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What do you think of the
Vasque Sundowner GTX Backpacking Boot - Men's
? Share a...
Vasque Sundowner GTX Backpacking Boot
Backcountry Video
Member since
Once great, now garbage.
chrp116275
Member since
I just replaced my older (~8 yrs, resoled once) Sundowners, and I can already tell the new version will not hold a candle to the old. My older Sundowners were from the days when Vasque was still manufacturing in Italy and using vibram soles. These are now made in China and it shows, and they've dropped the brand name soles. The size is off, even though I bought the same 10.5 - there's a wierd combination of fit by length but too much room in the toebox, and there's significant slip in the heels that I can't fix with different lacing styles. As much as I hate to say it, if you got used to the old school, you will be disappointed by the new.
SUNDOWNERS
FORESTFIRE
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
TOUGH BOOT. VERY FLEXIBLE AT THE TOES & NOT GOOD IF YOU HAVE ANY TOE ISSUES AS IT PUTS TO MUCH WEIGHT ON YOUR PAWS. SEEMS DURABLE AND VERY WATER PROOF. $150 BUCKS... PROBABLY LAST IF YOU DONT HAVE THE ABOVE PROBLEM. BOOT SEEMS READY TO GO FOR THE SOLID FOOT.
Hell of a boot
Ben Givens
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
I got these boots for Christmas when I was in 9th grade. I am now 24 years old and still wear the hell outta these boots! Although the sole is very warn (to be expected after 8+ years of use) the leather is still in great condition and the sole still provides reasonable support! I've had 2 other pair of $200 range backpacking boots that have fallen apart in much less time. Most comfortable boots I've warn and like other reviews say.... GIVE THEM TIME to break in! Any full leather high end boot is going to be stiff straight outta the box. Break them in and you'll have yourself an incredible boot for years to come. (One disclaimer.... I bought these when they were made in Italy, and I'm pretty sure they are now made in China. So if they fail to hold up to the abuse I described.... Blame China!)
Classic
John Pruitt
Member since
I have had 4 pairs of these boots over the last 20 years. I have loved every generation. It's a full on leather hiking boot. So not for the fast and light crew. but if you need something sturdy and long lasting...this can't be beat. Water proof and breathable (for a leather boot.) I review and test gear fro Gore as part of a program called Mountain techs
There is no selection for width..do they...
adam
Member since
There is no selection for width..do they all come in standard/medium?
Super Boot
shai simonson
Member since
Had these for ten years! Over 3000 miles of hikes in the NH Whites, the Alps, 8 National Parks in the west, including famous hikes like Rainier, Half Dome, and many smaller excursions. They are still going strong -- if you ignore some duct tape I had to add to the back of the top entry.
Sundowner downer
scooter
Member since
Made in China=junk
When they where made in Italy they where best hiking boots ever made!!!!
Chris V
Member since
So right. If I had only known, I would have kept my italian made ones and just resoled them forever. Since production shifted to China, they just aren't the same. Fit, durability and comfort have been sacrificed Here's the worse news: I gave up on the crappy chinese made sundowners 4-5 years ago and went with a nice pair of Asolo's. And while the Asolo's are really nice, they still aren't sundowners. The asolo's are too hot and heavy, whereas a broken in pair of sundowners is like wearing a sock.
So now I'm about to go back to the chinese made sundowners. Clearly inferior to the Italian made ones many of us remember so fondly, but still a better all around boot than just about anything out there. So until I get a pair of Limmers made for me someday, I'm going back to the sundowners.
At Arches NP
William Blake
Member since
long term use
rok5415090
Member since
I've had my current sundowners for 9 years. Ive resoled them once and to be bluntly honest. I haven't taken care of the leather at all. After thousands of miles on trails and pavement they are still great boots. I wore out the original insole several years ago and have been using superfeet ever since. I've recently started working with search and rescue and have finally decided to buy a new pair. They aren't as water proof as they used to be and the leather uppers are cracking and stretched out a bit much for hardcore hiking in the northwest. But considering I got 9 solid years out of them I couldn't be happier. I highly recommend these or any other full leather boot from a reputable company. They will give you your moneys worth time and again
Review flagged as posted by someone who didn't buy the boot.. Click here to view.
How does this sole on this compare to that...
nic3555037
Member since
How does this sole on this compare to that of a boot with a Vibram sole? Would I be able to notice a difference in terms of stiffness, grip, durability?
Dave Marcus
Member since
Stiffness, grip, and durability vary as much between different Vibram soles as they do between Vibram and other brands. The Sundowner has a long reputation. It will treat you well and can be resoled, just like a Vibram, if you need.
Michael
Member since
My 2003 Sundowners Have had many miles on rocky trails in New Mexico and Arizona. I won't go up a canyon with anything else. They grip well and give support. These soles grab the rocks and bridge sharp points.
Lots of remarks about China made. Mine are China and I remember them being a long break in but I grew to love them. They were my first pair of leather hiking boots and I am considering getting another pair now to start breaking in rather than resoling. The 9 years of rocky hikes has worn the leather on the toes so rather than resole $60 I'll start wearing a new pair around town untill they loosen up. The ankle bones are the hardest part to breakin.
You're currently offering two types of...
Atsargiai
Member since
You're currently offering two types of Sundown GTX, but for a different price , are they are identical?
jason spellman
Member since
they may be overstock. currently they are all offered at the same price, but you might want to contact customer service to make sure. usually, the people that answer these threads and the people that have access to inventory information are not one in the same. 1-800-409-4502 or open a chat now window....
Are these boots scuff resistant?
Frederick Moore
Member since
Are these boots scuff resistant?
Jesse Mathey
Member since
They are leather and so will scuff.
ok, not great
Zach
Member since
I feel the Vasque Sundowner's are heavy and not as comfortable as Asolo or Zamberlan.
sundowner
mike
Member since
My Sundowners are 12 years and approximately three thousand miles old and have been re-soled twice. I have tried to get new, modern boots made from the lightweight synthetic materials but they don't stretch-to-fit like leather and won't accommodate my wide foot.
Twenty years and counting!
Tom LaLanne
Member since
I've had my Sundowners for 20 years, and though they're looking a little rough now, they're still the great boots they've always been. Still comfortable, still with excellent tread, still dry, and still my favorite. Vasque and others have moved on with all sorts of hi-tech boots and shoes, but the fact that Sundowners are still big sellers testifies to the great value of these boots. Thumbs up after all these years.
Italian boot best
George Johnson
Member since
I bought a pair of the Italian made Sundowners about 15 years ago. Hiked all over Europe and the US and they still look and feel great. Finally had them rebuilt by a place in San Francisco recommended by REI. Felt and looked brand new when I got them back. They fit perfectly from the first day and never needed breaking in. This is the best pair of shoes I ever had. My feet are of particular concern as I am diabetic and have to be very careful with my feet. Would buy another pair or two if Vasque moved production back to Italy. Too bad people won't pay for quality anymore. Paid well over $200 then and now the they are under $200. I understand the price part of making them in China but not the quality part. Come on, Vasque, do the right thing and move production back to Italy.
bry3102761
Member since
I have a pair of 8 year old Sundowners and the sole is starting to delaminate on both boots. They fit like a glove and I want to get them resoled properly so I can enjoy them for many more years to come. I live in San Francisco, and I was wondering where exactly you got the work done on your boots?
Is this boot a b0, b1, or b2?
Jesse Mathey
Member since
Is this boot a b0, b1, or b2?
Great Classic
Rick S
Member since
I originally I purchased a pair of Mtn Lights and they just didn't fit to suit me. I like the classic look of these and after a friend recommended them I thought I would give them a try. After a couple of day hikes, a strenuous caving trip, and lots of rainy day wear I can see why my friend and his wife only wear Sundowners. The break in was nonexistent and even after the caving trip it only took a little clean up and some polish to get them looking presentable enough for work on rainy days.
View all contributions... Be patient, it might take a while.

Michael S.
Member since