Zamberlan 760 Steep GT Hiking Boots - Men's

Comments about Zamberlan 760 Steep GT Hiking Boots - Men's:

This boot is very comfortable and is distinctively Italian in that it contains excellent contours and curves, rather than straight lines, so it fits the foot much better than most hiking boots.

However, this boot is HORRIBLE on wet rocks and slick terrain. The traction is so non-existent, that I would go so far as to say that these boots are a serious liability if you plan to traverse any kind of wet trail, riverbed, or wet rock. The tread is great on wet dirt or dry surfaces, but get some wet rocks or wood and its as if someone poured motor oil all around you.

If you live in a desert or dont hike around wet areas, they are a solid buy. I will be returning these as they are simply useless to me and far to dangerous to wear where I hike.

Comments about Zamberlan 760 Steep GT Hiking Boots - Men's:

I am so happy to end my search for perfect boots. After 22 years of outdoor adventures in Maui,Hi. B.C. and California, finally wore out my 7 year old Asolo P.Matic 200's and they changed the inner shape!! I went through the boot meatgrinder for the past 18 months and was starting to think I was a mutant or something. My heels looked like some sadistic experiment. Surprise, mail ordered boots for the first time ever from REI and I love them. [...] I saw the Editors' Choice awarded to these and went for it. Ordered a half size bigger than my everyday shoes and they fit perfect for all day heavy load or no load trekking. 5 miles of steep uphill on the second day with narry a blister nor a hot spot to speak of. Lighter than my old Asolo P.M.200's and they actually breath quite well. They feel so good that I don't care how red they are. Inserted Sole Ed Vistrus insoles and wear only smartwool hiking or trekking socks with Fox River xstatic liners or smartwool liners(depending on temp.) I will be buying 2 more pairs in the next year just in case they go the path of my old favorites, Vasque Sundowners from italy years ago. Thanks to Zamberlan for true old world craftsmanship combined with modern materials and comfort beyond reproach.

Comments about Zamberlan 760 Steep GT Hiking Boots - Men's:

When my old hiking boots began showing signs of impending demise, I was filled with dread. Finding shoes that fit well is difficult for me. Finding boots that fit correctly is almost impossible. I read about these boots in the April 2010 issue of BACKPACKER magazine (they had awarded the 760 Steep their 2010 Editor's Choice Award). I had never heard of the Zamberlan brand, but decided to give this boot a try, even though I wasn't particularly fond of the gray and red color (Zamberlan calls it "gray and ameranto".

That turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. I wore the boots around the house for a couple of afternoons and that's all it took to break them in. They are amazingly comfortable on our western North Carolina mountain trails, which are steep and rocky. The boots offer great support and are as comfortable as house slippers! I used to come back from hikes and the first thing I wanted to do was take off my boots. Now, many times I just leave them on until time to go to bed.

One of the Backpacker magazine testers put a pair of these boots on, right out of the box, and went on a two-week expedition in an Alaskan mountain range. He crossed glaciers, climbed in crampons and hiked 50 miles across soggy tundra with a 70 pound pack. His conclusion: "This boot delivers tank-like support and stability, with Cadillac comfort".

The magazine review said, "It's not the lightest or most affordable new mid weight (boot), just the best ...... spend a little extra on this boot. Your feet will thank us later."

I definitely concur with that statement!

By the way, these boots are handcrafted in Italy, not in China, like so many other boots available today.....and it shows.

Comments about Zamberlan 760 Steep GT Hiking Boots - Men's:

This is one beautiful boot. They are very well constructed & will probably last forever. I've had them now through 4 weekend campouts, and many miles of backpacking/hiking in the Texas state parks.
This are some of the most comfortable shoes you could find.

Negatives:
I have gotten mine wet on two occasions. Once they get even a bit of water inside, you will need two days for the leather and interior to dry. They don't wick water well at all.
For me, I had to replace the liner immediately. Found the heel pad under padded & hurt my heel. This might not be an issue for most, but was for me.
I ordered a 10.5, my normal size, and found the Steeps to be roughly 1/2 size larger. If you have the chance to try them on for correct sizing, do so.

Awesome looking boot. Color fades quickly so they are not so blindingly bright after a tough couple of days in the bush.

Honestly though...I find myself wearing my Oboz Wind Rivers I picked up at REI as much or more than these. Were over $100 less expensive and comparible build with better water tolerence and better grip for the rocks I climb.

Am saying "YES" to recommendation...with caveats

Comments about Zamberlan 760 Steep GT Hiking Boots - Men's:

My last pair of Gore-Tex boots were REI Spirit II. Although they were good, after a few hours of hiking in them my feet were sore - the soles were extremely hard. Also, after 4 years the toe cap/leather intersection cracked rendering them as waterproof as sandals.

I bought the Zamberlans sight unseen after the Backpacker gear review. I wore them around town one day, and then launched on a 8 day hiking excursion in the Pyrenees. The boots performed great - my feet were warm and dry even in the snow; and more importantly, these are the most comfortable boots I've ever worn. Normally when I finish a hike, the first thing I would do is put flip-flops on but I continued to wear these Zamberlans all day.

Sure they're red, but who cares they're comfortable! My gear is all different colors anyway. Red pack, blue jacket, green shirt.

Comments about Zamberlan 760 Steep GT Hiking Boots - Men's:

I was looking for an excellent pair of hiking boots that would last a long time. I finally settled on the Asolo Power Matic 250s, but when the Power Matics failed me on their first and only real hike of just 5 miles (details for another review) and had to be returned, I was faced with an urgent need for replacement boots in time for a 20 mile backpacking trip in Southern Utah canyon country. Backpacker Magazine had just come our with their 2010 gear awards and featured these babies on the cover, with a glowing review inside. The tester had done 50 miles in the Alps without break in and gushed over them, so I took the leap [...] They came the day I left, so I literally took these on the trail with no break-in time at all. The results? Using the Steeps with Spenco insoles (plus liner socks and duct tape on the heels), I experienced cushy and blister-free hiking over 20+ miles with a 40 lb backpack. In addition, I had been determined to not get GoreTex because I didn't want my feet to roast in the heat. But in addition to keeping my feet comfy, these didn't even feel hot, despite the waterproof GoreTex lining and the desert environment. Where my Asolos would not hold my heal perfectly still no matter how tightly I laced them, and lacing them too tightly cut off the circulation to my feet, the Zamberlan 760 Steeps cupped and held my heal completely motionless without even cranking down on the laces. And if I DID crank down on the laces, the boots STILL felt comfy and cushy anyway. All this with a roomy toe box. These boots feature unusually-recessed instep lace loops (see picture), which probably go a long way to keeping the boot tight where it matters the most (across the instep and heal), preventing heal motion and therefore blisters. Add the Vibram soles, the cushy interior, the nice-looking and rugged exterior, and the no break-in supple leather construction, and you've got a sweet pair of boots. Totally worth the extra money spent on them. Is a comfortable hiking experience worth an extra $30-$50? How many times have you been hiking with painful feet and would have easily paid $30 to be spared the discomfort on that trip alone? Though I've only used these on one 20 mile trip, so far they're totally worth it.

Comments about Zamberlan 760 Steep GT Hiking Boots - Men's:

The good news is these boots are really comfortable right out of the box. They have also been excellent in the waterproof department as i have tested them by kicking in steps for miles in wet snow as well as in constant downpours on the AT. However they dont seem to vent well as my feet were always warm and sweaty except in snow. I also went through the original laces within the first season and i think they are cutting through the replacement pair now. Another downside is the traction. When i first started using them the traction was decent but in the second season the are slipping even on dry rocks, making them a little dangerous. I have also just noticed that the heel is starting to seperate from the sole and thus i will be returning them, which is to bad becuase they are the most comfortable boots i have used.

Comments about Zamberlan 760 Steep GT Hiking Boots - Men's:

Bought these boots three weeks ago, first time use was on Mt Si, up and back, up and back, 16 miles, 45lb backpack; drizzle all the way, some snow at the top, no slipping on wet rocks or logs as others have indicated. Only a slight warm spot on one heel, otherwise they felt great right out of the box. Did mail box peak last weekend, everything from deep mud, steep dirt, rock, and tree root trail, including steep snow and boulder field near the top; these boots handled all the elements just fine and they were comfortable all the way. So far one of the best pair of boots I have ever owned.

Comments about Zamberlan 760 Steep GT Hiking Boots - Men's:

I was very excited about these boots arriving as I had to order them, but very dissapointed with the traction on wet surfaces. Boots are comfortable but I tried them on wet tile and cement and they were Very slippery. I compared them to several other types of footwear, and even my old warn out work boots, and they all did much better on wet surfaces than the Zamberlan's did. I returned them promptly after this.

Comments about Zamberlan 760 Steep GT Hiking Boots - Men's:

Every positive thing that you have read in all the other reviews are true.
Every positive thing that you have read in all the other reviews are true.
The boot is fantastic. Extremely comfortable, with almost no break in time. I did 3 climbs in August, including two 14er's and they were great.
The only issue I had was: 1) the laces shredded i thought prematurely, and 2) a small rubber band type piece on the back of the heel came loose on both boots. But in true REI fashion, they exchanged them without batting an eye.