By: T.M. May 6, 2011

Wanna bet?

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

By: tod3063363 April 19, 2011

I have had the same experience. I have a pair from the late 80's that were phenomenal - still have them even though they are a wreck after massive use - can't get myself to throw them away. The newer pair are clearly inferior. It is not a matter of where they are made, but rather how they are made. They did away with vibram soles ... a mistake in my opinion. The uppers seem reasonably close in quality. However, the overall fit is inferior. The new pair are a bit sloppy or loose where the older pair were more snug and rigid. Potentially a downgrade in leather quality. It truly is a shame as I would pay a premium for another pair of the older version.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

By: kyl3487163 March 30, 2011

ok so does anyone know when they moved to china? I'm assuming that all the ones available on the site now are the cheap ones. right? they seem like great boots but all the reviews of the new ones have got me looking elsewhere.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

By: Mark Nunlist March 6, 2010

I've owned Vasque Sundowner boots for about 30 years, and without a second thought replaced one pair with another - until now when my most recent pair (made in Italy) needed replacement in preparation for a significant trek. Reading and hearing reviews of the step-down in quality with the change in Sundowner manufacturer, I have indeed switched brands and paid at least $50 more for the replacement. Good boots are a wonderful investment, and quality is essential. Vasque should consider the irreparable damage to its company with the loss of a gold-standard brand.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

By: ald3719707 March 2, 2010

I've been buying Sundowners since the 1980s and have convinced several friends to buy them. Not anymore. I'm now wearing my 7th and last pair of Sundowners I will ever own. I could wear an Italian pair on a 20 mile day right out of the box with no break in at all and never get a hot spot. These Chinese things I'm wearing have at least 400 miles on them and they still give me blisters every time I wear them unless I use Johnson & Johnson Tough Pads. The bottom line is that you can't break in a bad boot. I'm about ready to toss them. Redwing, shame on you.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

By: Patrick February 1, 2010

The question is did they move the manufacturing to china in order to keep the cost of construction down, or to simply increase their profit margins? If it's the latter, then shame on Red Wing for doing that. I would venture to guess it's a combination of the 2 reasons for the move to china.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

By: Lawrence Smith January 27, 2010

Couldn' beleive the previous commentators said exactly what I found out. Bought a pair back in the 90's and they lasted me 5-6 years!!, with heavy use including masonry construction, hiking the adirondacks with heavy pack, central N.Y. winters. The Chinese version is Inferior!! Get them made back in Italy!! At once!! They also make good wine, pasta, paintings etc........

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

By: jo Wyckmans January 16, 2010

Hi Would really pay 50,00$ more if made in italy. Pity they all move to cheaper labor, higher margins and less quality!

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

By: Stephen M. Bennett December 23, 2009

I wouldn't say they sold out. Some decisions are simply just economics. Are you going to spend $50 more for these boots if they're not made in China? I doubt it and doubt others actually would either (even though some will claim they will).

Helpful Votes: 5 Yes