User Review: Vasque Clarion GTX

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

Reviewed January 29, 2000 by Lee

Rating:
Materials: nubuck, split grain, cordura, gore-tex
Use: trail with medium-weight pack
Break-in Period: 20 miles
Weight: 2lb 12oz
Price Paid: $159 US

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). Traction was quite good, i especially like the 'rocker' shape of the soles. Unfortunately i took them rock scrambling once, and it took off chunks of the lugs and scraped the top of the toe area up a lot. The fit is for medium to large volume feet. I have narrow heels, and i felt the heel area to be too loose and the forefoot area to be too tight. (the latter problem disappeared after breaking in, however). The laces don't stay tied very well. The midsole is becoming rather flexible, so this isn't a serious off-trail boot. Finally, after wearing them every few days for the past year, the uppers are beginning to lose support and sag.

Final conclusion: If you have mid to high volume feet and need some good rough trail waterproof/breathable boots, then get the Vasque Clarion Leather (the full leather, non-goretex version). and consider buying some new laces that stay tied.

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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