How to Choose Hiking Boots

Handcrafted in Italy, the comfortable yet extra rugged Zamberlan 1996 Vioz Lux GTX RR men's hiking boots get an upgrade with long-lasting leather uppers and durable, waterproof performance.
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Imported.
View all Zamberlan Men's Backpacking BootsBest Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Footwear Height | Over-the-ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Waterproof | Yes |
Type of Waterproofing | PFAS-free GORE-TEX |
Upper | Full-grain waxed leather with Hydrobloc treatment |
Lining | PFAS-free GORE-TEX Performance Comfort |
Midsole | Low-density polyurethane wedge |
Support | TPU plate over the arch |
Outsole | Vibram 3D rubber |
Can Be Resoled | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 3 lbs. 5 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Men's | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
EU | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 45.5 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 |
Foot Length (in.) | 10.3 | 10.5 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.1 | 11.3 | 11.5 | 11.7 | 11.9 | 12.1 |
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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Bought my second pair this week. Amazing boots with proper care. Best traction in the entire line. My soles lasted 6 years with heavy use. Hiking, arboreal work, and climbing. I would get them resoled , but I tore the inside Liner. I might still consider it. 6 Years!!!
Absolutely stellar boot. Best I have owned. Multiple long, hiking expeditions in comfort over about 3-4 years. Completely waterproof to top of boot when standing in streams. Comfortable in warm, summer weather, not insulated for the cold, but holds heat fairly well. No issues from the very start, with no significant break in time given. True to size. Durable upper with nearly no signs of wear over years, however the sole is starting to get more smooth At the same pace as previous brands with Vibram outsole. Ships with sturdy wool insole, but felt foot impact when carrying heavy pack. I replaced with green superfeet Install and was very content.
One of the quirks of aging is that your feet get larger. Thinking I was set for life on boots, I set out for a few days to discover everything I owned was now too small. The Vioz Lux was my first replacement and I'm really happy with the choice. Knowing they'd take a while to break in, I didn't expect to be able to walk all day in them but after a couple of 5 mile days, I took a much longer hike and they felt great. These are, to be sure, all that a leather boot is supposed to be. They're tough, a little heavy for some, and very sturdy. Since these aren't stocked locally, I had to try on a couple of pairs and get the fit dialed in but the local store was great about taking the unused boots back. These are GoreTex lined and I did not notice them feeling hot at all, even on the Fairyland Loop at Bryce. The heal is designed to be a brake and I learned on some steeper downhill stretches that it works as advertised. I'll lace them differently depending on terrain and the Lux fit well with different lacings. There's no heal movement and plenty of room in the toe box. I haven't had out with a full pack yet, but I'm confident they will prove up to the task. Barring another growth spurt, these should last me decades.
After wearing these for about 48 hours and 15-20 miles of walking, I figure they are about 2/3 broken in, so this is not a review of real backpacking action yet. But these are really nice boots, and I have no doubt they will perform well for loaded backpacking. Their construction seems to be basically perfect: super-comfortable, lots of protection from impact/rocks, etc, traction. If you have the extra $, I'm glad I got the "luxe" version as the leather around the ankle is a definite plus. Unless something catastrophic happens with these, I can't really imagine going back to any other boots for backpacking. For general hiking I think most folks would prefer something a little lighter.
My favorite boot. I’m on my 5th pair. I wear them everyday at work as a lineman. You could walk 1000 miles in these boot right out of the box. They are heavy duty and are built to last. I’ve never had one problem with them ripping or falling apart in all my years. The sole is stiff enough to climb poles but they are also light enough to wear everyday all day. The leather won’t fade out like the 996 vioz notoriously do. And these will last much longer than the lighter Asolos. The rubber toe cap is nice. Worth the extra money. Good boot for all seasons. Really cold snowy weather you’ll need something warmer. I’m stoked REI started carrying them. You won’t be disappointed. I usually wear them for about 14 months before I get new ones.
These are great boots! Solid Zamberlan quality. I have a pair of the Vioz GTX Hiking Boots and they are holding up great. Don't ask why I bought these because... well I just wanted them. I like the Vioz that much. Unlike other hiking boots this size, they were nothing to break in. Mind you, they will always feel like a couple bricks on your feet, but they will sure go the distance with you.
Absolutely the finest heavy hiking boot you can find today. Superb materials (especially the leather) and workmanship! The sole is stiff and protects feet from pointy rocks, and you can kick steps in snow. I fit mine with a liner sock and a medium weight sock. Very supportive boot which has broken in perfectly. They are my go-to boots for most trail hikes.
Tried on a 10 but settled on 9.5 Boots are solid and not too heavy. This is my third pair over many years. They do stand up well to lots of use and abuse hiking and working in the yard.