Vasque Sundowner Summit Boots : A Classic Redefined

The last pair of Vasque Sundowner boots I had lasted for twelve years; I only had to replace them because my feet had grown two sizes.

Like the Sundowner Classic and the Sundowner MX2, the new Summit features a Gore-Tex liner, waterproof leather uppers, and comes in different widths in both men's and women's styles. Most important, it also requires almost no break-in time.

I started wearing mine right out of the box, and never got a blister or hot spot. I don't know how they do it, but Vasque has managed with this line to create boots that feel like shoes when you put them on but perform like beasts when you put them to work. Not that the previous Sundowners needed improvement, but the new Summit has taken this classic and made a whole new high performance boot.

What I love about this boot is its thick, stable, durable sole that provides excellent traction on wet and dry ground. It's beefier and feels more cushioned than previous Sundowners. I like that I can walk for hours and cover all types of terrain in this boot without experiencing foot fatigue. Yet, for all of its protection, the Summit remains a relatively light and nimble boot compared to other boots I've worn. I'm glad Vasque added a rubber "bumper" on the front of the boot that also covers the top and sides of the toe box. My last pair of Sundowners got a bit shredded across the toes. Another nice feature: ball bearings in the lacing hooks that make lacing and adjusting the fit much easier.

Bottom Line: You can't go wrong with a Vasque boot, and if you take care of it, you'll have it for years--E.D. (July‘05)

Price: $190

Manufacturer's Site: www.vasque.com

Buy Online: , Altrec.com