Vasque Clarion GTX
Average Rating: 
Reviewed by 30 Trailspace users
Description
The Clarion GTX is a backpacking boot made by Vasque. It has an average rating of 4 stars (out of 5), based on 30 user reviews.
Here's what other sites are saying:
From Moosejaw:
"Free Shipping. Vasque Men's Clarion GTX Wide Shoe (Spring 2007) The Men's Clarion GTX Shoe by Vasque are easy to break in and sure to be comfortable, whether you re trekking into the hills for a few days or a whole week.Features: Upper Leather: 2.4mm Waterproof Nubuck Upper Fabric: Cordura Nylon Insole: Bimodal 2 Midsole: PU Outsole: Skywalk Tri-V Lug Lining: 3-Bar Knit Nylon GORE-TEX Footbed: Dual Density EVA Weight: 3 lbs. 1 oz. (1389gm) men s 9"
From Backcountry.com:
"Would you like the support of a leather boot without the extended break-in periods? The Vasque Clarion GTX hiking boot is built with a Bimodial insole for increased support in this fabric and leather boot. No longer will you have to get new boots a month in advance to break them in for a weekend in the hills. With fabric components, this boots will be ready in a couple days. Tough enough for week-long backpacking trips, the Clairon GTX also has a Gore-Tex liner to keep your feet dry, whether your excursion's in August or October."
From REI:
"Great for hiking and backpacking in wet conditions, these midweight boots feature waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex Stormsock booties. Uppers feature nubuck leather for durability and support, plus Cordura nylon panels for reduced weight and improved ventilation. Side rubber rands enhance durability. Anatomically formed tongues and padded ankle collars cushion pressure points and help keep water and debris out of boots. Polyurethane Percussion Midsole System cushions feet and supports arches. Moisture-wicking Sportee polyester knit linings help keep feet dry and comfortable. Deep V-lug rubber outsoles offer excellent traction."
From Massey's:
"Fabric-and-leather construction and a supportive flexplate insole make this light- to mid-weight backpacker easy to break in and sure to be comfortable, whether you're trekking into the hills for a few days or a whole week. Mens Sizes: Medium 7-12,13,14,15; Wide 8-12,13 Weight: 3 lb. 1 oz. (mens 9) [1390 g] * Upper: 2.4mm Waterproof Nubuck Leather * Upper: Cordura Nylon Fabric * Insole: Bimodel Flex Plate * Midsole: Contoured PU Percussion * Plate: * Outsole: Skywalk Tri-V Lug High Carbon Rubber * Lining: 3-Bar Knit Nylon * Footbed: Variable Fit System * Other: Padded Collar"
User Reviews
Men's Clarion GTX
Reviewed by Brad Sealfon, Dec 21, 2007
"Got these boots at Campmor, because everyone I knew and their mother was using Vasque and I'd outgrown my Asolos which I loved. The Asolos were Globalines, almost light mountaineering boots, and I put them through everything and they still had killer tread left and showed almost no wear."
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Men's Clarion GTX
Reviewed by Matthew G, May 24, 2007
"I agree this is not as well constructed or as comfortable as the original Vasque boot of this type. The original of this type five years ago was one of the best boots you can buy, not anymore. I was dissapointed that it does not fit as nice and feels stiffer."
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Men's Clarion GTX
Reviewed by Thomas Beach, Apr 30, 2007
"I just had to chime in on this boot. Let me say that my first Vasque purchase, the old Clarion Impact II's were a fantastic boot! But of course, Vasque discontinued them in lieu of these boots here. What a mistake. I cannot express how disappointed I was in these boots."
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Men's Clarion GTX
Reviewed by Wil Beachy, Feb 04, 2007
"These boots are great! I wore them on a 5-day Grand Canyon rim-to-rim-to-rim hike, and did not get one blister. In our group of 8 hikers, I was one of the few with no blisters at all."
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Men's Clarion GTX
Reviewed by trailrunner, Oct 10, 2006
"For a light backpacking boot the Clarion GTX's are awesome. I have had mine for three years and taken them on numerous backpacking trips as well as long day hikes. For the shorter backpacking trips they provide plenty of support and are comfortable for the long haul (with superfeet insoles)."
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Women's Clarion GTX
Reviewed by Beverly Souaiden, Jun 02, 2006
"I love these boots, whether for hiking, yard work or trecking through the snow these are the best boots I have ever owned. I can't even remember a day that I left without them! Today, after at least eight years of wear and tear I need to retire the left boot forever."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by Cato, Oct 15, 2003
"First i got some really nice asolo's that costed me 210. Damn those where nice boots. However they were to thin for my foot so i took them back to rei.
Then i bought some sundowners. Well i got them online, i got the wides cause i have wider than normal feet."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by A-non A-muss, May 31, 2003
"Excellent boot.
Use for hiking and working on farm year round. When hiking, I'm usually carrying my son in a backpack. He's 38 lbs now and the boots seem to be giving me plenty of support.
I have wide feet and have had trouble finding a boot that fits well."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by Dave Tulles, May 12, 2003
"Dollar for dollar, I have never had a nicer boot.
I'm 6' tall weigh 200lbs wear size 10 1/2.
Mine had the original V-Lug sole. Work's great for hard packed dirt. I've owned them for eight years and had them resoled once. I've spent days with them submerged panning for gold, the Goretex never failed."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by Zack Ewell, Oct 08, 2002
"I used these boots for a one season of very light hiking and they preformed admirably. Though my heels are typically prone to blisters, I never even got a hot spot in these. However, in their second season of use, I traded the daypack for a 40-lb pack and hit VT's Long Trail."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by Dan M. Rakosnik, Jan 25, 2002
"This is my fourth pair of Vasque Clarion's GTX's. Actually I don't believe they had the GTX denotation that far back. Anyways, I have hiked hundreds of miles in these things all over the state of Arizona ranging from desert terrain (both summer and winter) to our higher mountain elevations."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by Kelly Dixon, Aug 03, 2001
"I've been wearing the Clarions for about a year and have found them very versatile and comfortable. I carry pack loads up to 40 pounds on rough trails and they provide good traction on any surface. Ankle support is great, but there could be more padding around the ankles."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by James Howard, Mar 06, 2001
"The boots made my feet the only comfortable thing on a Smokies trip when EVERYTHING else was soaked. If any salesman EVER says you don't NEED Gore-tex, hit him in the mouth!!!! I'm soooo cheap and used redwings (very sturdy and long lasting boots,for work that is, on the trail and they were comfortable but LEAKED."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by Paul Mehltretter, Jan 08, 2001
"Both my brother and sister have had Vasque Sundowner boots, so they had very good recomendations for this boot. Really, I was looking for anything cheap with GORE TEX. Here in MN, the snow and puddles are abundant, and the GORE TEX does the job."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by Lee, Jan 29, 2000
"This is my first Gore-Tex boot, and i am unimpressed. Although it keeps rainwater out, it keeps sweat in. I much prefer a well-built full-grain leather boot for waterproof/breathable footwear. That said, the Clarion GTX offers pretty good support for its weight (and for having big cordura panels on the side)."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by Tom, Nov 06, 1999
"I got these boots about four years ago, and they're still as comfortable as ever. They're a great pair of boots for the money. I can't recall ever getting blisters in them, and with the gore-tex, my feet stay fairly dry. They do a good job keeping me comfortable in a wide range of tempretures (mid-November in Montana to August in South Carolina)."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by Randy Perkins, Jul 17, 1999
"I certainly would recommend these boots. I replaced a pair of Vasque Skywalker boots with these, and I am much happier with the all leather. I have used these in the High Peaks of the Adirondack Mts. I have also used them in Vermont and New Hampshire."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by Peter Kananen, Jul 06, 1999
"Contrary to some of the other reviews, this boot is absolutely capable of backpacking. I used them for a weeklong trip in the Smokies on the Appalachian trail with a 45 pound pack with lots of elevation change and never had any trouble, discomfort or complaints."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by Andy, Jun 24, 1999
"I have backpacked in Tennessee, North Carolina, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine with these boots. They needed no break-in period. They fit my foot which is extremely wide. In all this time, they have never caused a single blister. The two times that my foot submerged in water above the boot, I found that it took a full 2 days for the inside of the boots to dry out."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by an anonymous hiker, Feb 24, 1999
"I am sick of paying two hundred dollars for boots and the toe wearing off, scraping and nicking in a matter of a month."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by an anonymous hiker, Nov 03, 1998
"Ablosutely the best boot for the money. I had a pair of La Sportiva Makulas and took them back because I wasn't satisfied. I climbed the Minerets in these last spring and they preformed flawlessly. Hiking in ice and snow are no problem. These boots kept me dry and warm in 0 degree weather. My friends call the Clarion GTX the "shitkickers" because nothing can stop them."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by an anonymous hiker, Jun 04, 1998
"I purchased these boots to replace my first pair of Vasques which I had for 7 years. I broke them in on some trails around home but their first big test was the Minong Ridge Trail on Isle Royale. The ankle support was great on this difficult trail and after logging 50 miles in 9 days I had not a blister! I probably should have had a heavier boot for this trip but the Clarions did the job."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by J.B.H., Jan 12, 1998
"I got these boots on sale for 100 and have been very plaeased with their performence. A little hot in the summer due to the GTX.
I logged 32 miles in Grand Canyon Nation Park in a remote area of the canyon on a trail not even wildlife would dare to use. The tread held great, and the rubber toe cap is a big help. I would highly recommend these boots to anyone."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by Ron Donahue, Jan 02, 1998
"Both my wife and I have these boots. My wife for 3 years, mine 1. 5 years. I replaced a pair of Danner goretex. This is an excellent boot. Very comfortable. I used them hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park this summer and they performed extremely well."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by an anonymous hiker, Oct 17, 1997
"First off, these are great day hikers. They are light weight, supportive, flexible, and extremely comfortable. I love them for wearing around campus, and day hikes on all sorts of terrain. That said, these are *not* backpacking boots! They are only slightly more than a glorified solid sneaker."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by an anonymous hiker, Sep 05, 1997
"Reviewed 9/97.
I got these to replace a 15 yr. old pair of Danner boots that had a Gore-Tex liner that always kept me dry. Gore-Tex was a must for me.
I got the all-leather version of this boot, which looks better after the leather has been treated and smoothes out."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by Brian Black, Jun 24, 1997
"My wife had a pair of Vasque and got to spend the money on these and that is why i married her. . . These boots make my feet feel good. No matter how far or long I hike. The sole is rugged I have hiked through the rockies and montana. The boot is incredibly waterproof."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by Dan Cartlidge, May 31, 1997
"After wearing out several pairs of Merrill Eagles (which, sadly, are no longer made), I decided to purchase a REAL hiking boot. . . . Gortex and all. After reading some reviews and shopping around at my local outfitter, I decided to go with Vasque, due to their strong reputation for fit and durability."
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Clarion GTX
Reviewed by ssmalhee@..., Feb 16, 1997
"This is the first "real" boot I have owned and I am very pleased with it. I have the men's boot because I have a very wide foot and it fits perfectly. They are very sturdy and rugged. I have mainly been using it as a winter boot and it has good traction in snow and keeps my feet warm and dry."
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Where to Buy
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