Eddie Bauer Vashon boot

A basic, average, somewhat leather waterproof boot. The longer I wear them the more I can point out the faults.

I got a Sierra Trading Post gift card for Christmas and decided to get yet another pair of boots. They were cheap and I can tell why. The cost cutting measures by EB for having price point item in the stores is why you can hardly even find a review or mention of this model online. They must not have sold many considering the web presence is almost non-existent. 

I have had them for a month. They have had one 3-mile hike in a foot of snow, weeks of work wear in and out of trucks, on ground in snow airing up tires , digging out a few cars, plus a few dozen yard and snow blower sessions to test them out.

The foam insole was already crushed in heels in that time. I changed them over today to some urethane insoles I saved from a pair of Hi-Tec boots that I'd changed to orthotics. So much better now, better than out of the box.

I knew these were cheap when I bought them, but wondered how cheap they could be considering the source. The most redeeming quality is they were comfortable until the insole heel area smashed and they are actually very waterproof up to the first lace hook. The heel has a plastic guard where you might put the toe of another foot when removing them. The toe rand rubber or plastic is actually not too bad considering the use I gave them in such a short time.

The leather surface I gave a thin application of mink oil on day one. I've walked in snow slush and water up to 3" deep and haven't gotten a wet foot. Considering how many seams exist from piecing together the uppers I'd be surprised if they stay waterproof. A pair of wool socks and liners fit fine. These are just roomy enough for that. 

Now all the cons. Already mentioned the cheap insoles. The cast lace hooks are sharp and I'm surprised I haven't already cut a lace. The soles have so much mold release that when wet and on any ice or even an epoxy shop floor I've taken two falls and come close to falling a few other times. It may take months or a year for it to wear off. The tongue has softened already and has to be played with each time they are laced because it likes to curl. The bellows on the tongue only extends up partially and in deeper snow or water you may get a wet sock.

From some searches I see it may have been a $70 to $98 item in the store which isn't all that bad, but only as a casual boot or occasional hiker. There are many brands in that price range which may be tougher. I've already noticed the surface of the boot lugs showing wear in just a month. Because they are waterproof enough and now more comfortable with a better insole  I'll reserve them for occasional hikes in our area valley and work only. I wouldn't recommend them for other than that.

I can see why Eddie Bauer quit selling this model. Its' fine for a cheap around town boot, even in snow, but avoid any ice until the soles break in.

(edit) My instincts were correct. I turned these into an occasional work boot. They actually became more comfortable with break-in but the sole came free near the toe and rand on one side. I used boot repair glue to fix them and they only lasted 2 more weeks before starting to fall apart again. Into the trash they went and they won't be missed.

Background

Walking, hiking, working