Zamberlan

Baltoro Lite GTX Backpacking Boot - Men's

Updated - 3 overall, still pretty great

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

10.5

Height:

5' 10"

Weight:

140

Updating after a full 16 months or so of heavy use - I think I logged close to 300 miles in these things. The folding issue I mentioned below stopped after about a year, but the sides are now folding and I'm starting to get blisters on the balls of my feet, and even just got some on the side after completing Wilson Peak, Mt. Wilson, and El Diente in the San Juans of Colorado, which has never happened before. I think they've just worn out - they're much lighter and thinner than my Vioz GTXs, which is a good thing, but at the same time, I think that impacts their durability. These boots are still amazing and very comfortable - and they would probably last longer for someone doing more casual hikes. I have used them almost exclusively on very rugged 14ers (I think I've done about 20-25 of them in this pair alone, plus 50 miles in Glacier in July 2021). So I think I'm gonna go back to the Vioz GTXs and just buy a new pair. Those are such heavy things but I never once got a blister in them so I trust them more. **** I love Zamberlan boots and wanted desperately to give this 5 stars, but I'm experiencing some issues with this pair. First, the pros: The vibram sole is super grippy and seems to be much more durable than the type found on my previous pair, the Zamberlan Vioz GTX's The ankle and arch support is phenomenal. Every time I've come close to rolling an ankle, the boot's structure seems to keep things in check. The bottoms of my feet feel great even after 10+ mile slogs. They are much lighter than the Vioz's and the craftsmanship feels superb. You can cruise through scree, sharp rocks, boulder fields, anything a 14er might throw at you, and trust you'll be fine. Alas the cons: Going uphill, they feel perfect. But going downhill, the boot must fold in such a way that it makes contact with the top of my foot an inch or two below the base knuckle of my big toe - and it hurts quite a bit. Zamberlan boots don't typically require a break-in period, and I've worn these on at least 4 hikes, and probably 40-50 miles, and it's still happening. I worry it's going to be a permanent thing. I wear thick Darn Tough socks (the best out there) for hiking, and still seem to be experiencing discomfort. I'm going to keep at it with these boots and hope the downhill issue goes away, but if not, it could mean going for a different pair much sooner than expected, which would be a real shame as these are pricey.