User Review: Vasque Catalyst Mid GTX XCR

Vasque Catalyst Mid GTX XCR
Above: The current Catalyst Mid GTX XCR, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed June 4, 2007 by Alan Young

Rating: rated 3 of 5 stars
Materials: mix: Gore-tex and man made
Use: day hikes, light pack
Break-in Period: short
Weight: around 2lbs 6ozs.
Price Paid: $120 US

I bought my pair of Catalyst XCR mid-height boots from REI, for around $120. I had a pair of Vasque Velocity from REI and they have been the best lighter trail/approach shoes I've ever had. I felt the Catalyst XCR would be more heavy-duty and much the same fit and they are both but come with a couple of flaws.

My pair proved all too soon that they are NOT waterproof. Crossing a small creek on boulders in Lynn headwaters a single splash 2" of water and they leaked. The other boot proved to be the same later that month. This is poor in a new boot and immersed in a small depth of water for about 2 seconds.

The other deficiency, although ot as serious is the sole is made of Vasque's vaunted "Stealth Rubber", which is sticky on dry rock but no more so than any other rubber on wet rock. This could lead a new user into a little trouble.

The boots are comfortable for day long hikes and are holding up well with medium use but I use them with caution for muddy hikes or shallow creek crossings.

All in all, they'll last and they fit well but they are not waterproof or sticky soled on wet rock.

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