Zamberlan 996 Vioz GTX - Hiking Boot Review
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- čas přidán 29. 08. 2024
- #zamberlan #zamberlanboot
This Zamberlan 996 vioz gtx is a game changer. This hiking boot review is just that, a review coupled with my opinion. This video in not an overview. I live in hiking boots and being an Alaska hiking/backpacking guide has given me the opportunity to try out many hiking boots. This Zamberlan boot is well worth the money.
Here is the link to buy these babies!
Zamberlan Men's 996 Vioz GT Hiking Boot
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Just picked up a pair, not knowing anything about them just knew they looked special, from Good Will!!!! 26$. Looks barely worn and the treads are still 100% can still see the factory hash marks! Now I know I have a true gem! Fits like a glove!
Oh man! $26 😳😳😳
Dude, if they fit like a glove, you are going to love them.
Happy hiking...or whatever you use them for 😊
@@BRAMANTEBROTHERS their not even broken in yet! Fits like a glove! Use them to walk dog so far lol
Haha. Hey, they were cheap and your feet are super comfy. 👍🏻
@@BRAMANTEBROTHERS 100%
You lucky dog!
I will have to remember those boots if I need hiking boots! I do love to hike.
Just remember they are considered a "backpacking boot". They are a bit on the heavy duty side.
@@BRAMANTEBROTHERS thanks for the info 😊
Thanks for the long-term update, it does inspire confidence! I just bought a pair of these today, they are my first "real" hiking boots (used to go cheap, just not worth it). I went through just about every pair of boots at the store they had available in wide and avoided these at first because, while I didn't want anything cheap, I also didn't want to spend north of $300 on a pair of boots either.
Nothing was quite working, so I threw these on and instantly I knew they were the ones, they just hit different.
My only concern is that I see a lot of people complaining about chunks of the sole ripping off, even within the first year. Yours look like they never had that issue, but yours are quite old so I hope it's not a newer problem (formula change in material, etc).
Anyway, thanks again for the update, I hope I'm just being paranoid about the soles because they feel so good!
Nice! Yeah I suppose it could depend on the terrain you're hiking on or like you said, possible new rubber mix. I hope you don't have that problem and that you love them as much as I do mine. Happy hiking, and thanks for watching 😊
I work in building and renovation and live walking these boots have seen hell for 4 years and they are still good to me
That's incredible! I have done that line of work, and you ain't liying, it is hard on boots.
I agree that this boot is a gem among similar-priced boots, some of which won't last a year with normal wear. I have owned mine for many years and they are probably the best hiking boots I've owned. The soles are very durable. I have a problem wearing-out the heel edges and this sole has lasted far longer than any other. To anyone reading: Don't be afraid to buy this boot!
Thanks for the comment, and thanks for watching 😊
I've got the 1996 Vizo and they are definitely the best hiking boot I've ever owned...fit like a glove
👍🏻Right!?
A stellar boot for sure.
The best hiking boots I've ever bought, my current pair at 9 years old only now need to replaced after almost daily wear over that period. The uppers are still fine but the soles are worn through.
That's incredible. Definitely a testament to the quality.
Thanks for watching 😊
I pretty sure the soles are replaceable, so many years left!
I believe you are right.
@@27ups Yes, the cost of resoling is less than a new pair, but still about half the cost (£100). So I have bought a shiny new pair! But it does seem a shame to just dispose of the old ones and I have considered resoling them for everyday use - they look very battered now!
I had a half dozen hiking boots i was disatisfied with because the soles are so poorly shaped, or spongy, or there's poor support, lots of boot soles collapse under my weight (300). I was at REI and going through just about every boot on the shelf and I was just not impressed with anything, and the salesperson said, "why don't you try the mack daddy". They found a 13 in the Zamberlan and I took 2 steps and turned around and headed straight to the register. These are something special. I think they really are 10x the boot over something like the Salomons.
That's sounds somewhat similar to my experience. I had tried so many boots on from several stores. While at REI, I was drawn to the good look of the all leather Zamberlan's. The second I tried them on, the search was over. After 9 years of beating the heck out of them (they are no longer water proof but still super comfortable) I just bought a new pair.
I also have had my 1996 boots for six years of daily wear plus probably 100 days of rock hopping in the wilderness are in northern wyo. Three things for a new buyer ,these boots run a little long and a little narrow compared to my monorails. If you walk into a greasy spoon cafe expect to slide from one end of the floor right on to the exit!! The slickest sole you’ll ever have,but that’s why after six years they still have rubber under ‘em. Mine are as waterproof as they were brand new and if you just give them a little love with the zamberlan waterproofing wax the color won’t hardly fade and that’s amazing in itself. This is one manufacture that I would seriously consider the tofane model just for the easier sole replacement because these uppers are bulletproof!! An amazing boot for sure.
Thanks for the info 👍🏻
Thanks for watching.
I’ve had mine for three years and love mine too
So great to hear.
Thanks for the comment.
I agree with you I've been wearing these for years as my everyday wear and they're so comfortable and hold up fantastic the last pair lasted 6 years of daily wear on construction sights, camping, hunting, and fishing. I didn't even take care of them not once did I treat the leather. I will see how long the new ones last I am going to take better care of these, so they probably won't last as long with my luck.
Thanks for the comment JR
6 years is pretty good, especially if you wore them on construction sites. They are hard to beat.
I bought these two years ago & my wife bought Keen boots - the Keen boots are done after two years & mine still look near new. Great boots for hiking, snowshoe, light trail crampons in temps down to -10°C while walking (standing in snow, ice, or cold requires a much more insulated boot).
Great to hear!
Thanks for watching.
Happy hiking 😊
I once had a pair of boots, an old pair of vasque, and yes indeed, they were like slippers. Bought them on a friday, and had like 15 miles in by noon on saturday, no foot issues. These Zamberlan are the nicest boots ive ever had, but by, even after 100 miles, Id say they are not even close to broke in. My second pair of vasque were a similar thing, but when they finally broke in, became my favorite boots. I am hoping its just a matter of time.
Nice! Thanks for the comment.
Yes I agree good to go day one with the correct fit. ✅ no break in period and great traction and l love the comfort and the ankle and arch support
It sure feels nice to find such a great boot.
Thanks for the comment 👍🏻
i just got mine resoled and they are like brand new again, i have had them for about 8 years I suspect too, they have a whole new life again
That's amazing! It is so fun hearing other people's stories about how much they love these boots.
Love them too. On my third pair. 14W fits perfect from day one
Right!?
Such a great boot.
Thanks for commenting
Zamberlans are pretty much the Ferrari of hiking boots and I recently bought these from a rei close to wear I live currently breaking them in honesty zamberlan makes merrel and Salomon look like trash my dad has pair of zamberlan boots that he bought at rei when my family lived in Atlanta Georgia and they have survived twenty years of hiking in Georgia and Colorado they definitely show their age but still wearable honestly I think zamberlan makes the best boots
I am partial to mine and I would agree.
Thanks for the comment.
I first crossed paths with zamberlan boots in the 80s. I had previously searched for some waterproof boots with alas no success. I took a chance and bought a pair which, at the time, is probably 75% of a weeks wage, if not more. Fortunately they were great and kept the water out, even walking through running water. That 1st pair lasted ten years, as did the 2nd pair. I then dabbled with non leather gortex lined boots such as Merell and Salomon, they let me down and didn't keep me dry. So back to zamberlan and 3rd pair are 100% waterproof. Zamberlan now have gortex liners. They dont need that, im sure its purely buyers think they need it and onky look at brands with it.
What a story. A testement to true quality. Thanks for watching 😊
I've been wearing boots all my life never wore a light or heavy boot more comfort and strength that a italian made boot ,it's cause they take alot of pride making them top quality ,thank you for your product.
Thanks for watching.
I have a pair of well used Zamberlan’s that look identical to the pair in this video. I can only echo everything this man says, when given regular care, these boots refuse to die. I know I have over 1,000 miles on mine and though the soles are getting quite smooth, the leather uppers remain in good condition and still keep my feet dry in wet conditions. I’ve treated them regularly with the Zamberlan hydro block that I order off their site, a little bit goes a long ways.
Thanks for the comment, James. I'm so glad to hear another great testimonial. It reaffirms that I didn't just "get lucky" with a good pair.
Happy hiking.
If you can $$$, to avoid cuts from rocks, try 972 GUIDE MAX GTX® RR, or without the laminated calf skin collar on the Gore-Tex inside, the 971 GUIDE LUX GTX RR. Initially got 996 to hike but they're so comfortable and stable to walk in, I wear those highly polished for dress shoes.
I have those. I will say I didn’t break them in and got horrible blisters within ten miles. So I started wearing them for work (HVAC Tech) and now they’re the best boots I’ve ever owned. 100% will stick with Zamberlan.
Got a pair here in Norway🇳🇴not exactly the same model but similar love them after to hikes 😊forest and mountain ❤
Nice!
Thanks for watching 😊
My only "complaint" about them is no toe kick so the front leather can get beat up.. But these are really good boots and well worth the money. REI will usually have 20% off around Christmas time which makes the price a little more reasonable.. but even at full price these boots are good value because they actually last so long as you do take care of them. I wouldn't even get a full year out of $100 boots but the Zamberlands are still going strong after 3 years.
100% That is the same complaint I have. But even still, they gave me 8 years.
Love your comment, and thanks for watching.
Just got a pair off eBay for 180. they look to be brand new. taking them to Shasta on may 2nd!
Oh, that's sweet! Hope they fit your feet well, and happy hiking. 😊
If you need to break a shoe in then walk away and get the shoe that fits.
It took me 3 hours to find a shoe that fitted perfectly and I knew as soon as my feet entered them that this were the one.
Btw you can have the boots resoled with the original.
I've heard that. Good to know 👍🏻
Thanks.
I have a pair myself that have lasted about over 8 years too. I also have a crack on the side like yours. Is there any recommendations on how to prevent the cracking? I'm planning on getting another pair and want to prevent, or delay, the cracking. Thanks!! I also love mine!
The "crack" on mine is actually where a rock sliced it. But there are a bit of small cracks on them. I would always make sure to wash and scrub off any mud or dirt after hikes because if it is left on, it dries out the leather faster and cause it to crack. I also found a really good boot cream and treated them at least once, and sometimes twice a year.
Hope that helps.
Thanks for the comment.
Thank you for the review! I just bought these shoes as well. Could you tell me what gaiters you used to stay dry? Thanks!
We have the Outdoor Research one. It doesn't look like they offer them anymore. Any basic gaiter should work though.
Thanks for watching.
Did you ever get them re-soled? And did you use they hydroblock to treat the leather? And I so hear you about stitching. I had a pair of Keen Durand IIs that lasted 5 hikes before the stiching blew out. I was able to return them. After some research, decided I wanted full leather. Tried the Danner Light Weight and the 1996 RR Zamberlan. The Zmaberlan's just fit my feet so well. I bought them 2 days ago and just found this video today..
I did treat the leather with a higher end Danner boot grease, so it would not soften the leather, but I never got them re-soled. I still wear them for say a casual day in town because they are so comfortable.
Thanks for the comment, and thanks for watching 😊
would you say that this boot would be suitable for Everest Base Camp trek? rocky terrain, snow, sometimes ice? also can you fit microspikes onto these boots?
I have walked on hard packed snow/glaciers with these and they did great. The other questions you have, I do not know. Sorry.
Having done that trek numerous times, I can assure you that a pair of boots like this will deffo make your experience much better. Occasional stretches of talus-like rockfall on trails, and lots of uneven surfaces. A solid shank and good ankle support (which this boot offers) will make your experience much more enjoyable.
Are they true to size?
My true measurement is 8.5 D. I almost always have to buy a 9. I bought a 9 with these and they fit great. Also, it is a solid piece of leather with no seams, so where most shoes bust out right by my little toe, this one did not.
Hope that helps.
Did you use them on snow ? ❄️ all good ?
No, never in the winter. They're not insulated. I have other boots for that job! ☺️
man look at those... you could resole them a dozen times
Right!? I'm telling ya, great boots!
Leather hiking boots suck. The best boot every made for hiking/backpacking was the Koflach Polo boot. It was only sold in 1985. They were 3/4 shank plastic boot. They had a removeable lightweight liner that could be pulled out to dry in a tree at night or to throw in a washing machine to clean. The University of Calgary Outdoor Centre used to rent them and loved them. No customer ever got stinky rental boots. The Koflach Polo plastic 3/4 shank boot did not get wet and add weight and was zero maintenance. When you needed to cross a river, you simply pull the boots off, remove the liner and socks, stick the foot into the plastic boot shell and cross the river comfortably. At the other side you take the boot off and drain the water, put the liners in and socks on and go with dry feet. No leather boot can do that because leather is old school.
A zero maintenance boot is very important on backpacking trips that are hundreds of kilometers long. Who the hell wants to bring toxic heavy waterproofing crap to treat leather? With the Koflach Polo boot there was no maintenance. The boots were the lightest but toughest hiking boots ever made. I backpacked about 10,000 kilometers on them before they cracked so bad I could not wear them. I would replace the Vibram soles every year. I only got blisters once in the boots, when I first wore them. After that my foot was broken into the boot.
Leather boots need maintenance, gain weight when wet and change shape usually causing blisters. They sometimes will not dry out on backpacking trips which just adds major weight thereby reducing hiking mileage. I would destroy some leather hiking boots on a single trip because they are not scratch resistant enough for some mountain terrain in the Alberta Rockies. Too bad Koflach Polo 3/4 shank boots are no longer sold. I would happily pay $1000 for a pair of Koflach Polo boots as I know how good they perform. I have tried to convince boot manufacturers to make them but they would rather sell leather crap boots that do not last.
efficient design where the boot kind of "rolled". Because the boot was plastic, the last would not break down like leather boots. It always maintained its shape.
efficiency
Wow
😆
I’ll take leather any day clown