Van Gorkom Custom Hiking Boots
Average Rating: 
Reviewed by 9 Trailspace users
Description
The Custom Hiking Boots is a backpacking boot made by Van Gorkom. It has an average rating of 5 stars (out of 5), based on 9 user reviews.
Manufacturer's Description:
World-class hiking boots custom made to your feet by Charles Van Gorkom, bootmaker since 1976. They come in two popular heights: 15 cm up the leg from the base of your heel, and 18 cm up the leg from the base of your heel.
The upper is all one piece of 7-8 oz. logger chrome and oil tanned leather (unless a lighter leather is required for lighter use—often the case.) Boot is lined with 3-4 oz calf. The mid-soles and soles are waterproofed, glued, and brass rivited.
The hiker/vibram sole is designed to be replaced when worn out. Each boot has a steel shank, extending from the centre of the heel to just behind the ball of the foot. The orthotic insole is sculpted from different densities of foam, leather covered, hand-sewn, the tongue is leather padded bellows.
User Reviews
Men's Custom Hiking Boots
Reviewed by Brian Gallup, Jan 08, 2008
"First trip was six days in the bush in Limpopo Province, South Africa. I wish that I had bought Van Gorkom boots years ago.
Charles uses the best material available, builds them in the best way possible and makes them fit your whole foot perfectly. Also his service is A-1. It doesn't get any better."
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Men's Custom Hiking Boots
Reviewed by Les Tindall, Nov 06, 2007
"I got these boots in '96 whilst in Canada, my home country. Went to England and hiked the Lake District wearing them. Coming to the U. S. alas they resided in the closet for some time. Wonders never cease. I was sitting in a doctor's office recently and picked up a Vogue magazine to read whilst my wife was with the doctor."
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Men's Custom Hiking Boots
Reviewed by Marvin Roberson, May 12, 2007
"Mr. Van Gorkom makes a spectacular boot. Fit is to your feet, custom made, and when broken in, the boots are as comfortable as bedroom slippers. They are heavy boots, but they are not made for a stroll to get a latte', they are designed to be used on rough trails with a large pack, and provide exceptional support when used like this."
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Men's Custom Hiking Boots
Reviewed by Keith Ferguson, Aug 24, 2005
"I have never felt so compelled to endorse a product as Van Gorkom boots. Last March I decided to book a sheep hunt in the Mackenzie Mountains and started the search for a new pair of appropriate boots. Research led me to Charlie Van Gorkom. After a couple of pleasant phone conversations it was an easy decision based on his confidence and commitment to properly fit my flat narrow feet."
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Custom Hiking Boots
Reviewed by Zimmermann Juerg, Mar 09, 2005
"I bought a pair of 18 cm boots and a pair of 15 cm boots some 16 years ago directly in Smithers from Charles van Gorkom. I have "problem-feet" and nevertheless spend most of my free time outdoors, on top of mountains, in the Arctic.
Van Gorkom boots are the most comfortable footwear I have ever owned."
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Women's Custom Hiking Boots
Reviewed by Sandra Roman, Feb 20, 2005
"These are absolutely amazing boots! I have spent a fortune trying every type of boot made over the years and have had so many problems with all of the off-the-shelf ones, from bunion problems, to sore feet, to heel and ankle problems, as well as heel problems."
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Men's Custom Hiking Boots
Reviewed by Erik Landahl, Oct 21, 2004
"Van Gorkom hiking boots are a miracle. After five days of breaking in by wearing them everywhere, I took them for their maiden hike. I carried 36 pounds up a 4-mile 3000 foot vertical gain. Uphill no pain, total comfort. And downhill–no pain, total comfort."
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Men's Custom Hiking Boots
Reviewed by Russell Liesch, Jul 29, 2004
"I sent the e-mail I've copied below to Charlie Van Gorkom a couple days ago following a recent hike on the Mt. Whitney trail. Up to that hike I had been wearing Danner boots, pretty expensive, pretty light, and pretty hard on my feet. I'd always lose toenails and develop blisters galore."
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Women's Custom Hiking Boots
Reviewed by Diana Bratlien, Jul 22, 2004
"I have been hiking for nine years on various backcountry terrains and always have had difficulty with fit and comfort. Even if I break in a pair of boots I have left every trip with bloody, blister covered feet. I know. . . a pleasant thought. ;-)
I have narrow heels, an average toe box, flat feet (which I use orthodics for), and I have broken my toes several times, and sprained my ankles more times than I can count."
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