How to Choose Hiking Boots

Part of the Zamberlan Norwegian Welted boot line, the Zamberlan 1025 Tofane NW GTX RR hiking boots are capable and durable, perfect for backcountry backpacking, hiking or doing outdoor work.
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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 | GORE-TEX Performance Comfort waterproof/breathable membrane |
Upper | Hydrobloc full-grain waxed vesta leather |
Midsole | Double-density poluyrethane |
Outsole | Zamberlan Vibram NorTrack |
Can Be Resoled | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 4 lbs. 4.4 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | |
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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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They fit my normal shoe size. I didn't feel I needed to up or downsize. Tried a half size smaller than normal and it was too tight across the front of my foot at the ball of the foot. Ive never used extra wide shoes ever. Zamberlan says to be weary of oversizing, the guy at REI said better to oversize. $500 experiment...no thanks. These have stitched soles not just glued!!!! Ive had Danner soles peel off Danner boots. Incredible leather. Super soft inners. But alas I had to return because the weight was nuts for an uninsulated ankle-high boot. I felt like they put lead weights in the soles. Is this what it takes to make a durable boot?
Like tanks for your feet, these things feel seriously overbuilt. I mean that in a good way. They are beautifully crafted and the quality is immediately apparent. However, they seemed a bit too rigid and robust for my intended purpose. I think they would make for great backpacking boots. But I’ve had boots like this before and they mostly sit in the closet because they are just too much for every day use. If I was a backcountry ranger, these would probably be my choice. Having said that, I returned them before really trying them on trails. They were very comfortable though. I actually wish I had a need for them. They are nice
Quite an investment, but definitely the nicest pair of shoes or boots I've ever owned. The 20% off coupon around Christmas made these a bit more attainable. I really like the rubber toe and sewn welt which is why I paid extra compared to the Zamberlan Vioz. Sizing is very important but ultimately I found they were true to size and the same size I use with my running shoes. I hike in Rocky Mountain National Park every weekend in these. They are waterproof despite stomping in waist high snow in snowshoes. I use Kahtoola gaiters to keep snow and water out of the top of the boots. My feet have stayed warm enough with Darn Tough mountaineering socks in temps down to zero. I wanted a boot that I could wear in all 4 seasons in Colorado for the next 10+ years. I'm happy these can be resoled. If you need a boot that can handle anything you can throw at it this is a great option.
These boots are beautiful, well made, and very comfortable, at least for my wide size 12 foot. The leather is thick and reassuring. They are warm enough to wear on Winter snow hikes. I also wear them on summer hikes because they are comfortable and supportive. My plantar fasciitis has disappeared after wearing these on all my hikes.
Straight out of the box these boots were Amazingly comfortable‼️They didn’t need upgraded insoles. I didn’t have to suffer through a break in period either. Quality, Craftsmanship and Comfort with the Zamberlan Tofane - Outstanding‼️
This review is based my experience wearing the Zamberlans for 2 months on almost daily day hikes over varied forested terrain in the mid-atlantic and the Adirondacks. Bottom line: best boots I have ever owned. They have a wonderfully sturdy feel without feeling clunky - a reviewer called them "tanks" which I take in the positive: the design of the Norwegian Welt results in very noticeable stability as I bushwack off trail. The fit is excellent (comfortable right out of box), with just enough foot support and heel cupping without feeling crimped. IMO this is achieved by ensuring correct sizing. Since I was ordering these online, the REI associate made a wise suggestion: try on a different pair of Zamberlans they had in stock using the same shoe last. This resulted in a size very different from previous boots I had been wearing, and pretty close to the sizing method recommended on Zamberlan website, which I had thought might be too small. Thanks, REI. All this said, they come with a hefty price. If you can make the stretch, it will be a worthy investment for a pair of hiking boots that can make all the difference in enjoying your trip - at least as far as the walking part. They are the most expensive pair of boots ever for me, but I can say I'm pretty darn happy every time I lace them up. A fine example of getting what you pay for. Finally, although my experience has so far been day hikes, I have no doubt they will be just as comfortable and excellent on multi-day backpacks in rugged country. I give the Zamberlan 1025 Tofane 4 and a half stars.
Incredible build quality, this boot will last forever. Heirloom quality construction and handsome good looks. Minimal break in period. Large toe box to allow toes to move, wiggle and accommodate feet when walking downhill for hours. I have worn these to the top of Kilimanjaro, St Helens, and many other mountains and they have kept me dry, comfortable and happy every step of the way.
Expensive but very well made. Not sure if it's the tariffs or just because they're made in Italy, but these boots are costly. That being said, buy them when they are on sale because they are very well made. High quality boots. As for wear, good fit, a bit heavy, but sturdy. They should hold up for years of use.
I purchased another Zamberlan boot (Vioz Lux GTX) and it was the best boot I’ve owned in my size, 11.5. No break-in necessary and happy feet from day one. When it came time to replace I thought I’d upgrade to this boot, in 11.5. The boot felt a touch big but I was eager to hike. No issues on short hikes but when it came to steep long hikes I quickly realized by the two symmetrical blisters on each foot, the boots were too big. Ordered an 11, and carefully evaluated, and sending those back. Now I’ll try a 10.5. Unfortunately, now it’s time to see if I can find someone with a 12 or bigger who will buy those 11.5! Just wanted to send a notice out to carefully pay attention to the fit, especially given the price of these boots. Wonderfully sturdy boots and the toe caps are welcome in the tough NH hiking.
I waited until the 20% off sale to purchase the Tofane’s. These are by far the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn. Right out of the box perfect❗️I didn’t need to add a better insole. Didn’t have to suffer through a break in period. Great craftsmanship. With what I know now I would have gladly paid full price for these❗️OUTSTANDING❗️