User Review: Vasque Sundowner

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

Reviewed December 4, 1997 by John "Tradja" Drollette

Rating:
Materials: leather
Use: general backpacking
Break-in Period: none (for me)
Weight: 52 oz/pair on a scale
Price Paid: $165

Well, they happen to fit me right on. I blew out my first pair after about 600 miles on my AT thru-hike last year, and I did a week of 20+ mile days with the replacements "right out of the box." There has to be a good match between your idiosyncratic foot and a boot for this, and I was lucky.

Despite the hype, I like 'em. I have found the design to be the among the most versatile around, and they offer a lot of support for their weight.

The Skywalk sole isn't as grippy as Contragrip, nor as durable or grippy as Vibram. The only minus is the limited life, as compared to other premium boots, and the midsole cushioning is severely lacking.

Like any boot, it is a good boot if it FITS. Just 'cause the magazines and armchair adventurers like them, doesn't mean they'll work for you if they don't fit.