Zamberlan 996 Vioz GT Hiking Boot, 7 M US

I bought this same boot in 2009 to backpack the Long Trail. Ended up doing it twice so I have about 540 rugged miles on them plus whatever amount went on them after that. These feel a bit stiffer out of the box than my original pair but that doesn’t bother me. Long story short, the quality, durability, fit and comfort is amazing. I have narrow heels as well as a low volume foot and it’s about impossible for me to find a boot where I don’t get heel slip, which I don’t with these. I’ve never had one blister or lost a toenail with these and the support is better than any hiking boot I’ve ever owned. For reference, I carried an expedition pack weighing 53 pounds (to avoid frequent food buying trail detours and also staying in shelters ), and my feet felt great in these boots, so I didn’t hesitate to re-purchase them 15 years later. Traction was great and of utmost importance with a pack that weighed almost half of me, especially on the Long Trail, which is no slouch of a trail. They’re not a lightweight boot, however, and for day hikes I prefer to wear trail shoes. As you can see from the photo of my older vs newer boots, the style is basically the same, which I’m very happy about because why change what doesn’t need changing? The old boots are still waterproof and warm, although I did have to reattach the sole with construction adhesive but that was my own fault for wearing them while digging a ditch that filled with water. So don’t do that :) I recommend ordering a half size up. The vendor was terrific and boots arrived within a few days.

My foot is not easy to fit. It is wide across the ball and slightly narrow in the heel. I have had the same pair of Vasque Sundowners since 1987. They are a cross between the dog's chew toy and a slipper. But it is time to retire them and thank them for their years of memories. So, where to find a new substitute that will fit like buttah and last almost 3 decades ?? I was pushed into action by my daughter who told me I should bring a pair of hiking boots to visit her in Switzerland (and I was leaving in three days!!). I figured it was hopeless but my son is a "boot connoisseur" and after about 20 minutes of research, suggested a Zamberlan. This boot was not available in my size so I tried the Zamberlan Womens Gear GTX in my regular size of 7.5. These boots run small...very small and I had to send them back. I checked this boot and at the last second it became available in an 8.5 (women). I have never worn an 8..5 in any shoe or boot EVER but I was desperate so we ordered it. I wear big, thick hiking socks (Thorlo: excellent) and this boot felt PERFECT. Enough width across the ball, narrow enough across the heel, just enough room in front for long descents (I have lost teonails before on shoes that were great on ascents but NOT on descents). It is also a beautiful boot with solid leather treated for water resistance. It was perfect the second I put it on, although I am still fiddling with the perfect tightness on the laces, which just takes some time. Even though the size is larger than I usually wear, the boot does not appear huge or clunky. It is an attractive, solidly made, excellent boot. I'm set for another few decades!

After trying all different brands in REI, I found Zamberland to be the most comfortable because of its sole and cut. This is a very high quality pair of hiking boots. What I like: - The look: very good looking with full grain leather. - It has very nice arch support. I have flat feet, and normally can't take shoes that have too much arch support. This one is just perfect, more support than another hiking boots I have, but not too much. - Rigid ankle support - Very durable Vibram sole. - The cut is generous for the toes. The sizing is accurate. - Hiked in them in knee-deep wet snow, and they kept my feet completely dry! Highly recommend! Update: I got turfed toe from xc skiing, and this is the only pair of shoes I can wear without feeling pain for the past few months. The rigid sole of this Zamberlan keeps my foot flat when I walk, which reduces pressure to my toe joint. I can imagine this to be really helpful to reduce the fatigue from long distance hiking. All other shoes/boots' sole is too soft which causes my foot to roll at my toe joint. Luckily, Zamberlan is so good looking that I find comfortable to wear them whether I go to art museum or a nice restaurant.

This is an outstanding hiking/mountaineering boot. Highly, highly recommended. I tried probably a dozen different brands/styles of hiking boots, and this one was by far the best. I've previously done all my hiking in trail shoes, but needed a legitimate boot to protect my ankles on some rugged terrain, multi-day hikes. Even after several days of nonstop wear (with no break-in period), my feet felt great. The leather is very durable and felt much more protective than some of the other suede and pseudo-leather boots. The tread was far and away better than other boots. Across the forefoot is wide enough to give toes room but not slip. Breathable. The back of the ankle has a soft cushioned area that is flexible and prevents blistering. The lace-up is quality. What sealed the deal for me is that the boot is completely rigid - and I mean that in a good way. I have a foot injury and am supposed to wear rigid soled, stability, rocker-bottom types of shoes to prevent bending the big toe when I push off. As you can see in the picture, the sole at the toe box is slightly-curved up, and enables pushing off without flexing the foot. In fact, when my foot is hurting, sometimes I just wear these boots around the house. I expect to have these for a long time and get lots of wear out of them. Worth the money.

Wore these 2 days inside my house just to make sure before venturing outside. They are amazing out of the box. I had a pair of 20 year old Vasque boots that I had to retire. Tried a pair of Keen boots, and I could not wait to get them off until the end of the day. These Zamberlan boots are amazing. Comfortable, great arch support, sole with just enough flex, laces that stay tight. Can't wait to go hiking!

I bought these on recommendation and they are awesome. Very minimal break in time. I was leary of the price but thought my feet and back deserved a good boot. If you need a solid hiking or hunting boot, this Zamberlan is it. I’ve read some reviews that criticized that the soles were stiff... the soles are stiff and are doing their job. They are stiff enough to protect your feet from jagged rocks or sharp thorns in the desert while having the grip they need not to slide. This does not compromise the comfort. If I had any criticism it would be that the boot could use more arch support but I added some Aetrex orthotics which are the best! They will definitely be my go-to hiking or hunting boot for years to come.

I ended up returning the boots because I found for about $70 less from another online dealer.. that said, the boots fit my feet very well. I have not gone hiking in yet so will have to update with another review after my hiking trip early Oct. Here's my impression so far though.. Fit is great- I have long toes and low volume (i.e. narrow, low arch) feet. My street shoe is 6 1/2 to 7, and I got these in 7.5, which is perfect. The toe box is roomy and the shoe has naturally good arch support built in, or use your own orthotic. The leather is a nice thickness- enough to be supportive but not overly stiff, especially in the ankle. While my ankles are not a problem, it would be great if they made the boot a little stiffer there since the tongue does not come up past the top of the boot- and make the tongue longer and more padded. When bending the boot forward, I got this shin-splint type pressure that I didn't care for. Imagine repeating this step umpteen times, or with a pack on? It could either get better or become really annoying. Compared to the Asolo 520 the Zamberlan's tongue feels chintzy. That said, the boot feels very lively and has great energy return . The outsole tread looks great, but hard to tell til you try in wet conditions. Like I said though, I've heard so many good things about the boot that I can't wait to try it and update my review.

I normally wear a 7.5 wide in a regular shoe (post pregnancy feet). I ordered these in a 7.5 regular with crossed fingers and a prayer. They fit perfect! Plenty wide, a little extra room up front. Spent eight hours in them bow hunting for elk. Comfy, waterproof, durable. A little slick on wet logs, but what isn't? Got a little heel sore going uphill, but nothing a little breaking in wont fix. Sturdy, great support in rough terrain, high quality. Would buy again in a heartbeat. So glad I didn't size up.

Our home burned in the Roaring Lion forest fire of 2016. I am attempting to replace some of the essentials on my priority list. I didn't have the model number of my Zamberlans until checking out past orders with REI. The boot recently sent is one lace to high for me. I've been backing for many years (I'm 92 this year) and ZAMBERLAN IS THE BEST BOOT I'v ever had. I'm in love with Zamberlan but I cannot wear the 996 Vioz GT, the extra lace height strikes my achilles at a very painful place. My original boot was model SKILL GT 310, perfect for my foot. Is it possible to exchange the new boot only lightly worn in very light hiking ( only 3 times)? As you might guess I am not financially able to spend a lot on my gear at this time. I hope you can help with an exchange for the original model for me.

I bought a pair of these boots two years ago and have hiked many miles in all kinds of terrain. I love them. I have a very wide foot, and these boots are very comfortable for me. I had to order a half size smaller than what I normally wear, and they seemed to stretch out a little. They needed no break in time. I use Zamberlan's hydrobloc every now and then to keep them conditioned and waterproof. I often trudge through mud and water with no leaking even after two years. The rubber on the toe started to separate from the leather recently, but I consider this normal wear and tear after two years. I just bought a second pair for future use, if and when the first pair wears out.