Zamberlan 310 Skill GT Hiking Boots - Men's

Comments about Zamberlan 310 Skill GT Hiking Boots - Men's:

These are GREAT boots. The leather is very high quality (takes a while to break in, but supple and tough), the construction is great, and they function extremely well. These are made from a single piece of leather save a small strip on the heel, which in my opinion is the best, albeit expensive, way to make a hiking boot. The soles seem to be holding up well; I have been hiking in them for about 5 months and doing anywhere from 12-15 miles a week. Since there isn't any stitching except down the back of the heel, I can't see any problems with the uppers. The shank running through the sole is very light and does a great job preventing twisting and excessive flexing. The liners are very soft, durable and dry quickly (the boots don't leak, but I have gotten water over the tops several times). The lining is, simply put, the highest quality I've seen in any boot and even though it is very soft, hasn't shown any wear or tear. The soles provide great traction and, in my opinion, better traction than the average Vibram soles on wet or slick surfaces.

Comments about Zamberlan 310 Skill GT Hiking Boots - Men's:

I really like trail shoes better than boots.

However on some trails I hike it is so rocky that the less stiff trail shoe sole results in the soles of my feet feeling really hot after a long day.

I used to wear the old heavy hiking boots similar in style to this back in the day and they almost always slowed me down and gave me blisters. But they DID have good soles for rocky terrain.

Looking at these and reading the reviews I gave them a try.

I got half size bigger but my main concern after putting them on was I could feel the outside of my big toe rubbing the inside of the shoe. I was really worried about this.

As they broke in the toe rubbing got better and no blisters. The soles are stiff on these so no hot feet after balancing on rock fields for hours.
Also these are WAY lighter than the old boots they are styled after.

I think these are worth the money but if your toes are really wide be careful, although with break in they work for me.

Comments about Zamberlan 310 Skill GT Hiking Boots - Men's:

Very happy with purchase. 1st pair of boots from Zamberlan. Have been a La Sportiva junkie till now. These boots fill a need La Sportiva can't with all the silly eco-version boots they're making. Not sure what direction they're headed... Just glad to discover another Italian mfg that produces a simple, robust boot for an everyday hiker. Break-in has been as expected for such thick leather. I always wear 2pr of socks. One liner/1 cushion + Superfeet. Great sole and shank stiffness is just right. Italian boots (last) seem to be tailor made for my foot. Before settling on these I returned a pair of La Sportiva Karakorams (NOT waterproof) and Merrell Perimeters (too light). These are just about perfect for me and I'll look to Zamberlan the next time I need shoes.

Comments about Zamberlan 310 Skill GT Hiking Boots - Men's:

So far, these have been great boots. Very comfortable, plush even. Previous to these, I had a pair of Scarpa boots for almost 15 years and I don't know how many miles. These are the same level of quality as the scarpas, and far more comfortable. They feel like a glove when you put them on.

I have relatively wide feet, and ordered the american 12 (eu 47) - I usually wear a 12, and these fit great, with plenty of room in the toe box, yet still felt snug on the heel.

Fantastic construction and comfort - highly recommend.

Comments about Zamberlan 310 Skill GT Hiking Boots - Men's:

I am currently hiking the Pacific Crest Trail and have used these boots for over 1000 miles. They are pretty worn out now, but I will probably be getting another pair to finish the hike with. They are a little bit heavier than what most people use on the trail, but I like the ankle support and traction of the boots better than the that of a lighter pair of hiking boots. I used these boots through the desert and the high Sierras and they worked great.

Comments about Zamberlan 310 Skill GT Hiking Boots - Men's:

For years I've been unsuccessful finding a replacement for my 30-year-old perfect-fit 11B Danners (re-soled ?times). My feet have low volume ankle/heel area, some long toes. Zamaberlan seems my last hope (Asolo didn't fit). A size 11 Z'Vioz at my local MSP REI was a 'good' fit, but they don't stock the Skill 310GT (I prefer its mid-height). So I visited the 'big' MSP REI, which stocks the Z'Skill, Z'Vioz, Z'Trekker and Z'Tundra. Thinking I was saving the 'best fit' for last, the size 11 Vioz/Trekker/Tundra had same/similar heel and length fit ..though rather different volume 'feel' (and the Trekker has a peculiar camber/rocker toes-up stance). So in the Skill-GT (a Vioz-sibling?) size 11(45.5), I was shocked to find my big toes too-tight against the toe box! [11.5 has too much 'rear' volume.] Luckily, I thought to try the only other Skill-GT size 11 in-stock. It was a completely different/better length-fit! So does Zamberlan 'hand-crafted' also mean considerable "manufacturing variation"? If so, and you've a difficult-to-fit foot, I suggest trying on several of the same size! Since I seem to be Zamerlan size 11 long (but size 10? heel), I'm keeping the perhaps-good-enough '11' Skill-GT unblemished at home, [...]

Comments about Zamberlan 310 Skill GT Hiking Boots - Men's:

Just resuming hiking after foot injury/surgery. I needed a very firm boot with good arch and ankle support. Got the Zamberlan based on a friend's experience and the good reviews. I did replace the insoles with green Superfeet. After almost no break-in, I wore them on an 8 mile, 2200-ft hike in the rain. The path was rocky, muddy, and covered with wet leaves and this boot took it all in stride (to make a pun). I was afraid due to the full-grain one-piece upper that they would be hot, but they were 'just right', nice and dry and comfortably warm in the cold and wet. Only one minor slip on the whole route, they stuck like glue in very challenging traction. Shed water and mud so that they required very little cleaning after I got home. Great arch support and solid ankle support, and NO BLISTERS or barely even hot spots. Plenty of room for my toes, they kept my feet steady even on steep downhill sections. This is just based on one hike, but I'd have to say these are the best 'out of the box' boots I've ever had.

Comments about Zamberlan 310 Skill GT Hiking Boots - Men's:

I had been looking for some new hiking boots because my current boots were slightly large and my feet slopped around a bit. In addition, the soles felt very hard (little cushion), and they always gave me blisters on my heels. I assumed the main cause of the heel blisters was the fit - too much rubbing on the heels, especially going uphill. I spent a good amount of time researching on REI and other sites and was pretty optimistic that Zamberlans would be the way to go. The first on my list was the Trekkers. They were nicely crafted, but felt pretty stiff and the fit just wasn't right. I then tried the Vioz GT. These were extremely comfortable and I loved everything about them...except, there was just a bit of looseness in the heel, so I held off buying them because of the nagging voice in the back of my head whispering "heel blisters". I came back another day and decided to try the Skill GT. They have a slightly lower ankle height, and slightly less aggressive sole, but the heel fit was perfect. There was no heel lift whatsoever, great all around padding (the best I've ever felt in a boot), as well as just the right amount of cushioning in the sole. They aren't in the 'light hiker' category, but they aren't anything like the old heavy leather hikers of the past. These were the boots for me. I brought them home and wore them to work several days just to get some initial break in. Then it was time for the first test - an 8 mile day hike (but w/ 2800 feet elevation gain over the 4 miles up). Two miles in and ... dang...hot spots on the heels. OK, I'm thinking this is still break in time and aggressive uphill hiking on new soles there is going to be some heel rubbing. I completed the hike and despite the blisters, was still optimistic about the boots because everything else about them seemed reat. I continued to wear them to work off and on over next couple weeks and prepared for a 2 day backpack trip. Since I've dealt with the heel blister problem in the past, I did a little preventative maintenance by sticking ENGO blister prevention patches in the heels of the boots. The first day was a late start and we only did 4 miles (w/45 pound packs). No blisters. The next day was 15 miles of hiking - 11 from our 'base camp' and then 4 miles back to the trailhead. Again, no blisters! And the boots performed great. We went through mud, ankle deep streams, and some snow. Traction was fantastic - over wet rocks, logs, slag, and even though they aren't quite as high as the Vioz, the ankle support was great. I am so glad I found these boots! Yes they are a bit expensive (even w/ a 25% off coupon), but the quality is superb - full grain one piece leather - they're going to last. So, all I can say is, if you're looking for this type of boot, make sure you put the Skill GT on your list. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Comments about Zamberlan 310 Skill GT Hiking Boots - Men's:

I was told there would be a 50+ mile break-in but they fit right from the time I bought them. The sales staff recommended I buy a 1/2 larger and they fit perfect with a heavy sock. Have done some day hikes (10 plus miles) and had no problems. It was wet/raining and my feet stayed dry, which is why I went with the all leather boot. I am looking forward to an extended pack trip so I can really put them to the test. Although a little on the expensive side you get what you pay for.

Comments about Zamberlan 310 Skill GT Hiking Boots - Men's:

Happy feet the second I sliped one on. This boot was at the top of my possible list when shopping and remained there after trying on several other possibles. The one piece leather was also a huge priority. 50 years of experience and many boots later, this one is by far the Mercedes Benz of boots for day hikes and backpacking in the harsh enviorments of Southern Utah...