Customer Reviews Zamberlan Vioz GTX

For the first 6 months of use, these boots were worth every penny. After 6 months of lightly wearing these, something in the toe cap in the left boot moved and the boot is now pinching my little toe and creating hot spots on my heel and big toe. The right boot still feels great. Not what I expect from a $300 pair of hiking boots.

I noticed it's been a few years since someone reviewed these, so I'll add my two cents. I bought mine three years ago. The sizing is right on - not too big, not too small. I expected a long break in period, and was surprised that I never did get a hotspot in them. I don't put a lot of miles on mine, but they are holding up great. And they look really great too, though that's not my top concern. These are the stiffest boots I've ever owned. It took a little while for me to get used to the feel - I wasn't as confident initially about the level of traction. The traction is superb - don't get me wrong - but I can't feel the texture of the trail quite as clearly as I'm used to, which took some adjustment on my part. Super high quality product.

What can you say about the Vioz that hasn't been said in thousands of reviews on the internet already...it is probably the best boot (by a laaarrrgggeee margin) that I've ever had the pleasure of owning and using for thousands of miles. While I am very smitten with Zamberlan as a brand, the Vioz is the boot making them (semi)famous. I don't know what makes the fit and feel of these boots so freaking phenomenal but whatever they are using is working as the comfort is off the charts for this boot. There is nothing, and I mean NOTHING, in existence that comes close to the comfort of the Vioz. I have tried all the Italian, German, and U.S. brands and the Zamberlan Vioz is head and shoulders above all of them. What I like: - The rocker: when you walk the boot feels like its pushing you forward, which feels best going up the mountain...really helpful, especially at the end of a 20+ mile day - The outsole: it's pretty rugged and the traction is pretty sound for a lot of different conditions, from the high desert in Utah to the Sierras in Cali and even the deep woods in Washington (I've used them across the globe, and they were great everywhere) - The leather: it's held up really well. I make sure to condition regularly, which is probably why they lasted me so many years (9 years and 2 resolings) - The looks: it just looks awesome - The fit: 2nd to nothing in existence What could be better: - I wanted a rubber toe bump on these as the front of the boot takes a lot of abuse on my trips. While the boots have held up well, I did get some deep scrapes in this area. I recently upgraded to the Vioz Lux which is the same boot but with rubber toe bumps For sizing, don't be surprised if you are 1/2 size smaller in a Zamberlan than your typical running shoe. If you buy too big a size you will get blisters as these are stiff boots. It's a technical boot, folks, you have to size it correctly. I am a size 12 in Nike, and a size 11.5 in Zamberlan.

Extremely impressed so far. I only used them a few times and they are not yet broken-in, but the fit and grip are amazing. Looking forward to taking them out on a more substantial first hike! They feel a little like ski boots for hiking. I initially thought they were tight, but they're a perfect fit and really protect your feet. When walking, I do notice the 'rolling action' mentioned in the documentation. Looking forward to many years of use.

These seem to be as amazing as the abundance of praise has claimed. I can’t wait to hike with them, but I wanted to offer some guidance on choosing the right size. I had been leery to order them online and chose the Zappos recommended size based on other shoes I have. This approach resulted in a pair that was a half size too large. If you go to the Zamberlan site, you will get some good sizing guidance by measuring your foot with a ruler. This ultimately led me to the correct size.

Very well made and fits true to Zamberlan size chart. Ordered a wide which was perfect. Very comfortable on first hike and no sore feet!

These are my favorite boots ever. They are super comfortable. They can pull double duty as work boots, but They also look great with jeans. They are expensive, but if you can afford to buy them, you will have the peace of mind that you are buying great quality boots.

I have had my previous Vasque hikers for 32 years! They did require breaking in but they maintained their comfort and longevity whether I was working in them or walking a festival all day or hiking my favorite trails. All that being said these Zamberlan boots were comfortable right out of the box. TRULY! The construction is very meticulous. All seams are finished,smooth and sealed. The metal lace-ups are strong and allow me to tighten the laces for a snug fit on my feet. I wear wool hiking socks with my boots. I have worn thin wool knee socks as well and they still remain comfortable. They also allow me to put in some "hot toes" packs if I need them. I went on a 7 mile hike up the mountain the next day! Remarkable no "break in" required. The terrain was rocky and uphill. Not a sore spot or hot spot on my feet. Wow these boots are really worth the price and they are waterproof to boot! I have been looking for a long time to replace my vasques' but it has been a long journey and many disappointments and returns. My feet are narrow with a narrow heel. I don't have to worry about where i'm going to hike or what shoes to wear anymore. These boots have it all covered!

I bought this boot from Mountain Equipment Coop in British Columbia, Canada over 5 years ago. It was the most expensive boot they had but I needed a boot that was ready for the West Coast Trail the very next day. This boot performed amazingly with no break-in time at all. I'm a 10 wide and it fits like a glove. I continue to wear this boot every winter for 4-5 months steady. I had a small separation between sole and leather on the front left last year which I used a strong silicone shoe repair glue to fix. Still going strong, still fits better than any boot I've ever had. I could take this on the West Coast Trail right now and not worry about blisters or wet feet (as long as I had some Gators)! I expect I will get a 6th winter out of this boot before I replace it with...yes, you guessed it, the same model. Absolutely top notch craftsmanship!

I bought these to replace a 10 year old pair of Tecnica boots. You can get lighter boots, but I always prefer full grain leather for the stability. They also have fewer seams, which mean fewer places for leaks to develop. Cosmetically, I also prefer this look to some of the more space-age or techno-looking boots with lots of stitching, stripes, or whatever. This is a good, classic look for a hiking boot. Very comfortable out of the box. A little stiff at first, which is to be expected with full grain leather, but by the end of the first day they were loosening up nicely. I haven't had the opportunity to fully test them on the backpacking trail, but a few weekend campouts with my son's scout troop have given a favorable impression so far. The rocker-style sole took a little getting used to, but it quickly became unnoticeable and does seem to work as described to propel you forward with less effort. Good support, comfortable footbed (which will be even more comfortable when I replace the stock insert with a Superfeet Green insert, as on my prior boots), and they have stayed bone-dry through torrential rain, low creek crossings, and numerous puddles. I am very pleased with these. They are pricey, if you compare them to what you find at your local big-box sporting goods store, but that is an apples to oranges comparison. Quality boots are a different product altogether. Many of the better boots are in this price range and higher. If they last 10 years, like my old pair of Tecnicas, they will have cost reasonably on a per month basis. These are as good as anything out there; and a good value for the money.

I bought these boots in a "Wide" and they're very comfortable. I've been wearing them on morning walks to break them in a bit before an upcoming hiking trip to Utah. The lacing is almost infinitely adjustable to give a snug fit around the tops of the feet and ankles. The only reason these boots got four rather than five stars is that they're quite heavy. I realize the weight comes with support, water protection, etc. but I can definitely tell a difference after only an hour or so of walking. Hoping to build up some endurance (and burn a few extra calories) as I continue to break them in.

looking to replace my montrail mtx boots. unfortunately, these are a little too narrow I'm close to a EE to 4E. length was true to size. very WARM boots. Also very high boots--maybe adds 1.5 inches to your height

My double socked foot for hiking: 280mm long, 111mm wide, Euro size 44. Boot: US 10.5, Euro 45. Length okay, too narrow across my forefoot. One size chart said my foot was an E width, boot is a D. Little wiggle room for toes. Foot bed other wise comfortable. Boot has a pronounced rocking motion to help roll into the step; I liked that.

They were probably true to width, I'm usually at least EEE, but you never know; sometimes EE works. However, the bigger problem was posted on a review before me and I found the problem to be true right out of the box with the first few steps: the shoe indents directly into the big toe. that is a problem that does not go away with breaking in.

I purchased based upon the reviews, but my experience was not good. The boots were out of warranty, but for the price they should not be falling appart after only several hiking trips. I call Customer Service and they seemed interested in helping then went dark. No response. If you get a good pair great, if you don't youre out of luck. They don't stand by the product even at a premium price.

I think the boots are wickedly awesome, I just wish there were more colors to choose from. I love the way the string incorporate some of the colors. I love the comfort and durability of the boot.

Excellent support great hiking boots very well made

Very good traction on muddy terrain, up hill, down hill, firm and balanced after 12 miles hiking … very well made

A strong shoe but comfortable from day 1. I purchased these shoes and then went backpacking (this was 6 months ago). No problems at all then and still a good shoe now.

Dig these a TON! Ended up getting a 1/2 size smaller, ran a bit larger than expected. Zappos swapped them out without any issues. THANK YOU!

Bad Ace Boots! Zappos was Awesome with my return & reshipment of a pair that fit properly (1 size too big). Thank you!

High quality boot, plan some time to break them in slowly

This model runs true to size I tried two different models of Zamberlan and Lowa and this fits perfectly. The heel pocket and toe box fit great plus all of Zamberlan have the best arch support

Perfect fit right out of the box

These boots are by far the best boots I have ever owned. Out of the box I hiked in Santa Fe to 11,400 feet. I still ear them on all hikes and even at outdoor events. Worth every penny!!!