How to Choose Hiking Boots

A tribute to Italian comfort and craftsmanship, Zamberlan 996 Vioz GTX men's hiking boots support your feet on rugged, steep terrain with long-lasting uppers, grippy outsoles and a performance fit.
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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 membranes |
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. 2 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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I bought these boots just over two years ago and used them moderately. These boots were one of several pairs I had, so they were not used a ton. Just after the two-year warranty expired, I realized that both soles had come apart near the front of the boot - to the point that they were unusable. I contacted Zamberlan. They initially told me that the would take care of resoling, I sent them my address information, and they "ghosted" me - did not respond to multiple emails and submissions on their customer service website. There is no phone number to call to contact a person on the Zamberlan website. I have had many pairs of boots. This is the first to fall apart this way, and the customer service response was astoundingly poor. Stay away!!
I wear my “Zamberghinis” almost every day on the job as an exploration geologist in Alaska and I would NEVER pick a different boot. The break-in period was a bit rough, so plan accordingly if you decide to get them (don’t put them immediately to the test on a 15 mile day out of the box… don’t ask my why I know) but once they form to your feet you’ll never want to take them off. The tread design is very distinct: it almost feels like your foot “rocks” forward with each step. The only downside is the leather is fairly soft and can get gouged up in scree/talus slopes, but other than that, an all around bombproof boot.
This is my 5th pair of Zamberlans I think over about 12 or 14 years. The Zamberlan wide lasted boots provide the best fit for a wide foot (10 1/2 W) of any other boot/shoe I’ve found. These are now my daily wear after many years of running and doing damage to arches, heels and ankles. And they’re very nice looking too so they go everywhere with me. I like the version with the rubber wrap around the toe for durability outside but this version is the go to all round boot. Thank you Zamberlan!!
I bought these after seeing all the 5‑star reviews (“Zamberghinis”) and really wanted to like them. After about 150 miles, I can confidently say these are the most uncomfortable boots I’ve owned. No matter what, my plantar area gets sore on every hike. I’ve swapped through every liner and sock combo I own, but the heel blisters still happen. The toe box was originally too narrow and gave me blood blisters, but that stopped after a few hikes once it stretched out. I verified I was in the right size based on the maker’s guidance. They’re also noticeably heavier and clunkier than my Sportiva boots which I’ll be going back to. Unfortunate.
I purchased a pair of these boots 5 years ago. Gave them a 5 star review then but it looks to be gone. I have hiked the Rocky Mountain National Park 4 times, took them on backpacking trips local hiking and for long hours at trade shows and my feet are always comfortable. Wipe some of their waterproof grease on them and they look like new. This is the best pair of hiking boots ever. You pay a little more but it’s worth it.
These are probably the best hiking boots I have ever owned, even better than my Asolos. Hopefully they will hold up better than the Asolos with their reputation for the sole separating after a few months of use. The ankle support is excellent and grip on slick or loose dirt surfaces is superior. I wore them for a couple of weeks to help break them in and then switched back to a synthetic boot from another manufacturer at the onset of summer. As it has started cooling down now, I switched back to the Zamberlans. It was then that I realized just how much more comfortable they really are. I wear them with custom orthotics with no problem. Zamberlans are well worth the money. Be sure to buy some of their leather care cream to go with them and apply it every few weeks to maintain the leather.
wore these for my multi-day everest base camp trek. i wear size 13 (pretty large) and didn't have room in the bags for these, so i wore them for the travel as well. ABSOLUTELY love them. very VERY comfortable, real 100% waterproof, bullet proof.
Best boot I have had in the last 55 years. Comfortable fit. Rugged and durable. Craftmanship is supurb. Easy to lace. Secure on the feet. I've hiked 500+ miles in these boots, and they fit like I just bought them. I started hiking in 1969 and have backpacked in every major and most minor mountain ranges in the west. My highest recommendation.
Almost scary how perfectly these fit my feet. I don't think a custom boot could have done better. I've always been a fan of Italian boots, have owned Asolo, Fabiano, Pivetta, etc. They generally fit slightly more snug in the heel and broad across the ball with a higher instep. I also prefer a one piece full-grain leather upper with a heel counter down the single seam, check that box. Would love a sewn welt (yeah, I'm old) but those days are gone. Still breaking in but again, I'm amazed at the fit. I'll follow up after I get some miles on these but right now, I'm very happy.
I've had Asolo boots for the last 25 years, didn't love my most recent pair so decided to level up to the Zamberlans. So far I am very impressed with these. They look great and well made. I've done about 10 miles in these, mostly flat tails to start breaking them in. They feel great. I am usually a 9.5 or 10 (la sportiva) but according to the size specs I am a 9. I tried on a 9.5 an it was indeed too big, the 9 is perfect for my foot. I wear a darn tough light hiker and these after my short time with them feel like I can wear them for miles. Excited to get some weight on and start trekking in these!