How to Choose Hiking Boots

Designed for all-day comfort and optimal performance, the women's Zamberlan 996 Vioz GTX hiking boots will keep you feeling confident on backcountry backpacking trips in rugged, steep terrain.
Imported.
View all Zamberlan Women's Backpacking BootsBest Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Footwear Height | Over-the-ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Waterproof | Yes |
Type of Waterproofing | GORE-TEX Performance Comfort waterproof/breathable membrane |
Upper | Hydrobloc full-grain leather |
Midsole | Low-density polyurethane |
Outsole | Zamberlan Vibram 3D |
Can Be Resoled | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 2 lbs. 13.1 oz. |
Gender | Women's |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 11 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Women's | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 11 |
EU | 37 | 38 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 |
Foot Length (in.) | 9 | 9.3 | 9.5 | 9.7 | 9.8 | 9.9 | 10 | 10.3 | 10.5 | 10.6 |
Half sizes may appear with an "H" on the box and tag. For example, 8.5 may be listed as 8H.
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I switched to hiking boots after one too many bad experiences with regular hiking shoes and, after these, I don't think I'll ever go back to the shoes! For reference, I have flat feet and had foot bed issues with every shoe I wore. I also have weak ankles and tend to roll them often, but these boots are super sturdy and have great ankle support. I haven't rolled my ankle at all since wearing these, and any time that I might've, the boots kept me stable. I love the soles of these boots and they almost feel like they're propelling you forward, a lifesaver when you're feeling tired. I will say that these boots are heavy and you can definitely feel it when going uphill. It took me a bit to get used to since I had to lift my legs a lot higher than usual due to the thickness of the outer sole and heel. The leather is pretty stiff so it might take a bit to break in, but it's worth it. I didn't notice any pain while breaking in the boots, I just had a harder time rotating/bending my ankle. Since they're leather, these boots aren't super breathable, but I paired them with wool socks and noticed my feet would sweat, but not stay damp. Your feet will definitely feel hot though. The only thing I didn't like about these boots was the sizing. I went off of the official Zamberlan sizing chart and ordered an 8.5 (normally an 8) to give myself some extra room. The 8.5 was extremely small, my foot barely fit with socks on and I couldn't wiggle my toes. I had to return them and bought a 9.5 instead which gave me adequate room for my toes. If you have wider feet, size up or you'll get your toes pinched! This was annoying since Zamberlan actually tells you to size down! Make sure you have room to wiggle and room in the front for downhill hiking!
I found these in returns at REI and have never had such a comfortable hiking boot with superior ankle support. I have an old ankle injury and with these on I don’t recognize it. The overall foot support is perfect for me as well, I can walk for days in them!!!
Incredibly comfortable right off the bat. Warm but breathable. Can stand comfortably for hours in them. Beautifully crafted. Can't imagine a better pair of boots.