pound pack and still begged for more.
WHY IT'S COOL: At three pounds, six ounces, they're a pound lighter than similarly capable boots of yore. >Wade through four inches of water with impunity thanks to the Gore-Tex lining. > Montrail nailed the tuning of the microporous rubber midsole, nylon insole, and steel shank. You don't feel sharp rocks underneath, yet there's plenty of cushioning for big loads. >Nubuck leather augmented with a thick rand and toe cap adds durability. >The Vibram sole is lugged deeply enough for the loosest earth, yet it doesn't squirm on rock.
HMM... The many seams in the uppers could reduce long-term durability.

- Lowa Scout II, $200
Nothing makes a boot feel more cushy than a luscious leather lining-yet despite this luxury feature, the Scouts seemed to clamor to be taken out for a punishing trail session with a full pack. So I obliged. Even under a 40-pound load, they felt as stable as they did in my front lawn.
WHY IT'S COOL: The Scout's one-piece nubuck upper is still an unbeatable recipe for durability and support, and they're easy to waterproof, to boot. >A robust wraparound rand gives further protection against scrapes. >At three pounds, eight ounces, the weight is very reasonable for an all-leather boot. > The Vibram sole combines with a polyurethane midsole and nylon insole to offer a good balance between rigid protection and shock absorption.
HMM... The fit is quite wide and shallow. Make sure the boots don't bind above your instep, and that your heel doesn't slip on uphill strides.

- La Sportiva TRK, $215
Dang! I could have used these when I was scrambling around the talus in Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains last year. With the ankle support of a ski boot, these EXCEL in really rough terrain.
WHY IT'S COOL: Outstanding lateral rigidity adds stability in dicey or heavily loaded situations. Yet a gusset of thinner leather across the top lets the boots flex fore and aft for walking ease. >La Sportiva's proprietary lug sole is stiff in the back with just the right give under the forefoot. >A one-piece, full-grain roughout leather upper ensures durability and stays looking sharp. >Underfoot rocks feel as smooth as asphalt, by virtue of a stout nylon insole. >Only three pounds, eight ounces, they're quite light for such a mountain-capable boot.
HMM... It's a personal preference, but I'd love to see a leather lining on these boots-and lace locks.

-john

 

[Metis]

thanks,

the Lowas look good to me.

M

 

[Kkimo]

Good thread. My vasque's are now 10 years old and in need of replacement. (thought about just having the soles replaced, but looking at what's come out of Vasque the last few years, I don't think I'll bother.)

Anyone's thoughts on Raichle's (sp?) They used to be top of the line too, but haven't seen much of them lately.

Dave

 

[bj70_guy]

I replaced a 4 year old pair of Vasques with a pair of Danners this past winter. Couldn't be happier with them so far.