Gear Review
Vasque Wasatch GTX Backpacking Boot - Men's
Very Poor Durability
By Ethertec
Ranked #395 - Men's Backpacking Boots
April 4, 2010
I have owned a pair of Wasatch's for approximately two years. During that time, they've been on one 35 mile trek in extremely rocky Northeast Pennsylvania and on a car camping trip to Washington State where they saw very little action. They've also been worn around town on various errands. In all, I'd say they have maybe 300 miles on them. While they are extremely comfortable and the traction is awesome, the sole of the left boot have developed a massive crack through the Vibram sole, the plastic shank, and into the EVA midsole, right where the boot flexes at the toes. I am 5'11", weigh 155lbs, and never carry more than 30lbs in my pack so I wouldn't consider myself to be an abusive user. I am extremely disappointed that a boot at this price point failed so early in the game. I thought I was buying a boot I could live with for a lifetime, or certainly more than two years. I cannot recommend this boot.
View Details: Vasque Wasatch GTX Backpacking Boot - Men's
Helpful Votes: 3 Yes
Change me.
6 Comments Last Reply: May 22, 2011 By: ocg3684140
I just want people to know that this is really an issue. I have had these boots 2 years and all though I have been rough with them it doesn't seem like they should have broken down this fast. My sole started splitting in the same area in both boots. They have probably 200 miles on them and they are my first pair of real hiking boots but I would have expected them to last longer. The waterproofing is however incredible the gor-tex works great.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
I just discovered mine have the same problem. The right crack is all the way through and the left crack is just starting. Does Vasque do anything when you contact customer service?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Seemed like a really nice boots until they failed in this manner. Both of mine split though the soles just forward of the shank. Otherwise the boots are far from being worn out. Clearly a defective design.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Mine split in exactly the same spot as yours on both boots. Very disappointing - they should have lasted a lot longer than they did. I found out that they cannot be fixed so I went out today and bought new boots in another brand. Have heard that Vasque has a lot of quality issues when they started making them in China.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
This seems like it is a design issue. Mine split worse than yours did - see my review above. The soft rubber there gives great walking comfort but the design causes the Vibram sole to split with only little extended use. Vasque are betting that most people will actually go less than 100 miles in these I reckon.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Same exact situation happened with my boots. Very disappointed.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes