User Review: Vasque Clarion GTX

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

Reviewed April 30, 2007 by Thomas Beach

Rating:
Price Paid: $135

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.

They had a harsh, extensive break-in period, a poor fit and leaked water at the upper and sole joints within six months of purchase! The combo of using the Cordura inserts with the nubuck leather is a huge blunder in design. This material not only fails to hold its original shape but also causes uneven stress on certain areas of the boot which contributes to its poor fit, uneven wear and general discomfort.

Additionally, the ankle collar on these boots is downright pathetic. I never had so much trail debris enter my boots as with this model. Sure, not a big issue if you're going to wear gaiters. But if you choose not to, you can count on every rock of every size you kick up landing within! Plus you lose the support of a good ankle collar design. I can't tell you how many times on casual power walks around the country roads I would be forced to stop and clear rocks out out these boots.

And speaking of support, this boot gets a zero rating. It took me six years of hard use to wear out my Clarion Impact II's. I replaced these dogs within the first year of ownership.

Now... to show you that I'm not just picking on Vasque, I have since purchased both a pair of the original Sundowners and have recently replaced them with the Vasque Sundowner II (the Italian made single piece upper). I can't tell you how much I enjoyed owning and wearing the Sundowner II. And yes... there is a difference in quality between an Italian-made pair of boots and a pair made in China! Again... do your feet a favor and stay away from the Clarion GTX's. Your feet will thank me later.

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Where to Buy

Buy Online We found the Clarion GTX at 4 online stores:

Store

Product Description

Price

Moosejaw 3 purchase options:	Men's Clarion GTX Wide Shoe (Spring 2007)	$140.00	Buy Now
	Men's Clarion GTX Boot (Spring 2008)	$150.00	Buy Now
	Men's Clarion GTX Shoe (Spring 2007)	$180.00	Buy Now