Facts
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Subcategory
Hiking Sandals
Made of lightweight materials. They don't have much top-of-the-foot coverage so they're mostly suitable for well-maintained trails and summer hikes. Also useful for crossing rivers and streams. They come in open and closed-toe designs. See the best hiking sandals.
Hiking Shoes
The low-cut equivalent of hiking boots. Comfort is paramount in the creation of these shoes so they often have flexible materials. Generally used for day hikes. See hiking shoes.
Hiking Boots
Mid to high-cut models designed for more aggressive hikes and backpacking. See hiking boots.
Mountaineering Boots
Specialized footwear. Often insulated and used in technical routes, ice climbing or expeditions. See mountaineering boots.
Good to know
For hikes that won't last for more than a day, go with hiking sandals or hiking shoes. Tackling trails with greater challenges will require hiking boots or mountaineering boots.
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Use
Day Hiking
Shoes or boots for hikes that only last for half a day. Flexibility and lightness are the highlights of these kinds of footwear. See the best day hiking shoes and the best day hiking boots.
Backpacking
For multi-day trips with a heavy pack. Manufacturers emphasize durability and support in the creation of backpacking boots. See backpacking boots
Speed Hiking
Designed for users who want to cover a greater distance by going fast, usually with a light pack. See speed hiking shoes.
Winter Hiking
Boots that grant insulation to the user during hikes. See winter hiking boots.
Multi-sport
Mainly sandals. Aside from hiking they can be used for other purposes such as water activities. See multi-sport hiking sandals.
Good to know
Casual hikers can choose day hiking footwear or multi-sport sandals. More info here.
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Cut
Low
Shoes with a cuff that goes below the ankle. See low-cut hiking shoes.
Mid
Boots with an ankle-height cuff. They provide extra ankle support. See mid-cut hiking boots and mid-cut mountaineering boots.
High
Boots with a cuff that goes above the ankle. In the case of insulated ones, they may reach the calf. Also grants extra ankle support. See high-cut hiking boots and high-cut mountaineering boots.
Good to know
Generally, for trails that are easy to tackle, go with low-cut shoes. Go mid to high if there are more trail obstacles.
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Price$180
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Feature
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WeightMen: 21.1ozWomen: 17.2oz
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WidthMen: Normal, WideWomen: Normal, Wide
Summary
We spent 9.7 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what hikers think:
7 reasons to buy
- Several Breeze III GTX owners admired its breathability. It kept their foot cool even in hot weather.
- Its right-out-of-the-box comfort was lauded by a majority of hikers.
- A couple of experts mentioned that the Vasque Breeze III GTX gripped well in most trail conditions.
- It virtually had no break-in time, as observed by plenty of users.
- A bunch of Vasque patrons were stoked with its cozy feel. Hence, they got another pair.
- The Breeze III GTX rendered great support especially on bumpy areas, according to several day hikers and bloggers.
- Many online buyers commended the boot’s protection against wet elements.
3 reasons not to buy
- The sole showed signs of wear too soon, based on a lot of consumer reviews.
- A significant number of brand loyalists stated that the quality of the Breeze III GTX was not as good as its predecessor.
- Some users mentioned that it runs narrow.
Bottom line
The Vasque Breeze III GTX gained mixed feedback from experts and neophytes alike. Regarding comfort and traction, this boot seems to hit the bull’s eye. However, it appears that there was something amiss with its durability and quality. In summary, the Vasque Breeze III GTX may have reached its third generation, however, its ability to last is now in question and may dampen its reputation.
Rankings
Expert Reviews
Experts are hikers, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
Are you an expert? Apply to contribute here.
85 / 100 based on 8 expert reviews
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Basically, the best all around shoe that I've used.
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While they may not be the most comfortable for all of my long-distance situations, I know that I can count on these boots to finish whatever adventure that I take them on.
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In circumstances where you want waterproof footwear for the possibility of rain or occasional shallow streams and mud. But I would not recommend them for trips in sustained wet conditions.
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More breathable in hot conditions. However the downside to the mesh is that durability may be more of an issue over time as the fabric breaks apart sooner
Updates to Vasque Breeze III GTX
- The Vasque Breeze III GTX is made ready for day hikes and extended overnight trips over various trail conditions. The breathability of its nubuck upper is optimized through the mesh and ventilation panels. Furthermore, a Gore-Tex laminate adds waterproofing.
- This 3rd version of the Breeze GTX still has a rockered profile thanks to its sole unit. It is comprised of a compression molded EVA midsole with TPU instep shank, All Terrain Compound-molded main chassis, and Vibram Contact Grip outsole.
Vasque Breeze III GTX size and fit
The Vasque Breeze III GTX is mid-cut day hiking boot available for men and women. Lengths available are whole and half sizes while width profiles are offered in medium and wide. This gear generally runs true to size.
It is shaped using the Arc Tempo+ last which yields a more spacious toe box. It has a medium volume heel which enables it to accommodate a range of foot shapes. The fit can be customized through its lace-up closure. A locking ankle hook keeps the foot in place.
Outsole
The Breeze III GTX features Vibram Contact Grip outsole with Megagrip compound. It provides traction on wet and dry grounds. Its large lugs help increase ground sensitivity while the spaces between the cleats prevent muck build-up. It also has a layered profile in the toe and heel areas to assist on ascents and descents.
Midsole
This mid-cut hiking boot features a compression molded EVA midsole for cushioning. It works with an underfoot chassis molded in the brand’s All Terrain compound to resist constant compression and create torsional stability. A TPU midfoot shank provides firmness for a stable ride without hindering flexibility. Also, a dual-density EVA footbed cradles the foot for enhanced comfort.
Upper
The upper of the Breeze III GTX features 2 mm nubuck leather and Air Mesh. To enhance breathability, Vasque engineers designed it with mesh vents and lined it with a non-insulated, waterproof Gore-Tex Extended Comfort laminate. The brand's designers also installed ventilation ports in its toe and heel caps.
Its lacing hardware includes webbing eyelets and open hooks that contribute to a secure lockdown. Its cuff and tongue are cushioned for comfort. A rear pull loop facilitates quick on and off.
