Vasque Sundowners

Sufler

Sufler

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Oct 15, 2005
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Ok... I'm really having a hard time finding the right pair of hiking boots for me. I'm looking for a pair that's suitable for all seasons. I was initially going to go with Merrell Moab that had a comfortable fit.

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Got home from REI after checking them out and began reading that they're not as good a quality and will probably only last one season... besides the fact that they're a mesh design, that, unless GoreTex, will take moisture.

So, I began looking at the older, proven, designs and the Vasque Sundowner came to mind. The all leather upper makes me think my feet will sweat badly during the summer. At the same time, I'm thinking it's something I can live with because for once I'd like to have a dedicated pair of hiking shoes.

In the end, I'm wondering whether or not I'll have to shell out for a pair of hiking shoes for the summer, one for fall/spring, and one for winter.

Still... are Vasque Sundowners a good "standard" boot? For the longest time, I've been wearing a pair of Sketcher boots for hiking... worked well, but time to upgrade.

Thanks for any input.

:thumbup:
 
Really? I purchased a pair of Merrell Moabs about two years ago, and they are holding up fine. I use them for hiking, fishing, camping, and doing yard work.
 
I'm 35 and I've had my Vasque boots since I was 15. Actually wore them yesterday working in the yard. IMHO you can't beat them. Their sole replacement policy isn't what it used to be, but still great boots and I don't have a problem wearing them in the summer or in colder weather.
 
Sundowners are kind of a classic in the backpacking world. I've had two pair and they are great boots. Maybe not quite as well made as years ago but that seems to be the trned with everyone. The only Issue that I've had with them is with the stays coming loose in the sole but it was fixed under warranty (new boots)

Right now my primary hiking/backpacking boots are asolo's however there are some aspects of my sundowners that I really miss.

They will most definitely be an upgrade to your sketchers.
 
I have a pair of Goretex Vasque boots with vibram soles, don't know the model, that have a few hundred miles on them and they have held up just fine. They are great three season or mild winter snowshoe boots for me but I move to heavier insulated boots for cold weather hunting.

Of course that's really immaterial unless you have tried on Vasque boots and find that uphill and down hill and around the store they work for you. The toes have room (down hill) , the heel is tight enough not to slip and the width doesn't choke circulation.

Every company makes a "last" thats different and will fit some folks but not all. Find the brands and models that you feel very comfortable in and then ask which company boots hold up longer.

Remember a lot of what you read are reviews from long trail hikers that complain their boots died, often times after a month or two and a few hundred miles walking in them every day. Unless that's what you are aiming for, stick with what feels really comfortable and has enough support and try them until they die. If they die too soon start over. If you buy them from REI and they fall apart in six months there is no doubt REI will replace or exchange them so just get a pair that fits.

Or, pop for a pair of Limmer Custom Boots and wear them until you age enough that your foot size changes and get a second pair. I hear two, with in house resole and repair, will last a lifetime, unless you're old enough and your size already changed, in which case one pair will out last you.
 
I'm sitting here in Moab GTX. I like them but they aren't what I consider backpacking shoes.
I wear them around my farm but you can feel the rocks if you carry much weight.
Try Vasque Clarions if you're carrying a pack.

I used to wear Sundowners but they aint what they used to be.:grumpy:
Try on some Merrill wilderness and see how they feel to you..
 
Not a Sundowner but I've been wearing the Vasque Mantra as a daily everything shoe for the past 2 years, the things still look almost new. Been my first pair of Vasque, but definately won't be my last.
 
Sundowners are about the only thing i would buy from vasque and they aint what they used to be either. I blew through a bunch of vasque because of namebrand recognition- stupid. I will only buy asolo from now on as they have proven themselves to be more rugged and long lasting. only time will tell if asolo will keep it up. its been about 4 years since ive bought a pair. When i did landscape construction for a living I could get about 1.5-2 yrs out of em. vasque would go 4 months. Another thing to remember is that vasque is made by redwing. ask a farmer about readwing and they start swearing at you-"they suck, fall apart......." anyway, this is all my not so humble opinion so take it for what its worth.
 
I have worn a pair of Sundowners for the last 8 years and could not be happier with them. They have held up great, and do great on my feet on the trail. They have used up 4 pairs of laces, a coat of beeswax every year, and I finally caved in and bought some new insoles (Powersteps and they're wonderful). I hiked 2 week long canoe trips in them (in and out of the water about 12 times a day), a full week over boulders in the Candian Shield, several hundred miles on local trails, many days standing on steel chips in the machine shop, rabbit hunts in the winter and trips to the cabin in the summer. I wear them about 4 days of the week and any time I plan on walking for a mile. I have used them with 45 lbs. packs for a week with no feet problems at all. These are my go-to boots anytime I don't need knee-length waterproofing or extreme insulation.

Details:
-Hotter than tennis shoes in the summer, but cooler than most other waterproof membrane shoes/boots (my waterproof Keen shoes are MUCH hotter).
-Very waterproof. I wax mine once a year and have never had water seep in during creek crossings, sloshing in the mud, or walking through snow. The tops are not waterproof and water can get in where your feet go in :rolleyes:
-Traction is very good, but not amazing. The soles wear very well and are open the exact right amount for a great compromise of traction on hard surfaces and slippery/muddy trails.
-Durability is great. I have had to add a bit of super glue where the sole meets the leather at the toe, but it never separated, only peeled back about 1/8". I have scuffed them against a lot of rocks and though the leather may cut on a sharp rock, it never penetrates deep.
-Comfort is excellent on my wide and flat feet (10.5 Wide). With the Powerstep insoles, they are my most comfortable boot/shoe. I had the option of the "Made in Italy" or "Made in China" when I bought them and I choose China because they fit my feet WAY better than the Italian Sundowners. The shank is still stiff after 8 years and works well with a medium to heavy weight pack. Beware that break-in is rough and takes about 30 miles of wear.

They are looking a little worn now, and I'll probably replace them at year 10, but I have owned several pairs of Merrals and they have never lasted longer than 1.5 to 2 years.
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I just bought a new pair of Danner Mountain Lights. They've been my standard backpacking and hiking boot for many years.

http://www.campmor.com/danner-mens-...source=CI&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=11786BRO115D

In the end though, the most important thing is fit. The Danners fit me best; I don't even have to break in each new pair because I've been wearing them for so long and my feet have formed to the shape.

I did have a pair of Asolo boots once. Loved the looks, quality, and support, but my feet would slide forward, mashing my toes.

I've always heard that Sundowners were best suited for people, especially women, with wide feet. And at one time they were the 'uniform' boot for the National Park Service. Maybe that's still true. I've never worn a pair...
 
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