Update: January 1, 2011. For new year's I took my Vasque Breeze hiking boots with gortex for a cold wet, muddy hike. They were amazing; and now I declare Vaque my hiking boot for life. I can't imagine a better boot to keep me dry in all weather conditions, with a great sturdy fit, and traction for rough terrain. Wet, mud up ahead! No problem. At least not for me. Vasque with gortex. Way to go. Just make sure you get the right size.
In search of the most useful traveling gear, and in need of new hiking boots, I chose Vasque's Breeze Hiking Boot with Gor-Tex.
I'd just returned from the rain forests of Kauai and I have a love affair with wet British Columbia, hence for usefulness, I chose gor-tex, a waterproof and breathable material.
And this is how my first hike in Vasque boots went:
Because I occasionally get blisters hiking, I listened to my REI salesman, who suggested I buy Coolmax Liner socks to put underneath my thicker hiking socks so there's no rub. And on top of my liner socks, I put Goodhew merino wool socks. Goodhew comes in thin and thick varieties. Yesterday, I chose thin.
I laced up my new hiking boots, making sure the tongue was in place (if it's off you can have more discomfort), and said a little prayer.
Please new hiking boots, give me a six mile hike with no pain.
Frequently, the first day is a break-in period.
But I'd read online that others' Vasque boots were comfy day one.
Let's go!
The fog rolled in, as I hiked up the Santa Monica Mountains.
The boots were heavier than I'm used to but that's because I went for high-tops, and super-sturdy with substantial tread. I wanted a versatile boot for all my travels not just Southern California's manicured trails.
At the REI salesman's suggestion, I chose a boot one size bigger than I normally do to make room for thick socks and my ankles. In the past high-tops rubbed my ankles so I wanted to be safe not sorry. I did feel the larger size was a bit too roomy, and next time I'll be sure to wear thicker socks rain or shine, cold or hot weather.
Walking up the mountain, I was aware of the fact I was wearing heavier than normal boots. I kept waiting to see if they'd hurt. It was day one, after all.
They did not hurt. I trekked up with no pain. Walked down, no pain.
By night fall at home, the bottoms of my feet felt tired. I don't know if that's because I walked 6 miles, the bottom of the hiking boots weren't "soft" enough (I don't know if that's a hiking boot term), or I'm getting older and need orthotics like many of my friends.
Overall, I found the Vasque Breeze hiking boot to be comfortable and they did the job of getting me up and down the mountain blister free.
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