Zamberlain Boots...

[off-roader]

I've been wearing a number of Keen shoes over the past few years (a dozen pairs or so) and found some of them really showed the previously discussed decrease in overall quality.

I've also owned 2 pairs of Zamberlan boots in the past that lasted over 10 years of nearly daily use. I owned both pairs at the same time and alternated use between them and @ about half way through their life, I had them resoled by a place in Colorado that REI recommended.

Anyhow, so this time I elected to buy a pair of Zamberlan Civetta GT'shttp://www.rei.com/product/789863/zamberlan-civetta-gtx-hiking-boots-mens

Anyone own a pair of these who can give any insights into their long term use? I'm hoping they'll last as long as my old pair especially since they definitely aint cheap.:ylsmoke:

TIA.

 

[southpier]

zappo's customers like them. i've had really good luck with zappo's.


http://www.zappos.com/viewProduct.do?productId=7291239&colorId=1212

 

[Lichen]

I've had a pair of those for about a year. I can't speak on their longevity as I only wear them occasionally. However, I've never had a pair of boots that were so quick to break in and really comfortable. Much better than my old Danners.

 

[Scott Brady]

My favorite boot of all time.

I have owned one pair for eight years of frequent use and then just replaced that one about two years ago with a fresh pair. I am thinking of buying another pair just to mothball for 2020. . .

Anyhow, so this time I elected to buy a pair of Zamberlan Civetta GT'shttp://www.rei.com/product/789863/zamberlan-civetta-gtx-hiking-boots-mens

Anyone own a pair of these who can give any insights into their long term use? I'm hoping they'll last as long as my old pair especially since they definitely aint cheap.:ylsmoke:

TIA.

 

[off-roader]

My favorite boot of all time.

I have owned one pair for eight years of frequent use and then just replaced that one about two years ago with a fresh pair. I am thinking of buying another pair just to mothball for 2020. . .

Nice. What I wanted to hear.:victory:

 

[bugnout]

I've got a pair that's just over a year old, probably about 30 trail miles on them so far, maybe 90 days of wear. Great boots, no break in.

 

[Stumpalump]

They are a little bulky for just knocking around or driving but for their intended use they are perfect. I hate to be off pavment with anything else after owning them.

 

[FireGirl_Photo]

I know several guys who wear Zamberlans in extremely rough and demanding conditions (i.e. - military embeds in the Middle East). They have nothing but praise to give these boots. I've tried them on and loved them; waiting for my old Danners to die before I take the Z-plunge.

 

[Christophe Noel]

I use the Zamberlan Lhasa GT RR for heavy backpacking and fast mountain ascents. Absolutely beautiful boots. The entire Zamberlan line is really excellent. Another great option within that same caliber of boots is Kayland. Very similar pedigree to Zamberlan.

 

[Bhos]

Civetta Break In Time

I tried on Civettas and they seemed a bit stiff, especially in the ankle area. How long of a break in has it taken you? I'm looking for a good general boot that can hold up to khaki/chino duties, travel and light hikes with up to 30Lbs.

I tried on the Steeps, and they were like gloves and stupidly comfortable, BUT they seem to be too much boot below the feet, especially when driving. Any thoughts on those of you with the Steeps?

Zamberlans seem to fit the best. Skills were a little low, Vioz has that rocking forward motion, which wouldn't be comfortable in a run. Lhasa's were very solid and comfortable, but again too much boot.

 

[clcoyle]

looking to get a pair this week

 

[mk216v]

I plopped down for a pair of Zam 996 Vioz GT's after trying lots of pairs at REI...the Zam's felt the most comfortable right away (kind of like my Keen street shoes). After lots of hiking around in Search and Rescue and on pleasure hikes, camping, overlanding, etc, they're still the most comfortable boots I've ever owned. I literally wear them the entire time I'm outdoors(save for bed).
Perhaps a little bit of a sting pricewise compared to some others, but I don't regret it one bit. That old adage of you get what you pay for...You won't be sorry!

PS--bit of an interesting thing my REI sales guy (also in SAR with me) noted about the old boots I was wearing. Most shoe sellers seem to sell you 1/2 size too small a shoe, so your foot is very cramped <would have been nice to know 30+ years ago!>. I'm now wearing 1/2 size larger than I ever have and goodness is it refreshingly comfortable!!

 

[Bhos]

I'm now wearing 1/2 size larger than I ever have and goodness is it refreshingly comfortable!!

Yep, makes a huge difference! Buying Zamberlans tomorrow...just not sure which one. REI has their 20% off ending tomorrow.

 

[Bhos]

Went with the Civettas and they are very comfortable, sturdy and solid. Could have used them in Peru a week ago, but oh well. Will use them in NM over Turkey Day. I chose the Civetta because it seemed to be the best all-rounder.

Vioz/Baffin: great, but also a bit technical. Very comfy fit.

Skill: Didn't like the low height and hit me weird in extreme toe flexion.

Steep: More for ascents and several people I talked to questioned its long term durability, especially compared to the Civetta. The most comfortable of all I tried, though.

Also, the full shiny leather, though visually appealing, seemed it would be a bit more of a headache after a bit of traversing. YMMV.

 

[Christophe Noel]

PS--bit of an interesting thing my REI sales guy (also in SAR with me) noted about the old boots I was wearing. Most shoe sellers seem to sell you 1/2 size too small a shoe, so your foot is very cramped <would have been nice to know 30+ years ago!>. I'm now wearing 1/2 size larger than I ever have and goodness is it refreshingly comfortable!!

That isn't a universal truth. Because foot shape varies, some might find a more appropriate fit with that extra half size while others may not. If you look at a modern Branock measuring device, it has the ability to measure your foot in total length and also measuring the "size" of your foot minus your toes. This is done so fitters can fit your foot into the ideal boot shape for a given size. Easier to explain with shorter toes. It allows you to have the widest part of your foot match the widest part of the boot. As an example a guy with a 10 "total" foot, might have a size 11 foot minus his toes - like a swim fin. He'd be more comfortable in an 11, even with tons of extra toe room as the widest part of his foot would be in the widest part of the boot. That's just an example of one type of foot shape.

That's the crazy super simplified version of basic fitting.

Boot fitting is a craft and a science, but ultimately, when you're fitting someone, it's mostly an emotional thing. If a dude wants Zamberlans and there's no good reason they should fit....he'll make them fit.