Zamberlan Vioz Lux GTX RR 1996

Italian quality and all-day comfort in a surprisingly lightweight boot.

After thinking I was set for life on boots and other outdoor footwear, I found my foot had grown a little over the last few years and a couple of backpacking trips this spring made hamburger out of my toes. So, back to the drawing board. The first pair I replaced was the backpacking boots. It takes a while when you can't go in a store and try on different brands of boots. Yes, I'm picky about brands. Mostly Italian and mostly Scarpa with some Zamberlan and Meindl mixed in. Scarpa was out of stock for the foreseeable future so Zamberlan it is.

I'm very happy with the Luz. They are as sturdy and well built as my Scarpa SLs and the fit is very good. I had to try on a few pairs before dialing in the right one. I've worn them around the neighborhood and they are stiff...they should be! These won't be fully broken in for 100 miles or more. And that's just fine.

I just got back from Bryce and hiked three days with them on. Two fairly short and then the 8-mile Fairyland Loop (an awesome hike!). I had no problems with blisters or hot spots, though I did have to stop a few times to re-lace to get the right feel. That's to be expected. And lacing will change as the boots break in. I added a set of SOLE Performance footbeds though the stock ones may have been ok. It's just habit by now. New shoes, new footbeds.

Things I love about the Luz are the one-piece leather construction, the Vibram soles, and the sturdy feel without being super heavy on my feet. A few times I found myself slipping on loose gravel and the boots naturally braked because of the design of the heal and the traction zones on the soles. New Vibram is a far cry from the waffle stompers of yesteryear. The boots are resoleable if needed. I am a fan of Gore-tex liners and haven't found them to be hot like some do. It was in the 70s at Bryce and I had no problems out on the exposed sections of the trails.

The photo is after the first day. I am looking forward to getting these broken in this fall and all the places they will take me in the future! 

Background

My first pair of Italian boots was the Fabiano Super Cragman Leader that I got in the '70s and used for over 20 years. I might still have them had I known about Dave Page, Cobbler. Oh well. I've worn Asolo, Scarpa, and now the Zamberlans. These are, Real. Good. Boots!