Vasque Newbrier
Vasque is no longer in business, and the Newbrier has been discontinued. If you're looking for something new, check out the best backpacking boots for 2024.
Reviewed by
cmw2@...
February 8, 1997
The Vasque Sundowner, Newbrier, and Eclipse are all the same boot with the only difference being the leather. The Newbrier is brown nubuck while the Sundowner is burgundy full grain leather and the Eclipse is black full grain leather. All three boots are Gore-Tex, and despite my constant abuse of my Newbriers and Sundowners they have never leaked. They are a great all around boot. I use my Newbriers for crusing around town and I have reserved the Sundowners for backpacking. Some complain that the ankle is a little stiff, but it eventually breaks in. The new Sundowner II's have replace the "stiff" top of the ankle with a softer leather collar.
You cannot lose by buying one of these boots!!!
Materials: leather
Use: Medium to Rough trail with a medium weight pack
Break-in Period: 3-4 days
Weight: 12 lb 12 oz
Price Paid: $170-180 US
Reviewed by
Julie
October 10, 1998
I have worn these boots for three years. I have narrow feet and skinny ankles, even for a woman. These boots are wonderful! Never a blister, and I don't wear liners. I have the old ones without Gore-tex, but my feet have always remained dry through streams and such. Just added more insoles to support the extra weight of the little one on my back. I am looking at the Sundowner for my next purchase, even though my boots still have a lot of miles left.
Materials: nubuck
Use: moderate trail use/light backpacking
Break-in Period: short maybe a week
Weight: 2 lb. 8 oz
Price Paid: $165
Reviewed by
chris@...
March 23, 1997
These boots are incredible! I've had mine since 1993 and been damn near everywhere in them. I've used them on 14'ers, snowy/slushy streets, sandy beaches in Mexico, hiking trails, mud, etc, etc. I'd never trade mine! The gore-tex has worked flawlessly!
Materials: leather
Use: rough trails w/ heavy packs, long hikes, around town in the snow
Break-in Period: 1 week of heavy hiking
Price Paid: $180 (may be more)
Reviewed by
Mike
May 26, 1998
very good boots. Break in period short and easy, nothing has broken and have never leaked. Have worn just about every day for a year and a quarter, and have just started to wear down. Very much worth the price.
Materials: leather
Use: general backpacking w/ some rough trail
Break-in Period: 1 week
Price Paid: $180
Reviewed by
Michael Sos
December 26, 1997
After owning timberland eurohikers, onesport morraines, onesport chilkoots, the newbriars are the best. They are always a joy to strap on. The only boots I would pick over the newbriars would be its close brother the sundowners.
Materials: nubuck leather goretex
Use: on off trail/ with pack
Price Paid: $180
Reviewed by
Derek
April 30, 1998
These are the best boots a man could buy! They are light, durable, comfortable, and any other thing good about boots! If you are boot hunting I would suggest Vasque New Briers!
Materials: Nubuck
Use: Backpacking
Break-in Period: 3 weeks
Price Paid: $189
Reviewed by
Mike Sutton
May 10, 1997
very nice boot, light weight and 1 piece nubuck leather uppers good for rough trails and heavy loads. good support.
Materials: leather
Use: on/off trail, heavy loads
Break-in Period: 1 week, heavy use
Weight: 2lbs 8oz
Price Paid: $189
