I never do reviews but since I depend on them for my online purchases, I figured it was time to give back to the online community. I’m picky about my foot comfort. I moved from running to hiking because of my age, 63. I’ve learned with some dismay that your feet grow as you age. I wore a 12 as a young adult and a 13 as a mature adult. My first hiking boots were Timberline size 13 but I suffered from black toenails. I felt like I needed a larger size but 13 was the limit at sporting goods stores. I did some research and visited an REI store to try on some real boots for a change. Everything pointed to a 14. I liked the Vasque Breeze GTX the best but it just seemed like too much boot for my use. I hike mainly in the Chihuahuan Desert of the Big Bend area, usually 2-3 days with a 35 lb. pack. I looked at REI online and found the Vasque Breeze LT GTX. It’s a little lower on the ankle and a little lighter so I decided to give it a try. I bought them online and had them delivered to the local store for a tryout so I could return them right there. This morning was my first break-in hike. I did the five-mile loop around Allen Parkway in Houston and my feet felt so good at the end, I kept walking for another hour. The size 14 was a little big across the instep so I just added a Dr. Scholl’s Sport Gel insole on top of the original and it laced up nice and snug. The roominess of the toe box is wonderful. It’s almost euphoric to traipse straight down a hill without banging my toes. I’m looking forward to the breath-ability of the Gore-Tex, much better in the desert than all leather boots.

These are cool looking boots, durable, waterproof, good traction, the works. Problem is that they without a doubt need inserts. Its like walking on cardboard in these boots, as is. So unless you want to toss another $35-$40 I would look elsewhere. Price of these boots should reflect the added investment ($170).

fit: true to size; for wide feet, up 1/2 a size.
built: tough but light, not bulky, medium traction.
feel: comfortably snug, good ankle support, easy on the heels, stay dry.
look: rather minimal for outdoor gear, which is what I want--shoes that'll get me through city storms and still look like casual sneakers at work.
uses: versatile. all-season outdoor and urban wear.

Purchased these about a week ago and so far so good. Very little breaken period needed and ultra light on the feet. Could use a better arch support. I plan on getting some inserts.

Seems to be a good choice for summer hikes but I wouldn't want to use this in cold weather. Bought it for an upcoming Philmont trip and, so far, am very pleased.