I bought a pair in 2011 to use as my daily driver construction work boot on sites that didn't require (and check for) safety toes. Trying them on at REI, it was like an angelic chorus cut loose when I slipped them on. I didn't want the $300 boots, I was pretty broke and really would have preferred the $150s but it was such a perfect fit that my feet made the choice for me. They saw mud, gravel, broken concrete, fresh concrete, rebar, nails & screws for 8 hours a day for 5 years, about 7000 miles give or take a thousand. I kicked countless heavy things into place with the toes. Eventually, I wore the tread flat. I considered getting them resoled but the leather upper was really cracked and fatigued. Not cracked through though, it still held up. The fabric liner wasn't shredded yet either. So I bought a second pair in 2016. I had to add safety toe workboots to the rotation, and I've been through two pairs of those since. The 2nd Vioz GTX is looking pretty worn but still sturdy.
Excellent review by someone who beats the crap out of them. I always treated mine with Obenauf's and snow seal and the uppers looked new while the soles wore out. I sent mine to a company that resoled them. Take care of the uppers and they can be resoled.
The comfort and room in toe box is perfect for me. I wasn't expecting to be propelled forward while wearing a boot but these do that far better than a running shoe. Remarkable boots!
Zamberlan hiking boots are resoleable, which can extend their lifespan for decades if the leather is properly maintained. On the other hand, all Salomon boots are single-use purchase that get trashed once the outsoles are worn out, which happens in a year or two for actively used hiking boots. In the long run, one enduring pair of Zamberlan boots end up being cheaper because they outlast 5 pairs of Salomons. The initial investment is so well worth it.
Terry Pratchett called this the "boots theory of economics". In a nutshell, if you can afford a really high quality boot then it will likely last much longer than the disposable boots your poorer compatriots have to buy. In the long run, having more wealth actually saves you money for some things so long as you invest in quality. Zamberlan is quality.
The stiffness is essential because they’re backpacking boots. They’re made this way to transfer the weight of your pack off the foot and onto the boot itself.
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!
Best boots, my favorite shoe, worth the money. I never slipped on the ice and snow wearing these to the mountains to snow shoe or ski. Then I started riding motorcycles, and these are better than the moto boots. Best soles, high heel that I need, protection, water proof, warm, last forever and sturdy. Soles saved my life several times. First pair lasted 15 years, but I outgrew them so hit another pair. I just need a taller boot, but I still use these exclusively.
I am a landscaper and use the 996 w/o extra toe Gaurd which is the only annoying thing. I've always felt the 996 is light, perhaps due to the way the toe jumps off and helps the hustle.
Do you know the production year ? The box is for 90 anyversey in 2019 but i am not sure that is the production year or not . For mounteniering bot thy sey dont buy old boot because the glue mey be expired . I bought the mountein pro and the box is exactly the same . Do you know how can i chek the prodution year?
Have to disagree with you as far as survival goes. The durability, warmth, comfort and traction beat Solomon shoes in my opinion. It might not even be a fair comparison. I like Solomon shoes but they don't do well on wet rocks. Just the Vibram outsole of these puts them in another category.
I bought a pair in 2011 to use as my daily driver construction work boot on sites that didn't require (and check for) safety toes. Trying them on at REI, it was like an angelic chorus cut loose when I slipped them on. I didn't want the $300 boots, I was pretty broke and really would have preferred the $150s but it was such a perfect fit that my feet made the choice for me. They saw mud, gravel, broken concrete, fresh concrete, rebar, nails & screws for 8 hours a day for 5 years, about 7000 miles give or take a thousand. I kicked countless heavy things into place with the toes. Eventually, I wore the tread flat. I considered getting them resoled but the leather upper was really cracked and fatigued. Not cracked through though, it still held up. The fabric liner wasn't shredded yet either. So I bought a second pair in 2016. I had to add safety toe workboots to the rotation, and I've been through two pairs of those since. The 2nd Vioz GTX is looking pretty worn but still sturdy.
Excellent review by someone who beats the crap out of them. I always treated mine with Obenauf's and snow seal and the uppers looked new while the soles wore out. I sent mine to a company that resoled them. Take care of the uppers and they can be resoled.
The comfort and room in toe box is perfect for me. I wasn't expecting to be propelled forward while wearing a boot but these do that far better than a running shoe. Remarkable boots!
Zamberlan hiking boots are resoleable, which can extend their lifespan for decades if the leather is properly maintained. On the other hand, all Salomon boots are single-use purchase that get trashed once the outsoles are worn out, which happens in a year or two for actively used hiking boots. In the long run, one enduring pair of Zamberlan boots end up being cheaper because they outlast 5 pairs of Salomons. The initial investment is so well worth it.
My thoughts exactly
Terry Pratchett called this the "boots theory of economics". In a nutshell, if you can afford a really high quality boot then it will likely last much longer than the disposable boots your poorer compatriots have to buy. In the long run, having more wealth actually saves you money for some things so long as you invest in quality. Zamberlan is quality.
True.
The stiffness is essential because they’re backpacking boots. They’re made this way to transfer the weight of your pack off the foot and onto the boot itself.
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!
Best boots, my favorite shoe, worth the money. I never slipped on the ice and snow wearing these to the mountains to snow shoe or ski. Then I started riding motorcycles, and these are better than the moto boots. Best soles, high heel that I need, protection, water proof, warm, last forever and sturdy. Soles saved my life several times. First pair lasted 15 years, but I outgrew them so hit another pair. I just need a taller boot, but I still use these exclusively.
I've had them for a couple months and I'm still very happy with my Zamberlens. You'll forget the price once you're on the trail.
I'm a big man 230lbs 5-10" tall! They do not feel heavy at all and support me magically
I am a landscaper and use the 996 w/o extra toe Gaurd which is the only annoying thing.
I've always felt the 996 is light, perhaps due to the way the toe jumps off and helps the hustle.
I liked the video b😂cause this guy is pretty hilarious in his reviewing
Awesome review…. 👍…..
Thank you for watching!
You will get worn out side hilling or doing actual work w/o the stiffness.
Do you know the production year ? The box is for 90 anyversey in 2019 but i am not sure that is the production year or not . For mounteniering bot thy sey dont buy old boot because the glue mey be expired . I bought the mountein pro and the box is exactly the same . Do you know how can i chek the prodution year?
How about a Meindl boot review, Vakuum GTX or Meran GTX?
I need to review those for sure! Thanks for recommendation!
Just got this boot for $150 usd
I hear they run very narrow.
Have to disagree with you as far as survival goes. The durability, warmth, comfort and traction beat Solomon shoes in my opinion. It might not even be a fair comparison. I like Solomon shoes but they don't do well on wet rocks. Just the Vibram outsole of these puts them in another category.
Are these better than adidas terrex R3 ?
are u serious lol
Strange words - Ferrari, unbelievable etc.
You didn't run 3 miles in them. He wore them around the house and returned them for a refund!
Do you always enjoy making a fool out of yourself?
Illustrating complete ignorance of a product’s purpose does not constitute a review. This is just pure nonsense.