I've got messed up ankles from years of rolling then playing basketball and football. These are the most comfortable boots I've ever put on! From day 1 they were perfect, replaced my Lowa Renagade's. Worth every penny to me.
Have been wearing this model for YEARS! By far the best boot I've worn to date, only wish the soles lasted as long as the uppers but, they are re-soleable. I have a narrow foot and the fit is like a glove with my orthotics.
I bought this model boots at REI. Mine were extremely comfortable right out of the box. No blisters or tender spots after an all day first hike. Love em! I would give them 5 stars. Not cheap but quality never is.
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 $150s but it was such a perfect fit that my feet made the choice for me. They saw mud, gravel, broken concrete, fresh concrete, rebar, nails & screws for 8 hours a day for 5 years, about 7000 miles give or take a thousand. I kicked countless heavy things into place with the toes. Eventually, I wore the tread flat. I considered getting them resoled but the leather upper was really cracked and fatigued. Not cracked through though, it still held up. The fabric liner wasn't shredded yet either. So I bought a second pair in 2016. I had to add safety toe workboots to the rotation, and I've been through two pairs of those since. The 2nd Vioz GTX is looking pretty worn but still sturdy.
Just picked up a pair, not knowing anything about them just knew they looked special, from Good Will!!!! 26$. 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!
I have the 1996 Vioz Lux GTX RR, they truly are remarkable boots! The flex stem really does give you a lift as you ascend steep terrains. Change the footbed on a regular basis and they will always feel brand new.
I first purchased a pair of these boots 9 years ago, after my old Colombians died after only 3 years of hiking/mountain climbing, I have to say the Zamberlan was way out in front, when it come to fit and comfort but so was the price. Anyway never broke them in, never got any blisters, just a joy to wear right from day one. The only con is that the soles after 5 years started to disintegrate and your forced to buy a new pair as to resole costs almost the same as a new pair. So I brought another pair from a sale from an online store, bargain @$257 Aud. Very happy with this boot
Just bought these, while stiff, I still think they're pretty comfy out of the box. Heavy, but well built. Didn't know about the plastic on the toe and heel, thanks for the info.
Well-crafted boots that feel great right out of the box & then get better over time. The sole is like a snow tire: great grip in all temperatures, but the trade-off is shorter life span.
Best boot I've ever owned, hands down. And, mine were actually super comfortable right out of the box. Stiff, yeah, but loosened up after several days of full use. Super high quality you can see and feel. I read that Zamberlan will actually resolve them for you once. So, in 10 years I'll have them resolved and will have a whole new pair of boots!
Fantastic boots. Mine fit and felt comfortable straight out of the box. Wore them a few times around the house and on some short walks a few time, then went straight to a 10K hike no issues. Love them. They give me tremendous stability and fixed a gate problem that I have and eliminated the knee issue I have when descending. I'd recommend them.
I've had this boot for a year. I wore in on my cross country drive from Upstate New York to SoCal in January of last year. Its very comfortable after a short break in period. I'm an avid winter sports enthusiast and wear this boot whenever I'm in the mountains or colder climates.
I bought a pair of these at REI and I was very surprised at how comfortable they were out of the box. It was as if somebody had broken them in before I bought them. I hiked up Mt. Elbert and they were very comfortable and I had no blisters. I am on 3 years and the only think I can say is that a rubberized toe cap would be good as the toe get s beat up.
I have owned these boots for over two years. They are a great boot, my only gripe is they are not resoleable. I live in AZ and the terrain eats at the sole. This is a great boot from a great boot maker. Next time I will buy a resoleable boot.
I'd disagree with his analysis of this boot in regards to comfort. It is comfortable out of the box. I've had three pair and am going to buy another. I have a narrow, so medium width foot with a high arch. Fits me just fine. The rest of the review is spot on.
Bought a pair of Zamberlan's back in 2009. After a few months of breaking them in, I'm still hiking in them 10 years later. Had the soles replaced 4 years ago after wearing them out. The only place that seems to take the most punishment is the leather area just above sole where the shoe bends. I did buy a new pair 3 years ago, but they are way too nice to hike in. These newer shoes in the video have me worried about the leather protection just above the sole. There is none. My newer Zam's have 1 inch rubber side protection above the sole. When I'm hiking, I'm sliding off rocks and roots that could tear up the leather. These are great shoes once they are dialed in.
Its love/hate for me. Undoubtedly the best fitting, highest quality boot i have ever owned (and i have had many). Unfortunately the spongy material between bottom of leather and the vibram sole literally fell apart. Tried gluing back, but no go. Whatever this rubber foam is, it is disintegrating, albeit after several years of use. That being said, i am actually considering buying another pair, as i only have a few more years before i disintegrate as well.
I just bought a pair. First impression is that they are pretty stiff. Not as grippy or light as my Meindl Makauaus. Looking forward to them wearing in and trying them out further
Ive had a pair for about two years now and they are great boots! Ive got a pair of Vioz, Eiger 4000, and Expert pro. the last two are mountaineering boots but like the Vioz super comfy .. The expert pro were built using the same last. Id like to try a pair of their Norwegian Welted boot but my goodness the$$$$$$$$$
I was very lucky that this boot fitted perfectly all the other boots had some wrong feelings it did take me 3 and a half hours and 6 shops to find the perfect feeling boot. I learnt my lesson and I will never try to break in a boot or shoe again. My recommendation is to take your time and get the right one and forget about the price. As this will last you for years and they will replace the sole when worn. Take care of this investment.
I have had Zamberlan vioz boots for a few months and they are a real treat for my feet!! They fit perfectly in every way! - from the moment I put them on! I have issues with ball of the foot pain and the rigid and rocker bottom keeps me pain free! I just wish I could find some shoes made with the same last so I could have something to wear in the summer!! I can't say enough about these boots! Sooooo comfortable! (There's even little pillows of comfort on the tongue which cushions the top of my foot!! ) 🥰 If anyone has any ideas where I could get shoes made with the same last please let me know!!!
I've had two pairs of these Vioz and think they are the best boots made. Very comfortable right out of the box so disagree with Thebootguy that it is uncomfortable....not even close. I developed a bunion so just tried on a new WIDE model that fits very good and relieved my hotspot. I had two 8 1/2 narrow boots but tried the 9Wide and it will be my new boot. Bums me out because my other Zamberlans have plenty of life left in them.
They run very narrow... One of the best boots made. I know people that have had those for over 5 years and they're still going strong. It's an investment.
Hey boot guy, I bought these 2 days ago after agonizing over them and the Lowa Camino. The Lowa's were very comfortable for me right from the box. But these look so much better, more durable and supportive with a more aggressive sole. The problem is that after 2 days or about 5 hours of wearing them at home they seem to be uncomfortable to the point of having a hot spot in the right foot and now a small blister there. So I had to take them off. I have normal width feet with normal size 9 and no bunions or other such issues but these are not so comfy for me so far at all. Thinking of returning them actually. Do you think they will break in where I get the hot spot on the sole? Because I know the leather uppers will break in but I have no issues there. My concern is the bottom of my feet.
Unless you see a biomechanist and get custom made insoles they wont get better. I have overpronation and these were recommended to me, put them on and they felt Amazing, I headed out on a walk and 5 minutes in I was walking home barefoot. I ditched Zamberlan and went for Hanwags instead which feel like walking on pillows compared to the zamberlans that felt like walking on broken bricks
Don’t understand the idiots protesting against the yellow vibrant symbol on the front. I use these all the time in a military role, have you people never heard of permanent black markers? Takes all of 5 seconds.
If you're wondering if the brand is any good, I have a pair with vibram and gore-tex, and they've gone through snow, long hikes, motorcycle rides with torrential rain and everyday use. In the end, 5 years have gone by, and they look really good!
I just got my 10.5 wides literally today and am wearing them at the chair right now to test and boy, they feel like a whole nother boot from my dads 10.5 regulars. As in a perfect fit for my wide tapered feet. I actually had put off buying another pair of boots for years since I never liked anything I tried and gave up, stoping hiking from health issues, BUT these are the first boots I've tried and immediately loved and felt comfortable in right away.
These look like they were made by a child for their action figure. Who wants bright yellow words on their black boot? Are you trying to kick things to advertise the company's idiot design?
Have owned two pairs of the vioz, first ones lasted 10yrs and 3 yrs into the second pair... Best boots ever had... 🙂
I've got messed up ankles from years of rolling then playing basketball and football. These are the most comfortable boots I've ever put on! From day 1 they were perfect, replaced my Lowa Renagade's. Worth every penny to me.
Have been wearing this model for YEARS! By far the best boot I've worn to date, only wish the soles lasted as long as the uppers but, they are re-soleable. I have a narrow foot and the fit is like a glove with my orthotics.
It is like a piece of sculptured art.
Digging the bloopers!
I picked these up for NYC winters. Not into hiking but love these in the winter and when it snows.
Bought a pair of these in 2014 still kicking ass, these have been all over the world with me. Hope my next pair are as good. Thanks Zamberlan
I bought this model boots at REI. Mine were extremely comfortable right out of the box. No blisters or tender spots after an all day first hike. Love em! I would give them 5 stars. Not cheap but quality never is.
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.
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!
I have the 1996 Vioz Lux GTX RR, they truly are remarkable boots! The flex stem really does give you a lift as you ascend steep terrains. Change the footbed on a regular basis and they will always feel brand new.
I first purchased a pair of these boots 9 years ago, after my old Colombians died after only 3 years of hiking/mountain climbing, I have to say the Zamberlan was way out in front, when it come to fit and comfort but so was the price. Anyway never broke them in, never got any blisters, just a joy to wear right from day one. The only con is that the soles after 5 years started to disintegrate and your forced to buy a new pair as to resole costs almost the same as a new pair. So I brought another pair from a sale from an online store, bargain @$257 Aud. Very happy with this boot
Just bought these, while stiff, I still think they're pretty comfy out of the box. Heavy, but well built. Didn't know about the plastic on the toe and heel, thanks for the info.
Well-crafted boots that feel great right out of the box & then get better over time. The sole is like a snow tire: great grip in all temperatures, but the trade-off is shorter life span.
Best boot I've ever owned, hands down. And, mine were actually super comfortable right out of the box. Stiff, yeah, but loosened up after several days of full use. Super high quality you can see and feel. I read that Zamberlan will actually resolve them for you once. So, in 10 years I'll have them resolved and will have a whole new pair of boots!
Fantastic boots. Mine fit and felt comfortable straight out of the box. Wore them a few times around the house and on some short walks a few time, then went straight to a 10K hike no issues. Love them. They give me tremendous stability and fixed a gate problem that I have and eliminated the knee issue I have when descending. I'd recommend them.
Did you have to order a bigger size?
Yes I think they are one size up from what I wear in shoes. I'd recommend trying them on somewhere first if your'e buying online
Zamberlan really kicks ass...! Fantastic shoes that serve me since years flawlessly!👌👍
I've had this boot for a year. I wore in on my cross country drive from Upstate New York to SoCal in January of last year. Its very comfortable after a short break in period. I'm an avid winter sports enthusiast and wear this boot whenever I'm in the mountains or colder climates.
picked mine up for $80 at REI with a discount. Excited to wear them in!
I bought a pair of these at REI and I was very surprised at how comfortable they were out of the box. It was as if somebody had broken them in before I bought them. I hiked up Mt. Elbert and they were very comfortable and I had no blisters. I am on 3 years and the only think I can say is that a rubberized toe cap would be good as the toe get s beat up.
The yellow Vibram logo right on the toe cap really bugs me!
Ever heard of a sharpie?
I own a pair of the vioz gtx and they are the most comfortable pair of boots I've owned! They are like wearing slippers!!!!
I have owned these boots for over two years. They are a great boot, my only gripe is they are not resoleable. I live in AZ and the terrain eats at the sole. This is a great boot from a great boot maker. Next time I will buy a resoleable boot.
sandmanoseven Zamberlan makes a resoleable line of boots, as well.
The new ones can be resoled
These are re-soleable.... just use their cobbler recomendation
@@philbertthenut49 exactly
Nice review. Thanks.
I'd disagree with his analysis of this boot in regards to comfort. It is comfortable out of the box. I've had three pair and am going to buy another. I have a narrow, so medium width foot with a high arch. Fits me just fine. The rest of the review is spot on.
Same here - so comfortable, straight out the box. Perfect shape for my feet
Great great boots! I just bought the leopard model (just like the vioz but with Nubuck leather and camo soles) and they are awesome!
Bought a pair of Zamberlan's back in 2009. After a few months of breaking them in, I'm still hiking in them 10 years later. Had the soles replaced 4 years ago after wearing them out. The only place that seems to take the most punishment is the leather area just above sole where the shoe bends. I did buy a new pair 3 years ago, but they are way too nice to hike in. These newer shoes in the video have me worried about the leather protection just above the sole. There is none. My newer Zam's have 1 inch rubber side protection above the sole. When I'm hiking, I'm sliding off rocks and roots that could tear up the leather. These are great shoes once they are dialed in.
Its love/hate for me. Undoubtedly the best fitting, highest quality boot i have ever owned (and i have had many). Unfortunately the spongy material between bottom of leather and the vibram sole literally fell apart. Tried gluing back, but no go. Whatever this rubber foam is, it is disintegrating, albeit after several years of use. That being said, i am actually considering buying another pair, as i only have a few more years before i disintegrate as well.
In built obsolescence.....
I still have the pair that has the shorter ankle support. Why did they stop making those?
Return rate. Can't count how many people loved them in the store then wanted to return them after one trip out
I just bought a pair. First impression is that they are pretty stiff. Not as grippy or light as my Meindl Makauaus. Looking forward to them wearing in and trying them out further
can we have a zamberlan 996 vioz vs scarpa kinesis gtx ? i am confused which boot to go for
Vibram is also an Italian company.
I’ve had 2 pairs in 10 years. Great boot!
I found mine comfortable from day1. Still breaking them in though!
Ive had a pair for about two years now and they are great boots! Ive got a pair of Vioz, Eiger 4000, and Expert pro. the last two are mountaineering boots but like the Vioz super comfy .. The expert pro were built using the same last. Id like to try a pair of their Norwegian Welted boot but my goodness the$$$$$$$$$
I bought these thinking they were waterproof but somehow when I take them off the inside liner feels a bit damp?
I need a review for the wolverine legend
I was very lucky that this boot fitted perfectly all the other boots had some wrong feelings it did take me 3 and a half hours and 6 shops to find the perfect feeling boot. I learnt my lesson and I will never try to break in a boot or shoe again.
My recommendation is to take your time and get the right one and forget about the price. As this will last you for years and they will replace the sole when worn. Take care of this investment.
I have had Zamberlan vioz boots for a few months and they are a real treat for my feet!! They fit perfectly in every way! - from the moment I put them on! I have issues with ball of the foot pain and the rigid and rocker bottom keeps me pain free! I just wish I could find some shoes made with the same last so I could have something to wear in the summer!! I can't say enough about these boots! Sooooo comfortable! (There's even little pillows of comfort on the tongue which cushions the top of my foot!! ) 🥰 If anyone has any ideas where I could get shoes made with the same last please let me know!!!
what leather treatment should you use?
Zamberlan Hydrobloc
I've had two pairs of these Vioz and think they are the best boots made. Very comfortable right out of the box so disagree with Thebootguy that it is uncomfortable....not even close. I developed a bunion so just tried on a new WIDE model that fits very good and relieved my hotspot. I had two 8 1/2 narrow boots but tried the 9Wide and it will be my new boot. Bums me out because my other Zamberlans have plenty of life left in them.
They run very narrow... One of the best boots made. I know people that have had those for over 5 years and they're still going strong. It's an investment.
Gotta say my Zamberlan Cortina Mid is the most comfy boots I own.
Great review...Thanks...
I just got mine before watching this video at REI and felt like I was trying out Batman’s boots.
Hey boot guy, I bought these 2 days ago after agonizing over them and the Lowa Camino. The Lowa's were very comfortable for me right from the box. But these look so much better, more durable and supportive with a more aggressive sole. The problem is that after 2 days or about 5 hours of wearing them at home they seem to be uncomfortable to the point of having a hot spot in the right foot and now a small blister there. So I had to take them off. I have normal width feet with normal size 9 and no bunions or other such issues but these are not so comfy for me so far at all. Thinking of returning them actually. Do you think they will break in where I get the hot spot on the sole? Because I know the leather uppers will break in but I have no issues there. My concern is the bottom of my feet.
Unless you see a biomechanist and get custom made insoles they wont get better. I have overpronation and these were recommended to me, put them on and they felt Amazing, I headed out on a walk and 5 minutes in I was walking home barefoot. I ditched Zamberlan and went for Hanwags instead which feel like walking on pillows compared to the zamberlans that felt like walking on broken bricks
goes up to size 16 now
Don’t understand the idiots protesting against the yellow vibrant symbol on the front. I use these all the time in a military role, have you people never heard of permanent black markers? Takes all of 5 seconds.
Do you ever review boots by AKU?
If you're wondering if the brand is any good, I have a pair with vibram and gore-tex, and they've gone through snow, long hikes, motorcycle rides with torrential rain and everyday use. In the end, 5 years have gone by, and they look really good!
Will fit for wide feet too?
They make a standard width and a wide fitting
I just got my 10.5 wides literally today and am wearing them at the chair right now to test and boy, they feel like a whole nother boot from my dads 10.5 regulars. As in a perfect fit for my wide tapered feet. I actually had put off buying another pair of boots for years since I never liked anything I tried and gave up, stoping hiking from health issues, BUT these are the first boots I've tried and immediately loved and felt comfortable in right away.
Vī bram or vee brum?
Scarpa Delta Gtx
Only one problem though: they can't be resoled
Check the Zamberlan web site. They have a list of their boots that can be resoled.
They can be resoled, just Google it.
I proclaim these boots are fantastic. On my 4th pair..Move Bitch! Get out the way!
Badass, but that vibram logo on the tip 👎🏼
1:00 onwards - get your damn hand out of the way.
no! no tactical boots!
As good as Asolo 520. Probably better.
Yip
These look like they were made by a child for their action figure. Who wants bright yellow words on their black boot? Are you trying to kick things to advertise the company's idiot design?
Beauty as you may know, is in the eye of the beholder.