User Review: Vasque Sundowner

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

Reviewed September 26, 1998 by Mike

Rating:
Materials: leather/welded sole
Use: Heavy trail, backcountry field work
Break-in Period: none on old style
Weight: unknown
Price Paid: ~$170

I bought my old style sundowners (the ones without the crybaby ankle collar) in 1990 and wore them till they were falling apart in 1997. These boots probably had over a thousand trail miles on them. Additionally, I used them for field work in some of the toughest terrain around while working on my master's in the Buffalo National River. Those boots were just torn up from all of the chert off the trail, but the NEVER LEAKED A DROP despite many stream and river crossings and repeated storm events.

When I realized that I would have to replace them finally I went straight to the outdoor shop and grabbed a pair of NEW Sundowners. I wore them that night. Guess what? I found I could not wear my beloved Sundowners anymore. When they added the ankle yoke they moved the position of the grommets and they dug into my foot terribly. After wearing them that one night I could hardly walk with shoes for 2 days. I took them back and bought some Garmont boots. Several other people I know also experienced the same problem when trying on the new style sundowners. Too Bad for Vasque. Why did they have to go and change a perfect boot. Maybe they will get a clue: If it ain't broke don't fix it.