Zamberlan Vioz Top Gore-Tex® RR Hunting Boots - Waterproof (For Men)

I've had theses boots for a little more than two years, but have only wore them once (recently) in very wet weather. They leaked badly after walking in wet grass and brush for an hour or two. I had recently applied Nicwax to keep the outer leather from absorbing water. If you think about it, STP sells factory seconds and Overstocked items, so I can imagine a company like Zamberlain getting rid of a bunch of boots with questionable Goretex linings. Wish that I had paid $100 more.

These boots are awesome. I've put about 20 miles on them thus far (two ~ 8 mile day hike with ~ 3500ft and some walking around). One small hotspot on my left foot, but not bad. Boots get warm in summer, but my feet have not overheated. Boots were comfortable out of the box. Everything I want in a boot and nothing I don't. I'll know more when it gets colder and I go out to hunt, but so far so good!.

Out of the box review is that this is a solid boot with quality craftsmanship. Vibram sole is fairly soft/tacky. I would venture to say you will wear the soles off of these boots before you wear the boot out (as it should be). The lacing system hardware is not the best, but adequate...Standard loops and hooks. Also, the insole does not appear to be anything special (would have been 5 star review if roller bearing lacing system and loops in place of hooks, and a higher quality insole was installed). The leather uppers are consistent in color, and feel fairly abrasion resistant and durable. Upon trying them on, there is good ankle support in the boots and they are fairly comfortable right out of the box. I am a size 11, and based off of other reviews of this being the "wide last", I ordered a half size down to the 10 1/2. The half size down is a perfect fit in both length & width (I don't have narrow feet). I will try to remember to post a follow up review after I lay some good mileage on them in the Rocky Mountains. As of now, I am fairly impressed with this boot.

Honestly, after reading the reviews here on Sierra, I didn't know what to expect when I put in my order for these. Would these boots be ridiculously wide and way too long? Sierra lists them as having a medium width but they are described in several reviews as "wide lasted" for E-width and larger American feet. Also, the color says "waxed cognac" but how could that be if these are made from a nubuck leather that has a knap to the finish? And would these turn out to be just a cheaper imitation of a "true" backpacking boot like the Lowa Tibet? Something that would fall apart before I got halfway home carrying an 80-pound pack?

My curiosity must have gotten the better of me . . . I put in my order . . . and even ordered a 1/2 size larger than my regular shoe size! Truth be told, I'm a long-time Zamberlan fan, and just couldn't believe based on my past experience, that these would be anything less than superb backpacking boots.

Okay, so they arrived yesterday and here is what I found . . .

Yes, these are a generously sized boot but they still fit just fine. I have a size 11 D (medium width) foot and ordered size 11-1/2. Wearing one medium thick expedition sock (Fits), these Zamberlans fit very nicely indeed. No heel lift and not too much room in the toe box or along the sides. How can that be? Well, for one thing there is an extra layer of thermal protection in the gortex liner. This takes up more room inside the boot. Another thing is that the so-called "wide" last is just a little bit wider for more of a "comfort" fit rather than the snug fit a lot of boots have.

The materials and workmanship on these is top-notch. I compared them with a pair of Lowa Baffin Pros that I own, and these are every bit as high quality--first-rate in every way. The leather is nubuck but is highest quality and with a very smooth finish. Comfort out of the box is even better than the Lowa, especially in the ankle and lower calf region. And you have the added bonus of the thermal liner to stay extra warm in cold weather. The Lowa does have somewhat fancier lacing hardware, but the Zambelan locks in your heel better.

Note: To the gentleman who returned his because of the loose gortex liner . . . Zamberlan designs their boots this way on purpose . . . keeping the gortex liner a little loose keeps it from tearing over time and causing the boot to leak.
This attention to detail is what makes Zamberlans so highly regarded by hikers around the world.

Good boot, not great. Runs very wide and about a size big. Lining was loose and seems like it would bunch up so they were returned.