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Imported.
Item 796218
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Best Uses
Feels full size too small | ||
Feels half size too small | ||
Feels true to size | 100% (5 reviews) | |
Feels half size too big | ||
Feels full size too big |
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 5 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-5
Pros
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Comments about Lowa Vajolet GTX Mountaineering Boots - Men's:
I'm a moldy old lifelong backpacker and mountaineer for numerous years, too many to say to here. I've owned and wore out many pairs of boots, hiked countless miles, and forget how many nights spent out and about. I bought these boots in 2010 in Seattle after trying on every mountaineering boot in the store several times. I wound up picking these for a three week trip in Olympic National Park because they fit well, look pretty spiffy, and thought they might be ideal for the trip. After buying them I took the boots out for a few 15 mile day hikes before the trip to break in both the boots and my feet. The break in wasn't really all that necessary because the boots fit very well and did not produce any hot spots or blisters but it's better to know on a day hike than part way into a long journey.
I carried a 40 pound pack along the coast for about 70 miles round trip on various terrain from fine sand to huge boulders and muddy trails in pouring rain. Overall, traction is pretty good but I've experienced better. These boots are a little above average on rocks and in mud but I thought they were not so good on wet logs. Wet boardwalks and logs without bark were not fun to walk on with these boots; lots of slipping and uncertainty, especially without trekking poles. My feet never got wet and at the end of each day the old dogs were tired but not sore or wounded. I was surprised how comfortable these boots were while hiking along the rugged coastline despite being designed more for alpine routes. No blisters, hot spots, or owies of any kind.
While on the same trip, it made sense to go inland and upward so climbing Mt Olympus seemed appropriate. The 17 mile trudge to Elk Lake on mostly flat, dry trail is not one of the Vajolet GTX strong suits; the sole is pretty stiff for that kind of hiking but the light weight and support offered by the boot while carrying a 50+ pound pack offset the stiffness penalty a little. The boots really shine when put to their intended use - mountaineering. Glacier travel on Mt. Olympus was pleasurable, the boots were excellent with crampons and kept my feet nice and warm. Steep slopes make every step up a chore and the light weight and good fit of these boots helps ease the pain. Kick stepping and flat footing was relatively easy but I don't think they are really stiff enough for spending the whole day on toe points. It's a compromise for a little better hiking comfort during the approach.
The only time the boots let me down a little was on the long trek back to the parking lot. I'm not sure if it was completely the boot's fault but I figured after hiking nearly 90 miles in a week or so my feet would have been toughened up enough to resist blisters. I was wrong and some would say a tad boneheaded because my feet got sweaty, I didn't keep the laces tight enough, failed to use moleskin and ended up with a heel blister on one foot. It's hard to blame a boot for a blister when the wearer doesn't pay attention to detail.
Bottom line: Great general mountaineering boot, less so for long, easy approaches.
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Comments about Lowa Vajolet GTX Mountaineering Boots - Men's:
I am very happy with these lightweight and comfortable boots. I wear them mostly on snow. I leave them a little loose on the approach, don't get blisters and my feet don't get beat up. I'm often on my feet for up to 10 hours and my socks have not gotten wet yet. My feet have a smaller volume and they fit well. I would love to find a boot for summer hiking that fit this good. Footing is stable and solid and they take to snowshoes and crampons well. Of the mountaineering boots that I have owned these are by far the best. I would buy them again.
Pros
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Comments about Lowa Vajolet GTX Mountaineering Boots - Men's:
Great boot
Toasty warm and dry for 24hrs plus in deep snow. Wish my sleeping bag did the same
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Lowa Vajolet GTX Mountaineering Boots - Men's:
OK, bought them for an ascent, and in the warmup was a bit unsettled to find they are less waterproof than my leather Vasque Sundowners in their multi-resoled state. For a new pair of boots, my feet should not get wet crossing a field with puddles.
Pros
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Comments about Lowa Vajolet GTX Mountaineering Boots - Men's:
I tried these boots on and found them to be very comfortable. I am still considering a purchase but have not seen any reviews. Is there a reason for that?
Displaying reviews 1-5
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