User Review: Vasque MX2

I've owned both the Sundowner Classic and MX2 on many hikes along the Appalachian Trail in Georgia and in North Carolina. I totally wore-out my Sundowners and noticed a very poor fitting sundowner now made in China. I had really wished Vasque didn't switch to making the Sundowner Classics in China, the last is definitely not the same because the heel area is much wider than the last or mold when it was made in Italy. I also liked the low profile of the sundowners you could romp around the city and getaway with them with a pair of Kakis even going out to restaurants.

The MX2's are heavier than the orginal Sundowner's too, an REI employee was weighing the two boots and noticed a difference of 6 ounces. I noticed this on my last hike when my knees were beginning to hurt from the added weight of the boots. I felt like I had concrete blocks on my feet. No doubt the MX2 offers greater support than the classic sundowner, but still gets a low rating on its clunky lug sole appearance and it overall heavier weight. Perhaps they could shave a little off the sole without sacrificing the integrity of the boot.

I'm at least happy that they are using one-piece leather construction. My old Sundowners had a lot of character as they got scuffed up, they were way cool. I can only hope that Vasque comes back to their senses and creates the Sundowners the "Classic way." One last comment, I did contact several people at Vasque in the past, but I think they are sitting on their hands since nothing has changed for the better in the last year.