Men's Vasque Bitterroot Mid GTX

I ordered these boots after reading a review in Backpacker magazine giving them high marks on a recent trip through the grand canyon which is where I was headed. The boots broke in easily in the week before the hike - they run a little large I think - so perhaps order down a half size. The second day I wore them I walked through an hour long downpour and the boots staid dry on the inside. on the 35 mile hike through the grand canyon the boots were nice and stable and didn't let any water in - including one very rainy day - however, the all leather upper is very warm, and my socks came out damp most days due to sweat. On the fourth day i noticed that the rubber covering the toe was starting to separate from the leather upper in one place and by the time we reached the top the next day the same thing was happening on the other boot (in a different location). I ended up returning them, with no hassle. I'm still unsure if I will reorder a new pair, or try a different boot. It's too bad that they started come apart after only 50 miles - otherwise I would have been very happy with them!

Still in the "Break in" period on these boots. The toe box and width are very well proportioned for the stated size. The sole is very well defined and will do well in the Cascades where I hike most. Lacking system seems to be quick and secure.

I love these boots! They were comfortable instantly. I love the support they give and they are 100% waterproof so far. I was not impressed with the stock insoles, but I can't remember the last time I was. They have been very durable over about a hundred miles. I have heard some people say that they fell apart right away, and this is not the case for me and I am very hard on shoes. There is a spot on one of the seams near the sole that MAY be coming undone, but It has looked like it has for a while and nothing else has happened to them.

When these boots arrived I was immediately impressed by their construction and heft. They are well constructed and beefy and their Vibram soles have a fantastic gripping design. I purchased these boots a few weeks ago and have put them to the test with multiple hikes, camping trips, and back country trips. My initial impression of the boots upon trying them on was that they run large. After a quick online search I learned that hiking/backpacking boots do run large because of the nature of their use. The boots need to be a little larger than your feet to allow some wiggle room and room for your foot to move around when hiking, especially on uphill and downhill sections. These boots were comfortable from the moment I put them on. I have slogged through ankle deep water and not a drop has gotten into the boots. My 7 day backpack trip begins soon and I am putting 5 to 7 miles a day on these boots and am thrilled that they are so comfortable I don't immediately take them off when arriving home. This is my first experience with a hiking boot that is as comfortable as my favorite Nikes.

I have been backpacking for 35 years, and in that time I have only had to buy three pair of hiking boots. I have had these boots for about six months now, and they have been the most comfortable boots I have ever had. I replaced the insoles with a good pair of gel insoles to add a little more shock absorption. At 60 years old, I expect these boots to outlast me. Do wish they weren't made in China though.

Initially purchased the GTX at a store in a regular width. It did not fit right and after a day of walking and standing I returned it. I did not know the boot came in wide until I looked online. The wide fits perfectly. Very comfortable, looking forward to a great summer hiking around the sierras!