The Vasque Summit GTX backpacking boot is up to any challenge.

We recently put the Vasque Summit GTX (MSRP: $200.00) to the test on an ascent to the peak of Mt. San Jacinto in the San Bernardino National Forest. Mt. San Jacinto scales more than 10,800 feet and is the second highest mountain range in the state of California. A boot named Summit ought to be up for the challenge. There were still patches of snow even in early June. The melting snow provided a myriad of surfaces to challenge the Summit GTXs features such as snow, ice, dirt, running water and mud.

We started out early in the morning and had all afternoon to enjoy the high country. The boots were noticeably heavier than common day hike shoes but were not overly heavy like some other models of boots. We weren’t in any particular hurry and took our time. The boots were already broken in as we had taken them on several small day hikes prior to our summit ascent.

The melting snow caused the streams to flow at full capacity, and we were eager to trudge through the running water and test the

waterproof Gore Tech liner. The padded collars allow you to tighten the uppers and seal the boot without cutting off circulation. The tightened uppers also gave terrific support when crossing the uneven surfaces and prevented a rolled ankle when crossing a fallen tree in Wellman’s Divide.

Summit GTX was a bit difficult to lace and tighten at the base of the foot, but tighten very well at the upper portion along the ankle.

The padded insoles and inner nylon lining tend to contract inward making for a very snug fit around the foot. The perfect fit ensures that there is no slippage inside along the sole and reduces the chances of blisters. Many novice hikers dread the uphill ascent and relish the downhill descent. Many experienced hikers understand that the downhill descent can be much more brutal on the joints and there is a higher chance of developing blisters.

A loose fitting boot often causes blisters along the balls of the feet, heel, or toes on the downhill as the sole of the foot slides forward with each step. This can also put a great deal of strain on the toes as they slide forward into the toe of the boot. The reinforced rubber toe on the Summit GTX and the snug fit ensure that this slippage doesn’t occur and detract from a comfortable downhill descent.

During the breaking in period of the Summit GTX boots, there was a bit of slippage on the back of the heel on the uphill ascent. This slippage however disappeared after about a week of day hiking. An old trick to breaking in leather shoes is to stand in a running stream for a small length of time to soften up the rigid leather.

Anyone who wears these boots will immediately understand that they were built for rugged durability rather than speed. Weighing 3lbs., 14oz., these boots are not intended for casual day hikes or a quick race to the top of the hill. Summit GTX boots are designed with the intent to support backpackers on extended trips through the rugged high-country.

Vasque features American tanned leather manufactured from SB Foot Leather in Red Wing, MN. The dark brown leather provides a stylish water resistant surface that withstands water, snow, sand, and mud. Leather is a proven and time old boot material for true mountaineers. The Vasque leather is thick, waterproof, and sturdy, giving the boot function and style.

The rigid ankle support decreases any pronation or supination and reduces the chances of twisting ankles on changing trail surfaces. Dual-density polyurethane soles are molded to fit any foot arch. The insoles are constructed from kinetic fiberglass and supply structural support and rigidity to the boot. Vibram has designed out soles specifically for this model of boot which provide traction on the most slippery of trails. These features of Vasque engineering ensure that ankles and arches are provided with the best possible support for balance, handling and weight distribution.

Vasque Summit GTX boots are a year round boot and can stay warm and dry in relatively cold conditions. The exterior of the boot is

waterproof leather and the tongue is sealed allowing users to trudge through water. The inner lining is made of nylon and Gore Tex which repel water and aerate moist feet. These features, coupled with an appropriate pair of boot socks, should ensure dry feet. Vasque boots also sport Dry-Tech contoured foot beds intended to promote air flow within the soles to provide cushioning and aeration.

These boots are intended for extended trips while carrying moderate to heavy loads.  Any person who has shouldered multi-day pack loads and tackled high-country trails strewn with granite rocks of every size understands the need for ankle support and a boot able to handle trail shocks of every kind. Vasque Summit GTX are certainly a worthy consideration for your next pair of backpacking boots.

By Kevin Varner