Okay, high-quality, “bargain” is within the eye of the bank card holder. But in a day and age when individuals don’t even blink forking over $250 for climbing boots, that Vasque has managed to maintain a boot nearly as good because the Breeze at about $150 is, certainly, a discount. Relatively talking.
The Sundowner is, I suppose, Vasque’s flagship boot, however 9 occasions out of ten, if I see Vasques on the path, it’s the Breeze. They’ve made the boot for twenty years and it’s straightforward to see the enchantment. Comfy, burly sufficient for severe hikes and backpacking, however flexy and forgiving sufficient to put on as a each day shoe. Nothing flashy. Dependable. Pretty effectively made. I like that.
The Breeze is called that, has at all times been named that, due to its breathable uppers. It’s a polyester mesh, made with between 75 and 100% p.c recycled materials, relying on the actual space of the uppers you’re taking a look at. The sneakers are additionally waterproofed, not with Gore-Tex this time, however with VasqueDry, their new proprietary membrane, made with 25% recycled stuff. Is it actually that totally different than, say Danner Dry, or Gore-Tex, or another waterproof membrane? No concept. But does it work? Yes.
I’ve had a number of pairs of Breezes over a few years and I’ve by no means had a water-resistant model. They’ve at all times been my scorching climate boot. But I’m joyful to report this new 2022 mannequin with VasqueDry feels, so far as I can inform, precisely the identical because the non-waterproofed earlier editions I’ve had.
I put them via their paces in highly regarded NorCal climate this summer time, adopted by long-distance climbing and scrambling up within the excessive Sierra for dozens of miles. First factor I observed when scrambling round on dicey-ish tallus and slick granite was the sneakers grip rather well. Vasque makes use of its personal soles with distinctive four-leaf clover sample lugs and I’ve had blended luck with a few of their path runners and lesser boots by way of grip. Not these. I used to be tremendous assured even in snow.
Both the footbed and the midsole are EVA foam and they’re good, pliant, supple, and fairly dang comfy. No actual break in interval wanted right here at the very least in my case. I simply put them on model new and began climbing. This is commonplace for these sorts of mid-range boots, however nonetheless, you by no means know till you get these puppies out on the path.
I just like the nubuck panels on the uppers, they shrug off sharp boulders and depraved, thorny brush with out including an excessive amount of weight. The boots clock in (in line with Vasque) at about 2.5 kilos, however they felt lighter than that to me. I’d guess as a result of they’re merely comfy to hike in.
Always, with any product, there’s a nit to select someplace. And I normally discover one thing to gripe about, however I can’t consider something that has bugged me about these boots. Maybe they may provide them in additional colours?
My solely downside is I have already got specialised climbing boots for almost any potential terrain, so a jack of all trades just like the Breeze can get misplaced in my gear closet. But when you’re not a gear nerd like me, this might simply be the one climbing boot you personal and make you fairly joyful.