Very comfortable right out of the box, my 2nd pair. The only negative, as the boots get dusty the ankle brace squeaks eventually. But they are so light and comfortable that I'll live with it.

See previous review. Gore said boots failed centrifugal water resistance test. They say boot failure causes are either material, lining insertion process, or stitching. Gore offered to replace with any boot. In spite of failure, I went with Vertex GTX- I'm hooked on design and fit.

I bought the Vertex GX's and put them to the test elk hunting in Colorado- great comfort and stability. I noticed same squeaking zen_greg referred to- not good when stalking the great wapiti. I corrected this by applying Body Glide with a jack knife blade into the boot ankle joints. I could use Vaseline or other lube, but Body Glide lasts long and won't leach out polymers in boot plastic (e.g. triathletes know using Vaseline or vege spray on wetsuit is a no-no). Day 3 of hunt rained and moisture in boot despite gaiters- sending to Gore for testing and will provide update with results.

I have had these boots for quite some time now. I've used them from Rocky Mountain National Park to Boiling Lake in Dominica to the rainforests of Costa Rica. I love the stability to weight ratio of these boots. I hate, however, the fact that the boots squeek with every foot fall. The plastic support is articulated to another piece of plastic. The pivot creates a plastic on plastic squeek. If not for the noise, these would get 5 stars.

Remarkably stable and surefooted.

The title says it all. I've hiked for 50+ years and have rarely found a boot that fit my 8.5 C-width feet. The Lowa Vertex (Medium width) fit perfect straight out of the box. Five miles on the treadmill and an 8-mile hike last weekend convinced me these are the best boots for backpacking or just trail hiking. Weight is perfect. I always use silicone waterproofing on every boot and maybe this has prevented the notorious squeaking. I would recommend highly these boots (bought my wife a pair too).

I purchased these boots for a 2 week trip to Colorado.
I'm 50 years old and my ankles are not what they used to be. As a result, I was looking for a boot with excellent ankle support. These boots delivered on that front. When laced tightly, they provided rock solid lateral stability, even with a 35 pound pack.

There was virtually no beeak in period. They felt great right out of the box.

Waterproofing was also excellent. No leaks during stream crossings. And, they were relatively dry after 6 hours of slogging on a rainy day.

My only complaint is the plastic on plastic squeek I hear with every step.

Believe it or not, this are "single sock" boots. Hiked Emigrant Wilderness and Half Dome - total of about 50 miles in 2 different hikes in first generation Vertex. Used thin dress socks only. No blisters. Lowe boot sizes run small. I wear a 9.5 dress shoe, 10 athletic shoe. Had to trade out from a size 10 to a 10.5 in these - could probably have cleared even an 11. Size them at least a half-size bigger than your normal athletic shoe size when you order. Ordered next generation (05/06 model) and now they fit fine - and I have enough room to wear thick socks over liners if I want.

I have a high instep and size D width, so not every boot will fit. These do. Wouldn't recommend for wide feet.

You will never regret these boots: lock-down heel cup keeps you from moving around. Solid feel underfoot with 45 lb pack and tennis-shoe comfort! Feet stay comfortable on trail. At $225 regular price, not cheap. At Backcountry on sale, you can't afford NOT to buy these! Hinge squeak in first gen boots seems to have been remedied in 2nd gen - don't have that problem now. If you get the squeak, use a plastic-friendly lube like body-glide and it eliminates the problem.

These got Backpacker Ed Choice award for a reason. Ground-breaking design melded comfort with support. It works.