Vasque Super Hiker II
The Super Hiker II has been discontinued. If you're looking for something new, check out the best backpacking boots for 2024.
I bought these as I have a EEEE foot and Vasque wide sizes fit me. The Gore Tex liner, OUTSTANDING comfort right out of the box and light weight all were important. The fist year with (3) 15 and (1) 70 miler was excellent! I carry a 60 lb pack, hiking in the Cimmaron Mtns of New Mexico. Not a single blister, but a small hot spot from time to time. I added Super Feet liner for the second year. After 200 miles I sent to Dave Page Cobbler to resole. He refused to resole them as the leather was too soft to glue new sole on. Dave said from too much Nik Wax. I said your kidding. I was dissapointed. I expected more than 3 years with the boots. I am now considering Vasque Alpines.
I would not recommend ONLY due to longevity of the boot vs. cost of the boot. But they are mighty comfortable on the trail.
Materials: Leather
Use: Rough trail, moderate to heavy pack
Break-in Period: 1-2 weeks-FAST
Weight: 2.5 lbs
Price Paid: $200
These are great boots. I was lucky enough to find these via mail order and they feel great. They have a nice, roomy toe area. They're tough and take a while to break in, I've had these for about 2 years now. I probably have about 300+ miles on these and the Vibram soles are just now starting to show some wear. The insoles I didn't like and I put in a pair of old ones I had from a pair of Hi-Tec boots. The boots are waterproof if you take care of them. They also provide great ankle support. The liner dries pretty quick and keep my feet feeling good, a change of sock always helps. They've never given me a blister, not once. Overall, these are great boots that will last a long, long time.
Materials: Leather
Use: General backpacking
Break-in Period: Quite a while
Weight: ~3
Price Paid: $149
The only boot I have ever owned that could be used out of the box with little or no blisters. 3-4 weekend trips and they feel like I've had them for years. I wear a 13 Narrow and these are a dream. Heavy packs on any part of the Long Trail are no problem. Also, they are very light for the support they offer. 100% waterproof after a good coating of paste wax. I would prefer a heavier boot for off trail bushwacking or mountaineering, but for most any other extended trips, these are "super".
Materials: Nubuck Leather
Use: Extended trips with heavy pack
Break-in Period: Little to none
Weight: 3 lbs
Price Paid: $160 (Sale)
I took these on a Nols Wind River Wilderness course for 28 days in the field and they were very comfortable. I can happily say I was one of the few people without any blisters. However they are lacking in ankle support so if you have weak ankles you would probably be better served by a different pair of boots. They are pretty waterproof but once they get soaked they take fairly long time to dry out.
Materials: leather
Use: Backpacking with heavy pack
Break-in Period: not too bad
Weight: 85-95 lbs
Price Paid: MSRP $205
This boot was on clearance for the incoming newer style. The factory insoles needed upgrading to aftermarket inserts. I have always needed several hikes to break-in a boot (and my feet!), however, this pair needed really no break-in time. I have found that I can never get the boot to wrap snug around my ankles and would not recommend this to a hiker with weak ankles.
Materials: Leather
Use: Light trail w/pack
Break-in Period: negligible
Weight: couple lbs.
Price Paid: $110
My initial review after approx. 2 weeks in the boots is that they are very comfortable. I did, however, find that the footbed could be a little more comfortable. I just bought a pair of the Superfeet insoles that will hopefully eleviate this small issue.
Materials: Leather
Use: Heavy Backpacking
Break-in Period: 3-4 full days
Weight: very light
Price Paid: $150 (on sale)
The first week they were a little stiff around the ankles, but this has turned out to be a real plus. I have great ankle support and traction (Feels like 4 wheel drive for my feet!).
Materials: leather
Use: off trail with 50 lbs
Break-in Period: one week
Weight: 2 lb 13oz
Price Paid: $200
A good boot. definately the Jeep of boots. The only problem is the foot bed isn't that comfy, so i bought some Superfeet insoles and that did the job!
Materials: Leather
Use: Rough trail w/ heavy pack
Break-in Period: a little while
Weight: 2 lbs 13 oz
Price Paid: $205
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