Vasque Sundowner GTX walking boots
$219.99 (Approx. £161.55)
www.vasque.com

I love a good leather boot, and the Vasque Sundowner GTX hiking boots in Red Oak have a beautiful look. For me, these boots were love at first sight – they look attractive, classic, and they also feel sturdy and well made. But of course, I also needed to try them on and try them out.

The Sundowner boot, in one form or another, has been a Vasque staple for 35 years, and you can tell. They were launched in 1984 and update in 2015 with modern engineering. The look is timeless, and is exactly what I want from a hiking boot – all the outdoorsy romanticism without sacrificing any of the practicality. The full grain leather is prepared in the company’s tannery in Red Wing, Minnesota, and it’ll have you dreaming of those North American hiking trails just looking at it. After seeing these, I’m never going to settle for a bland pair of hiking boots again.

These boots are waterproof, and I don’t just mean that they’re made of treated leather. They feature a layer of Gore-Tex within the layers of material, meaning no water is going to find its way through these boots at all. To that end, the boot’s tongue is folded but attached to the rest of the shoe at its sides, rather than leaving a gap for wind and water to creep through. As for Gore-Tex itself, the material is a membrane that blocks moisture from the outside while allowing the moisture inside to evaporate, keeping your feet dry and comfortable from within and without.

These really are beautiful boots. They lace up securely and are a reassuringly snug fit around the ankle, with plenty of support, padding and grip underfoot. The footbed is made from a molded polyurethane, the midsole from molded polyurethane with a TPU shank and the outsole is the Vasque Pyrenees. The result is a secure and comfortable fit with just the right balance of firmness and bounce. They have a fantastic grip on all surfaces thanks to the deep, chunky grooves on the sole. Even with a restless border collie pulling at his leash, you can stand firm!

If you need reliable, comfortable, attractive hiking boots, the Vasque Sundowner GTXs are a solid choice. They're also available in Jet Black, but in my opinion, I would go with the Red Oak every time. Both have a lovely look, but that Red Oak has a little extra beauty and oomph.

5/5

Pros:
Watertight design
Waterproof Gore-Tex
Strong grip
Secure fit
Comfortable foot support
Appealing look