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Description

Fabric boot performance with leather boot support.

Would you like the support of a leather boot without the extended break-in periods? The Vasque Clarion GTX hiking boot is built with a Bimodial insole for increased support in this fabric and leather boot. No longer will you have to get new boots a month in advance to break them in for a weekend in the hills. With fabric components, this boots will be ready in a couple days. Tough enough for week-long backpacking trips, the Clairon GTX also has a Gore-Tex liner to keep your feet dry, whether your excursion's in August or October.

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Vasque Clarion GTX Backpacking Boot - Men's

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Here's what others have to say...

2 5

cosmicgumby

Member since 
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've used it several times

I was looking for a winter hiking boot and initially loved these. They are sized a bit large and allow a thicker sock. After a brief break in period, I took these on a hike on dry roads in 20 degree temps, my feet were warm but not too warm. They were comfortable (though lacking in arch support - nothing a good pair of Superfeet couldn't fix). A few days later I put on a pair of microspikes and took them up in the mountains in snow (not in deep power - on an established snow covered trail) on a two hour hike. The longer I was out it seemed that my toes weren't quite as warm (despite aerobic activity). When I got back I felt inside and felt cold water around the edges of the sole and the upper. Definitely not waterproof. Bummer - I have a hard time finding size 15 boots.

2 5

win5340730

Member since 
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've used it several times

I've had these boots a little over a year now and have been very happy with them until now. I've worn them a bit but have not abused them by any means. They have a few scuffs and scrapes in the leather but otherwise look good. Now the out sole on my left boot is peeling right off at the heel and the right boot is starting to do the same. I would have thought that for $170 these things would have held up better. Seeing how the warranty is up ill probably have to take these to a boot repair shop on my own dime to fix. Don't think ill by this brand again.

1 year and out soles are coming unglued
5 5

Ryan

Member since 

Bought these my freshman year of college back in 1996. Wore them out of the store, and hiked 22 mile loop up and down Clingman's Dome in TN. Have worn them off and on as my go to hiking boot, around town footwear, and finally my work boots, when my regular Red Wing Peco's were needing a rest. Needless to say, it's 2012, and I just ordered my second pair, and I'm thinking of ordering two pair, in case Vasque does something crazy and discontinues them. I think these are the most comfortable shoes I have ever put on my feet.

Best boots i've ever owned
3 5

fir4607604

Member since 

These seem to be well built quality boots. The were reasonably comfortable on short day hikes for a week in Shenandoah. I kept hoping they would stretch out as they broke in. Unfortunatley no such luck , after a 13 mile hike (40-50 total miles), I had to give in and send them back. I must say the toe box on these boots was much wider than anything else I've tried. I would have given these boots much higher marks if I they would have fit my foot better. Backcountry's return process was easy and quick, they do a great job.

5 5

mark stengle

Member since 

My first pair is now 10 years old! They have been through a lot. 4 Boundry Water trips averaging 100 plus miles per trip with very demanding portages lugging equipment. I have also worn them training Black Labs almost daily. You wont be disappointed!

4 5

Scotty V.

Member since 

Got these about a year ago and love 'em. They're comfortable, stylish (as in there isn't a brand name plastered on the toe... hate that) and perform to my expectations. Took 'em into the Smokys for 4 nights and they (and my barefoot Merrells) made the trip extremely enjoyable. The only reason I'm giving them four stars is because I had to return my first pair because they are a little larger than most other shoes. I normally wear an 11 in Adidas, Merrell, Patagonia, etc. but these were just too large. Had to get a 10.5. Overall very happy with my first pair of Vasques!

Sweet Boots
Scotty V.

Member since 
Responded on

Whoops! Forgot to add that I sized down to a 10.5

4 5

Drew

Member since 

These boots really surprised me- They're super light! When I got the box with them in it in the mail, I thought at first that they must have forgot one of the boots. I put them on and was running all over the house like a nut ball- jumping over furniture and doing karate kicks. I really just couldn't get over how light they were.

The Skywalk soles are super grippy and the boot is very comfortable. Mine ran way big, so I took them back and got a size down. That fit perfectly. I also noticed they're a bit wider than most backpacking boots like my Scarpa SL M3's or Danner ML2's which both run on the narrow side. I like that the vasques are wider, because I like to spread out my toes when I hike.

One last thing- the boots are really handsome!They don't look it from the pictures so much, but they really are.

I subtracted one star because they create a bit of pressure on the ankle. However, not enough for me not to use them. I only bought these originally because I got a real good Black Friday deal on them. I was expecting to try them on, stick them in a box and return them. Actually, that's what I did, but it was only to get the correct size.

These are going to become my main hiking boot from now on (barring any unlikely quality control issues).

Could these boots be used with strap on...

dav4457358

Member since 
Posted on

Could these boots be used with strap on crampons? Not serious ice climbing but hiking up a mountain?

Jared McDaniel

Member since 
Best Answer Responded on

It's possible. However, since these boots don't have a 3/4 or full shank their flexibility will cause the crampons to fall off periodically. I would sugest a sumer mountaineering boot for hiking with crampons.

Brandon Murray

Member since 
Responded on

Coming from experience, the crampons do fall off occasionally, and any straps that go in the arch of the foot tend to slip as well. Still, a wonderful boot.

Unanswered Question

I like the reviews and have ordered a pair...

bri100189423

Member since 
Posted on

I like the reviews and have ordered a pair but I was interested to know if these "Sky Walker" "The Soles of Records" soles are as good as the old Vibram lug soles (100s or the 100Rs). Will they last as long and are they as effective on dirt inclines, grassy cross-country hiking etc.(not interested in rock or concrete,I work and play in the hills). Thanks

3 5

D Man

Member since 

I love my boots, very comfy but the sole will separate from the boot in the heel area before you can wear out the sole. Soles are bonded, not sewn to the boot. I don't think you could ever possibly wear out the upper.

4 5

A2thaK

Member since 

Great boot. Wore them about a week before a backpacking trip and they broke in very quickly. Hiked 5+ miles each way with 3500+ vert with no blisters at all. My feet were super comfy and dry, even after 6 creek crossings.

4 5

sk8tersmur559392

Member since 

Honestly, I just worked a 15 hr day in these boots. On my feet on the move the whole time carrying 120 lb patio stones over rough uneven ground over boards and slick mud. Towards the end of it around hr 13 my heels started to feel it, I don't expect footwear to hold up for that many hrs but maybe a softer insole would do it alleviate the pain. Thats the only qualm I have had with these boots.. SUPER aggressive traction, that sticks to the most slippery rocks. they are a little ridged boot but if you get the leather wet and hike in them for a few hrs they seem to loosen up quick. i also wear mine a little loosen around the ankle to give it room to move a bit, which I have found to make the boot much more comfortable and lighter feeling.

I would definitely recommended these boots. 5 stars.

I have received these boots as a gift and...

Ryan Garber

Member since 
Posted on

I have received these boots as a gift and at first they fit and felt great. I have taken them out 2 or 3 times only on hikes as long as 6 miles. The problem is they really start to irritate my ankle right around where the metal lacing guide is on the upper right side on my right shoe only. It's almost like there isn't anything in between the metal and my ankle so it just gets worse and worse as I hike. I thought they might break in after a while but I haven't had any luck.
Has anyone else had a similar issue with these boots? Is there something wrong with my pair or do you think these just aren't a good fit for me?

Eli Hauschild

Member since 
Responded on

Hi Ryan, I've owned these GTX's for 5 years now. I haven't had as much discomfort in this area on the ankle, but I do notice it the next day when I start hiking. It will feel slightly sore, like a small bruise, but for myself it only bothers me for about 5-10 minutes into the hike. I also notice this more when I haven't hiked in over a month. When I'm hiking more frequently, I don't notice this at all, as my skin is toughened up a bit. Also, I never wear a lightweight sock with these, always using a mid-weight backpacking sock. This may be an issue for you if you are using lightweight socks, otherwise it sounds like these may just not be the best fit for you.

sk8tersmur559392

Member since 
Responded on

try adjusting your laces.. you dont need to tie these boot super tight to get the support you need.

george king

Member since 
Responded on

sounds like my experience where the tongue folds right over that sensative spot...perhaps trying to adjust the tongue and wear it loose till it form-fits over time...good luck!

4 5

Eli Hauschild

Member since 

I've owned these for 5 years now. They have held up many miles on the trail. The soles are finally wearing short so I'll be looking at another pair this coming fall.

The Goretex liner has been excellent at keeping out water. I've used them snowshoeing, hiking, backpacking, and a couple days at work. I have not had any blisters using these,, just a few hot-spots, which is very surprising.

Your basic backpacking boot at a very reasonable price.

4 5

Whitman Morgan

Member since 

I have been completely satisfied with these boots thus far. I am an overpronate and the boots did make the outside of my leg where the uppers rubbed a little sore, but after a ten mile hike they broke in rather nicely and I have not had that problem since. They have wonderful grip, even on wet rocks. They will definitely keep you dry. I stood in a creek for about twenty seconds and never got wet. I wear a 10.5 in street shoes and ordered 10.5 and they leave a little room still, at least enough for a heavy weight wool sock to be comfortable. The leather does take scratches pretty easily, but that's not really a big concern. Great boot overall.

5 5

Dave Rohde

Member since 

Just received my Vasque Clarion GTX's @ 2days! 2 miles on them already; required @ 0.5 miles of "break-in"..in other words, ZERO B-in time! SUPER comfortable, awesome ankle support(both of mine have a total of 11 pins and 2 screws in them), and xcellent traction off the "beaten - trail"! Hope they keep these suckers in production for a long, long time to come!

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