Vasque  St. Elias UltraDry Hiking Boots - Kids'

I bought this cautiously because of the reviews previously left. I've worn them out on 5 hikes over the past couple months ranging from 5 to 10 miles and they've held up incredibly well so far. Rocks, mud, brush, hills, etc... They've impressed me on various terrain and circumstances. Today, I completely submerged them in a massive puddle that I totally underestimated. (Oops.) The entire top of the boot was underwater on numerous occasions and I didn't feel ANY water penetrate through. (Thankfully! This was only 1 mile into the hike!!!) I'm very pleased so far and if anything changes I will update. So far, so good!

My some is a Scout and needed a new pair of boots. The always awesome staff of REI honed in on his needs quickly and we cam up with the Vasque Boot. Its a great hiking boot with the toe guard, ankle support and lacing makes it rugged enough to survive high adventure and a teenager. He said it was super dry meaning that the watrerproofing work really well while hiking in the Olympics were everything is damp, crossing rivers and puddle jumping. His only complaint was that the boot was slightly cut big even when wearing REI smart wool socks, so he had to wear thiner cotton hiking socks to take up the extra room. I got nothing for that one, just what he said, Im sure he will grow into that in no time.

Bought this boot for my son for a week of camping and hiking. The terrain was very rugged and my son really put these boots to the test. He said they were very comfortable but two days in the stitching across the toe on both boots came undone. I had a lot of faith in Vasque but there is clearly a major design flaw in this and the other Vasque kids hiking boot that REI sells. With most adult boots the rubber toe casing goes over the leather and is glued onto it. With these boots, however, the leather is stitched onto the rubber. The treatment kids give footwear, I cannot see how this design would last more than a few outings. It's a pitty because otherwise these would be great boots. Charge $5 more if you have to Vasque, but please think about durability just as you do with your adult boot designs.

I got these boots for my 11 year old. Didn’t have time to break in boots and used them right out of the box. Conquered highest peak in Utah and they performed excellent. Not a complaint from my boy on the 26 mile round trip backpacking trip. Carried 25lbs pack much of the way.

My 9 year old son made it out of Grand Canyon without shoes falling completely apart. He had them broken in from Bay Area hiking and weekly Trackers classes but this is ridiculous. The fit is fantastic with no blisters. The toe just separated from the seam. Disappointing. We have to return.

These shoes split at both toes after 2 days of backpacking. The seams simply burst open. So much for waterproof. I saw a similar complaint from another reviewer AFTER I bought these shoes. Just hoped for the best. But no. I had the same problem. We will return these.

Bought these hiking boots as a birthday gift for my grandson. The very first time he wore them one of the eyelets for the laces came out, so of course we exchanged them. Hopefully this next pair is better made. The boot itself looks nice, with a lot of 'tread' on the bottom, & grandson is happy with the fit.

I'm a 32 year old woman with small feet and I bought these for myself for a little hiking / adventuring in Alaska. I haven't had any problems with quality yet and I'm very happy with the purchase. It's possible that my usage doesn't mimic that of a 12 year old boy, but they work perfectly for my purposes. Very comfortable.

Bought a pair of these for my 6-year old son. On of the lace hooks broke off on the first day he wore them. We returned the boots and after considering the other kids boots at REI, decided to try again with this model. They have made it through one weekend campout but I am still not convinced of their quality based on the initial defect. My son loves them however, so that’s a good sign. Hopefully, they hold up at least until he outgrows them. I am rather disappointed in the limited selection of kids boots at REI. This was still the best option I believe.

I bought these for my 11 year old son ahead of a pretty technical hike. They performed great and he turned unto a mountain goat.