Gear Review
Vasque Sundowner GTX Backpacking Boot - Men's
Miss the good old days...
By Mark L
Ranked #389 - Men's Backpacking Boots
January 2, 2009
I'm severely disappointed that Vasque chose long ago to move production of this boot from Italy to China. I owned a pair of the Italian-made sundowners and they were great. In the day of the sundowner and the skywalk, Vasque was THE boot to have. Sundowners are a legendary name on the trail and I think anyone purchasing a pair now will feel disappointed, to say the least. You can tell the difference between the old and new by simply looking at them. I give them two stars only for the memories I have of the better days. I now own a pair of Sundowner MX2's (made in Italy) and I am once again in love!
View Details: Vasque Sundowner GTX Backpacking Boot - Men's
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
Change me.
4 Comments Last Reply: June 14, 2011 By: chford1295591
Opposite of T.M.'s comments, I too had a pair of the Italian made Sundowners which DID need breaking in...substantial breaking-in as they nearly defeated me in Emigrant Wilderness. This comment is to point out that the old and the new may not be too far apart, depending on your perspective. It's all subjective.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
By the way, re: my made in Italy Sundowners. I never had to "break them in" as everyone keeps saying about these Chinese boots. Also, note that I am still using my boots after 20 years, mostly recently snow shoeing at Crater Lake this winter. I had gaiters on and the boots stayed very dry, i.e., my socks and feet never got a bit wet. I do also see the difference in the boots just by looking at the picture, as Mark L. noted. I prefer to go without until I can afford quality.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
I've been wearing my Italian pair for 20 years or more. I haven't seen the Chinese product and wouldn't buy them anyway. The Sorel brand has been ruined since bought out by Columbia Sports and now mfg'd in China. The good ol' days is right. So many good things gone.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
I never owned a pair before, So i don't know the difference. I love these boots. Once broken in they are like a well worn glove.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes