User Review: Vasque Apex

Purchased first pair from Campmor 2-97 and wore around house for about 4 months to break in. The shoes were very uncomfortable at first but appeared to fit properly. I noticed just before a trip to Colorado in July that the lining had worn through on the inside of one of the boots. I wore it anyway for about 30 miles of day hiking in the mountains and these shoes ate my feet. Worst blisters I've ever had. Being a slow learner, I patched the worn area with a square of nylon and wore the boots on a two week backpacking trip to Wyoming. The other boot's lining wore through during the trip and they ate my feet again.

I must admit that these boots are very durable and they provide good support and traction. After returning from Wyoming I got in touch with Campmor and they exchanged this pair with the worn liners for new ones. Campmor was very good about this and even refunded the shipping cost. The new pair is much more comfortable and the liner is still intact after several months of light use.

I can't remember all of the construction details of the liner of the first pair, but I think the liner is constructed differently in this second pair. I have made a real effort to avoid using cotton socks during the break in period and have been checking daily for any balling of the liner and everything looks OK so far. I think that these boots will always require thick socks and tight lacing. Moleskin across the heel is probably a good idea for any uphill with a heavy load. I don't trust these boots yet, but I'm not ready to give up. Some of these problems might be common to any type of rigid footwear.