Zamberlan Steep GT SKU: #7526391

Todd L

from Helena, Montana

I bought these based on the review in Backpacker because I couldn't find locally a good replacement for my Asolo Powermatic 200 GV's.Turns out they were a good, comfortable fit. Otherwise, they have been disappointing.The soles are too flexible for heavy duty use (I hike on rocky, mountain trails 2-4 miles a day in all weather) and the tread is already showing significant wear after only 4 weeks. These are not the super sturdy boots depicted in the magazine review. At this rate, I don't expect them to last a single season. Ankle protection seems good, though.My manual crampons fit okay, which is a plus.Huge negative is the lacing system - these have got to be the most annoying boots to put on that I have ever experienced. As you try to snug the laces, they catch on eyelets and speed hooks, and you have to untangle them at every crossover point. Plus the speed hoots are not firmly attached, so they rotate and further snag the laces and make tying the boots a real a chore. Am I being picky? Maybe, but no other boot has been such a pain.All in all, a good lightweight boot, not suitable for heavy trail use or backpacking.

Brands I'd also recommend: Asolo, Scarpa, La Sportiva, Lowes

Anonymous

from Wherever the Trail is

Zappos order arrived quickly, entire transaction was very smooth. This boot is a backpacker magazine Editors Choice winner--- with good reason. Out of the box comfort. Good heel cup, no wiggle, roomy toe box. My feet are borderline wide, many boots don't fit properly, no problem with this boot. Zero break-in. I've only put about 40-50 miles on them so far, but they are most definitely waterproof, comfortable and appear quite durable. I suppose I'll know for sure after a few hundred miles with 40-50 pounds on my back, but so far I have absolutely no reason to doubt that they'll live up to their reputation and pass any terrain I'm capable of dealing with. Like some other reviewer I had issues with Asolo Powermatics after previously being very satisfied with Asolo boots. Only 4 stars for style since they only come in red, but that's growing on me.

Brands I'd also recommend: Kayland Vertigo High

Joshua C

from North Eastern PA

These are the most comfortable boots I have ever worn, but the traction on anything wet is absolutely horrible. I hike up a trail that is right next to 20+ waterfalls and these are useless on any wood or rocks that are wet. The traction is so bad that I returned them to the retailer I purchased them from. With a different sole, these boots would be awesome. They are just as waterproof as any good Gore-Tex boot. So while comfortable, I don't believe they deserved the best boot award they got from Backpacker magazine at all. Looks don't matter much to me, but make sure you like red if you order these boots. They are bright red. Remember Air Jordans in the early 90s? That's how red they are.

Vin

from NYC

I've had good luck with "Gear if the year" awards, (Asolo Fugitive Gtx & Osprey Atmos 50) so I figured I'd give these a shot. Out of the box comfort definitely. Not as heavy as I thought and not as red as I thought. Overall I'm impressed with the quality and construction. Just did a short 10 mile hike with 20 pounds on and no hot spots and no blisters. I'm an 8-1/2 in all but one of the pairs of hiking boots I've owned and these 8.5's fit great.

Brands I'd also recommend: Kayland, Asolo Rachlie

Anonymous

I love these boots. They are amazing. I have a very hard to fit foot. These have been comfortable right out of the box, almost like old slippers. I have had no blisters at all, haven't even been close. They fit my foot like a glove. The nylon loop that is set way back toward the heel provides significant advantage in locking my heel into the boot. Outstanding. What a great boot.

Bill M

from Hendersonville, North Carolina

Update - May 16, 2011 (See original posting below): I have been wearing these boots now for 13 1/2 months, on twice-a-week mountain hikes (6-9 miles each) with the neighborhood hiking club and doing yard work. Besides being a little dirty, they are as good as new, with very little sole wear. They remain solid and very comfortable. I was afraid Zamberlan might discontinue this boot, so I just purchased a second pair (the brown color this time). During the year, I have also purchased two pairs of Zamberlan low-top shoes and they are equally as comfortable and solid as the boots. Bottom line: Zamberlan footwear reflect Italian old-world quality...no cheap Chinese imports in their product line. And, Zappos rocks...great products and ultra-fast shipping! Posted: 4/16/10 Reviewer: Bill M from Hendersonville, NC Overall: Rated:5 stars! Comfort: Rated:5 stars! Style: Rated:5 stars! Shoe Size: Felt true to size Shoe Arch: Excellent arch support Shoe Width: Felt true to width When my old hiking boots began showing signs of impending demise, I was filled with dread. Finding shoes that fit well is difficult for me. Finding boots that fit correctly is almost impossible. Then, I read about these boots in the April 2010 issue of Backpacker magazine (they had awarded the 760 Steep their 2010 Editor's Choice Award). I was unfamiliar with the Zamberlan brand, but decided to give this boot a try; even though I wasn't particularly fond of the gray and red color (Zamberlan calls it "gray and amaranto"). That turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. I wore the boots around the house for a couple of afternoons and that's all it took to break them in. On the third day, I wore the boots for 14 hours, in total comfort. The boots are amazingly comfortable on our western North Carolina mountain trails, which are steep and rocky. The boots offer great support and are as comfortable as house slippers! I used to come back from hikes and the first thing I wanted to do was take off my boots. Now, many times I just leave them on until time to go to bed. They are also totally waterproof, allowing water crossings almost up to the top of the boot. On a recent hike, I intentionally stood in flowing water for about 5 minutes, just to put the waterproofing to the test. I emerged perfectly dry. One of the Backpacker magazine testers put a pair of these boots on, right out of the box, and went on a two-week expedition in an Alaskan mountain range. He crossed glaciers, climbed in crampons and hiked 50 miles across soggy tundra with a 70 pound pack. His conclusion: "This boot delivers tank-like support and stability, with Cadillac comfort". The magazine review said, "It's not the lightest or most affordable new mid weight (boot), just the best...spend a little extra on this boot. Your feet will thank us later." I definitely concur with that statement! By the way, these boots are handcrafted in Italy...and it shows. And, oh yes, the bright read color becomes much more muted, after a few stream crossings and trips down the trail! I would give this boot six stars, if I could!

Anonymous

from Redlands, California

I read about these boots in Backpacker Magazine's review. It came highly recommended. I was concerned because they come in medium width only, and I am usually a 9EE. I ordered the 9.5 and have hiked in them a few miles, and they are comfortable right out of the box without any hot spots so far. They give good support and when crossing streams, the water just falls off of the surface and keeps my feet dry. Good support in rocky terrain and both during a climb and descent. Recommend them highly.

Anonymous

from Redlands, California

I read about these boots in Backpacker Magazine's review. It came highly recommended. I was concerned because they come in medium width only, and I am usually a 9EE. I ordered the 9.5 and have hiked in them a few miles, and they are comfortable right out of the box without any hot spots so far. They give good support and when crossing streams, the water just falls off of the surface and keeps my feet dry. Good support in rocky terrain and both during a climb and descent. Recommend them highly.

EventHorizon

from CA

Very good boot. I'm a bit of a Zamberlan whore but these boots justify it. I also have the Panther's and while I love those, they are not so good for true off trail hiking in tall grass or brush (seeds and burs get into the boot due to their low height). Very comfortable right out of the box. The soles are a soft-ish sticky rubber which gave me critical grip of some very steep, dusty, loose rock terrain. I like to hike steep terrain and needed a pair of boots that I could count on and these proved themselves worthy. You just cannot beat Italian craftsmanship.

Brands I'd also recommend: Just stick with Zamberlan's. They value quality and don't make their stuff in China!!!

Anonymous

from Cincinnati

I really like these boots because they required absolutely no break-in period before a hiking trip of approximately 50 miles. This was the first purchase from Zamberlan and I am impressed. The second trail day I wore them was the day I climbed Katahdin in Maine while it was raining. My only surprise was that the boots took longer than expected to dry out even though my feet were never wet. I did not have any of the traction issues that others have had. The rest of my recent trip was spent in a variety of rocky and root filled terrain. My feet stayed dry and comfortable during the entire trip. Now that I have finally read the care instructions and learned that the soles are replaceable makes them even better since I went through the soles of four pairs of my previous favorite boots.

Joseph

from Maine

These are the most expensive boots that I have ever purchased. I bought them primarily because of the editors choice they won in Backpacker's Magazine. These are made with very high quality standards and it shows. They are great all around boots. They had a quick break in period, very flexible, yet rigid enough to support heavy loads. I have not had any of the traction issues that some buyers complained about with these boots. I have tried Keens, Salomons, Asolos, you name it but none of them are on par with these boots. I know the price is a little steep but you will not be disappointed. Just get them! And a couple years down the road you have not got to throw them out when you have worn the sole out because they are resolable! I have nothing bad to say about these boots.

Brands I'd also recommend: Lowa, Scarpa

Tom

from Adirondacks

I used these right out of the box with no break in period for a back country bushwhack fishing trip in the Adirondacks. I covered about three miles while carrying a boat and another three miles of hiking and the boots worked great. They were very comfortable and had plenty of support and traction. These replaced a pair of Perfekt Hikers that I got from Cabelas and I'm glad that I got these. I look forward to using them in the back country for hunting this fall.