User Review: Vasque Sundowner Classic

Reviewed September 20, 2000 by Edward Ripley-Duggan

Rating: rated 4 of 5 stars
Materials: Leather
Use: Under 50 lb pack weight, not for severe terrain
Break-in Period: Variable, generally one dayhike
Weight: Slightly under 3 lb.
Price Paid: $175 currently

I noted the wide range of experiences with these boots mentioned on this page and wanted to contribute my own observations. I have owned a pair since fall '98 and have done sixty or seventy (maybe more) dayhikes (always with 20 lb. pack) and a number of multi-day hikes with a pack at about 50 lbs. Most of the hiking has been in the Catskill or Shawanagunk Mountains, under a variety of weather conditions (Catskill rock can be very slippery, more so than Adirondack surfaces as a general rule). I am now preparing to have my pair resoled, as I would say the grip is now not as "crisp" as it might be, but as I weigh 200 lbs. plus I would say the wear I have had from the soles is well within reasonable expectation given the terrain and the wearer. I have used them in winter with instep crampons, and with snowshoes.

Comments:

1. Provided leather is kept well waterproofed (I use Vasque's own preparation), it holds up well to damp conditions. I have waded up rivers and kept fairly dry feet, unless water has slopped in at the top! The Gore sock seems durable and does appear to work fine. As to problems with wet feet from sweat, I always double sock (usually Thurlo walking socks as an underlayer with wool ragg over), and if I am packing a full load I usually use a powder antiperspirant (which has been shown in US Army studies to keep chafing and blistering to a minimum). Insufficient sock layering may be the reason for some of the complaints here.

2. As mentioned, the soles do wear -- I cannot imagine a pair of boots that would not -- but are replaceable for a reasonable price (about $50 seems to be the norm -- Vasque has several firms that carry a full line of spare parts). The uppers scuff and discolor, but an occasional coat of polish helps, and I'm not wearing them to win any fashion contests!

3. The boot is advertised as light to medium weight, and I would certainly not use these in terrain where a technical boot would be more appropriate, nor with a full expedition pack (someone lighter might well be able to get away with this, for a while at least). They are not designed for this sort of wear and tear. I have generally found the ankle support very good, and the slight flexibility at the ball of the foot mentioned by one knowledgeable correspondent to be no especial problem to me (but feet are notoriously variable, and a boot that is heaven for one person feet may be unbearably uncomfortable on another). I generally wear boots inside for a few days to make sure there are no major incompatabilities before venturing outside -- that way I can return a poor fit in good conscience.

Where to Buy

Sorry, we couldn't find any online retailers selling the Vasque Sundowner Classic. You may want to check pricing and availability directly at these sites:

Retailers: Do you sell the Vasque Sundowner Classic? List your site here.

Similar Footwear

Compare
See how the Vasque Sundowner Classic stacks up against the competition: read more footwear reviews or more about Vasque.

Contribute
Have you used a Vasque Sundowner Classic or a similar product? Write a gear review.

Discuss
Still have questions? Answers? Opinions? Join the converstation in the Trailspace Forums.