We tested out the new Vasque Talus XT GTX Boots on some Colorado 14ers and local waters. We put the waterproofing to the test so you don’t have to. Here you will get an in depth review of what we really think.
About Vasque | About The Boots | Our Review | Summary
You can purchase the Vasque Talus XT GTX Boots Here.
About Vasque – Over 5 Decades of Footwear
Vasque is a 55+ year old company with years of experience creating quality footwear. It is a company run by hikers, campers, and fellow outdoor lovers.
Vasque produces more than just heavy duty and durable hiking boots, but they also have products that minimize weight, and a great for those long distance athletes or thru-hikers.
You can read more about Vasque here.
Our Testing Scenario
We took these boots out on some CO winter 14ers with microspikes, snowshoes, ice axe, and all of the winter hiking essentials. A fishing trip, an overnight camping trip, and tried as hard as we could to step in every puddle, every muddy hole, and on uneven rocks to put this pair to the test.
About The Boots
Technical Specs
| Leather | 2.0mm Waterproof Leather |
| Fabric / Material | Abrasion Resistant Mesh |
| Waterproofing | GORE-TEX with Performance Comfort Technology |
| Footbed | Dual Density EVA |
| Midsole | Molded Polyurethane |
| Outsole | Vasque Exclusive Vibram® Mega Nuasi with Megagrip Compound |
| Sizing | Mens, Womens, Wide, Normal – Various Sizes |
| Weight | 2 lbs. 11 oz. (1212g) |
Free Standard Shipping
Vasque offers free standard shipping as well as faster shipping options.
Returns
Vasque will accept returns if your boots don’t fit or meet expectations. They will even pay for the shipping. Great customer service, and great return policy.
Our Review
Waterproofing
Snow, ice, and water. We tried it all. The Gore-Tex leather materials are extremely waterproof. The boots had no trouble with melting snow, and even purposefully dunking the boots in water up to ankle heigh. The feet inside the boots remained dry. The next several months will come to tell how these boots hold up to a beating. This review will be updated if the waterproofing doesn’t hold up, but the confidence is high with this pair.
Warmth
These are great 3-4 season boots. As an extremely warm blooded person, heavy insulated winter boots are not really necessary for me, even during harsh conditions in winter at 14,000 feet. If you are looking for a boot that is versatile and can handle almost any situation, this is a solid boot. The extra toe room also allows for thicker socks, making them a little bit warmer.
Fit & Comfort
These boots were in line with most other boot sizing. I am a 10.5 in most boots, including this boot, so sizing appears to generally be on point (with a slightly roomier toe box). Vasque allows you to choose different widths as well. If you generally run wide, we suggest you order the wider size.
We would say that the toe box is a little bit more roomy than other boots. If you like a little wiggle room for your toes, like thick socks, multiple layers, or the extra room, this is a great boot for you. If you like tighter fitting, you may want to order the smaller width size.
Overall, these boots fit really well. They were comfortable. While most high top boots need breaking in on the ankle sections, these boots were surprisingly comfortable to start. They broke in even more comfortably. Our experience showed that the internal parts of the boots, sole, and heel sections got significantly more comfortable after putting in several miles. That slight breaking in really got these boots to fit nicely.
Read this article if you are trying to decide whether a hiking shoe, mid cut, or high ankle boot is right.
Looks
These are some pretty good looking boots. In fact, they enticed unprovoked compliments. The brown and orange color has a great look with the orange laces popping.
Laces
The lace system on these boots are fantastic. They easily tighten, stayed tied nicely, and the lace loops are well designed and sturdy. Zero issues at all here.
Traction
The Virbam outsoles of this shoe is fantastic. Extremely sturdy and able to handle all types of terrain. Most importantly, very rugged and clearly will last a long time. Good traction on all surface types.
Recommendation
After putting these boots to heavy use, they come highly recommended from us. Super durable, quite comfortable, very good looking, and tons of traction and protection. If you are looking for a high ankle boot for all seasons, this is a great option. The return policy and guarantee from Vasque also make this an easy and risk free online purchase.
Additional Photos
Vasque Talus XT GTX Waterproof Boot Review Used While Fishing
Vasque Talus XT GTX Waterproof Boot
Vasque Talus XT GTX Submerged In Ice Water
Vasque Boots in a river
Max DesMarais is the founder of hikingandfishing.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about