Vasque Breeze

We bought these boots after spending several hours at various stores including REI. My wife intended to walk 200+ miles in various conditions in Spain. She reports they were very comfortable. Until it rained.

The Gore-tex socks failed in both boots and she had more than a 'wringable' amount of water standing in both boots. Note-rain gear was over the tops and the tops were dry and there were no large puddles. Just walking. The boots failed miserably keeping her feet dry.

Comfort was plus. REI took them right back but that doesn't help the manufacturer to gain knowledge about boot failure. I also walked in a Vasque boot (men's) with Gore-tex failure. Comfort yes. Wet, a big no.

These are the most uncomfortable boots I have ever owned. They are ok for a few miles on flat terrain, but so are ordinary tennis shoes. I do mostly 8-15 mile day hikes in hot, dry climates. I have worked with expert boot fitters trying to salvage these boots, but nothing seems to work. I already have orthotics, and I have tried special lacing techniques to keep my foot from sliding forward in the boot.

I have been assured repeatedly that the boots are the correct size, but I still get blackened toenails from hiking more than five miles with any sort of incline. When I conducted an informal survey of people I hike with, 80% responded that they also had trouble with bruised toes from Vasque boots.