
$160.00
Item qualifies for annual
REI Member Refund (typically 10%)
Imported.
Item 629096
Specification | Description |
| Style | Backpacking |
| Cut | High |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Upper | Nubuck leather/nylon |
| Lining | Gore-Tex/polyester |
| Midsole | Polyurethane |
| Support | Nylon |
| Outsole | Rubber |
| Average weight | 2 lbs. 14 oz. |
| Average weight - metric | 1.30 kilograms |
| Gender | Men's |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Reviewed by 26 customers
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Comments about Vasque Clarion Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:
I bought a pair of these to take to Africa. I'm a geologist so hiking boots are my daily wear. I spent about 3 months in East Africa in the Great Rift wearing these boots daily. The terrain was not especially rugged, and I carried a fairly small load most days, no more than 35 lbs. in my pack. The boots required no break-in period and did not blister my feet. They were fairly comfortable. They did get wet a few times, as we had some torrential floods, but most of the time I was hiking on dry soil and not rock outcrops.
The problems started when I returned and went straight to a project in the Grand Canyon. The rough rocks in the Grand Canyon immediately began wearing away the soles and in only a couple of weeks the lugs were almost gone. I have used Vibram soles in the same area without noticing this type of quick wear. Shortly after that, the rough-out leather on the toes wore completely through. In less than 4 weeks, the soles had come unglued and both toes looked like open-toed sandals. These boots are NOT durable. I own Asolo's and Montrail boots that have survived ten times more wear and tear than these boots.
These boots are not good for anything beyond casual or recreational use. I am distressed that Red Wing, in purchasing Vasque, has taken a brand of boots noted for craftsmanship and moved production to Asia, leaving any trace of craftsmanship behind in the process. I will never buy a Vasque boot again, and may think twice about buying Red Wing work boots as well.
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Comments about Vasque Clarion Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:
I am an avid backpacker and hiker. My last pair of backpacking boots, that lasted 10 years, was Vasque. But the new ones are poor quality and the fit is poor and are not breathable. The right boot has a crease when I walk that cuts into my upper foot. After wearing the boots a few hours around the house or driving my feet are damp. Its supposed to be gore-tex, but…
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Comments about Vasque Clarion Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:
The Vasque Clarion boot had been my favorite boot for the last decade, a mainstay of all my hiking and camping trips and overseas adventures. With this 2008 version, Vasque has taken a previously perfect boot and RUINED it. It is now far too stiff and heavy, like walking on a thick piece of stone with laces. Vasque - bring back the old Clarion! Everyone else, go for the Vasque Mantra XCR for now - it's not a full boot, but has the old Vasque comfort and functionality.
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Comments about Vasque Clarion Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:
I have gone through two pairs of these boots since 2004. Over the past two years I have worn out one pair which I wear everyday. For my job I hike property to evaluate the development options for the property and review construction sites. I also hike on the weekends. As for the durability of these boots I really cannot complain. Overall I would call this a great boot.
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Comments about Vasque Clarion Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:
Great fitting and good looking boot. Lasted about half the time a boot of this cost should last. Sole cracked laterally half way across the ball area of my foot allowing water in. No choice but to throw out otherwise good boots. I will not buy another pair of boots with these soles.
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Comments about Vasque Clarion Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:
I'm a stickler for boots, so when my old ones gave out, I did my homework carefully to find the right replacements. These boots broke in quickly, but have not gotten too soft. They felt just as good for a short 3 miler as they do on a 27 mile day. I'm hard on boots because I walk fast and I'm a big guy. They don't get too hot, but allow me the flexibility to wear thick socks on a cold day. If these ones ever wear out, I will definitely buy another pair.
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Comments about Vasque Clarion Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:
I have owned these boots for 3 years and they are still in great shape and feel great. The waterproofing is perfect and despite standing in water up to my ankles on stream crossings and trips without a moment of dry weather I am always dry and comfortable. The breaking process was short and with a pair of nice socks your feet are well protected from blisters. Heavy compared to some boots, but very durable. The only downside is the traction on wet surfaces. When gravel trails or rocks/logs are covered with the dew or slight rain they act like ice. Knowing this, and that the lugs on the bottom will dig into anything it can I chose my steps and never have had a problem.
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Comments about Vasque Clarion Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:
Up and down the middle palisade, Matterhorn peak, and 6 days, 50 miles through Yosemite backcountry and all I have left are Vasque Clarion boots on my feet. NOT A SINGLE BLISTER. I bought these boots many miles ago as a beginning backpacker, and I am going to wear them again this weekend. 100% satisfied.
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Comments about Vasque Clarion Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:
I am surprised to see all of the the people on here that said these were too heavy. These are designed to be sturdy and provide support when carrying a load (ie backpack). I have used these carrying a 40lb backpack and have NEVER had a problem with foot pain (that was not the case with some of the cheaper brands).
I have been in downpour rain storms walking through water in the High Sierras and never had a problem. I have also found them to be very durable. I used them for 3 summers of backpacking and then gave them to my son to use on the job. He wore them for another 7 months before retiring them. I REALLY love these boots.
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Comments about Vasque Clarion Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:
I bought my first pair of these (women's) for my very first backpacking trip 9 years ago. They were super easy to break in and made heavy packs and steep rocks a cinch. There were numerous situations where I would have twisted my ankle in shoes or shorter boots, but these gave me solid yet comfortable support and prevented injury every time.
They've kept me dry in ankle-deep water and mud, and warm in snow even after all my friends' boots failed. The only time my feet got wet was once after 15 minutes of walking through sheet rain where my pants legs channeled the water into the canvas side panels.
I'm on my second pair now - men's, since they were identical to the discontinued women's version. My reason for replacing them was that the tread on the bottom had worn pretty much flat.
When these wear out, though, I think I will look for different boots. These are a bit heavy, and the laces wear out fast, but my primary reason is that I have a wide toebox, so my big and little toes get sore after a few hours. Additionally, though this is not a functional concern, a toe guard to protect the leather from scratching would be nice.
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