Gear Reviews: Boots

Vasque Wasatch

Manufacturer: Vasque

Reviewed by: Canyonram

Purchased the Vasque Wasatch boots and used for light wear (walk to work, no backpacking trips). After 5 months, part of the heel peeled away when I stepped up on a concrete curb and exposed the metal shank. I suffered a nasty fall and cut and bruised my knee and right leg. When I sent the boots to the manufacturer (or should I say US sales company Red Wing since these boots are made in China)I was informed that "Upon examination of this pair, we find their present condition is 100% due to the wear they have received, not to substandard materials or construction." I really expect a $160 pair of boots to last me a bit longer than 5 months of light wear. So, if this is indeed the quality you will receive, I would advise one purchase other boots that are going to give you value for the money. I have some old work boots that have years of heavy use and cost me much, much less. Thankfully I was not down some backcountry trail when this boot fell apart on me. I looked at some boots at Wal-Mart and noticed the product tag sewed on the inside of the $19.95 specials. The tag was identical to the tag in my Vasque boots. Now, either the company in China makes labels for every boot or every boot is made on the same assembly line. Guess which one I think happened here? Two thumbs and two big toes down for the Vasque Wasatch. Ditto for the form letter sent by Red Wing to explain the damage (and what does a form letter indicate about the quality of the boots?)