I tragically lost one of these in the Australian outback. I have little confidence in Vasque now, but would love to have my mind changed.

Vasque was acquired by a Chinese company decades ago and their quality went to shit. I wouldn’t buy Vasque these days.

Mine were made in Italy, have taken me up Half Dome three times and other hikes in CA, as well as hikes in NM, VT, and now HI. Even a few hikes in the Philippines.

Those Italians knew how to make a boot!

I have heard this all over the place. I currently have a pair of Lowa's that seem to be pretty nice. No idea on longevity, but they grip well and are very light.

Weirdly enough I've heard great things about Cole Haan hiking books

Aku still made in Italy and reasonably priced. They have some throwback styles that are similar to the other vasque style of that era. The one with the goretex on the side. I have em and really like them. Fun colors too.

I got mine in '98, but they were made in China. Lasted a long time although some of that was dormant in a flat land. One broke in so that it always pushed down on my toes and caused discomfort, but I was insistent they were buy it for life so I kept on hiking in them until the sole came off a couple years ago. All things considered, they held up pretty well over the many miles, but man I wish I had gotten them a year or two before when they were made in Italy.

I loved mine

Vasque is owned by Red Wing Shoe Company, LLC. www.redwingshoeco.com/

RedWing has owned Vasque since 1964. www.vasque.com/discover-vasque.html

Vasque are now made in China and other Asian countries. www.hoodmwr.com/where-are-vasque-boots-made/

Vasque quality went downhill in my experience, the glue they used on the model I bought was worthless.

Asolo are my go-to hiking boots. I'm a field geologist, so I do a lot of hiking. Most geos are harder on their boots than me, my last Asolos lasted 10 years and I still use them for yard work, just got a new pair for work/leisure hiking.

My first pair of "real" hiking boots were Sundowner hand-me-downs from the late 80's or early 90's. When they finally failed after 30+ years of use I made the switch to lightweight trail shoes and sandals. There just isn't anything like the old school sundowners on the market (at least not that I can afford). With newer ultralight hiking/backpacking gear I've found that I can get away with Teva sandals in most cases, or trail shoes if weather and trail conditions are particularly bad. I do miss those boots though.

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