Vasque Switchback GTX Boot : Light Weight, High Performance

In the summer I typically lean toward hiking footwear that's more shoe-like, but for the rest of the year, I prefer a heavy boot. Really, what I need is something in between the two. Every year I find myself on several trips, especially in spring and fall, where my footwear is too light or too heavy for much of the trip.    This year I aim to fix that with Vasque Switchback GTXs... a lightweight, waterproof hiking boot.

The aggressive tread pattern on the Switchback's Vibram outsole gives a good bite that helps me keep my feet firmly planted on the ground--regardless of weather or terrain. For example, on a recent outing I slogged along a trail that was covered with water, snow, or some sort of conglomerate muck for miles. I would have definitely gone down many times had I been wearing shoes.  

Thanks to stiffening “flex frame” midsole that provides plenty of support with enough give to allow my foot to go through the motions of walking without feeling like I'm fighting for every step. Inside the boot, I get a padded footbed that fits the contours of my foot nicely.

Functionally, the Switchbacks seem like a hybrid between a hiking shoe and a hiking boot. They come up over my ankle, which is great for a little added support but the material is flexible enough that it allows me a good range of motion without resistance.  

The Gore-Tex lining is a huge bonus. I get better breathability than I did with my old boots, and protection from the elements. On the aforementioned hike, I misjudged the stability of a mid-stream rock and ended up stepping in the drink. The leather uppers and Gore-Tex lining kept my socks and feet dry.   

At the end of the day, when I was back at the car and changing into my clean and dry "driving home" clothes, I was well aware of how much less fatigued my feet and legs were because I wore a lighter and more flexible boot than my heavy winter boots.   

Available in men's and women's sizes.

If lightweight boots aren't your cup of tea, Vasque offers many models worth checking out--both lighter and heavier than the Switchbacks.

Bottom Line: These boots fill the void between my trail shoes and my heavy winter boots. They offer considerably more support and protection than trail shoes but aren't nearly as heavy, bulky, or stiff as traditional boots.   They will be especially valuable in spring and fall when conditions are more varied.--A.S. (Mar 08)

Price: $150

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Manufacturer's Site: www.vasque.com

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