User Review: Vasque Men's Breeze GTX XCR

When looking for a lightweight boot for dayhiking, I couldn't decide between these and a similarly priced pair of Merrells, so I got both.

I have found these boots to be phenomenal for hiking over very hard, uneven surfaces. I've bagged Mt. Mansfield in Vermont with these (on my break-in hike!), and have logged about 100 miles with them in Utah's canyon country. The rigid plastic insole means you won't even feel rocks and really eliminates foot fatigue. The soles give phenomenal traction for complete confidence on dry slickrock, but slip a bit on wet surfaces (that's why they call it slickrock, I guess).

Comfortably snug for a wide foot, my feet didn't move at all on steep ascents or descents. The lightweight, breathable fabric remains cool even on hot days with thick socks. I had one severe ankle turn that would have knocked me out of commission with a low top, shook it off with these.

On the downside, I think the insert can actually cause more fatigue on earthen or soft trails.

Overall, I am extremely pleased with the performance of these boots on rocks and would highly recommend them.