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$120
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WeightMen: 12.9ozWomen: 10.8oz
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WidthMen: NormalWomen: Normal
Summary
We spent 6 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what hikers think:
11 reasons to buy
- Heaps of buyers stated that this was their best shoe purchase ever.
- Despite its low-cut design, the ankle support was impressive, according to a number of testers.
- Based on a lot of user reviews, the Vasque Grand Traverse performed well on a variety of outdoor conditions.
- It was a durable pair of day hiking shoes, as testified by numerous hikers.
- Many owners applauded the grip of this shoe.
- The Grand Traverse earned praises from a couple of expert reviewers for being lightweight.
- Umpteen bloggers mentioned how pleased they were with shoe's lacing system. They noted how it enabled them to obtain an overall snug fit.
- The rubber toe cap of the Grand Traverse gave plenty of users a surprising level of protection against bumps and thumps.
- Some wearers and an experienced hiker attested to its true-to-size fit.
- More than a handful of those who tested the shoe noted that it was perfect for day hikes with a light load.
- An outdoor enthusiast lauded the ventilation the Grand Traverse offered.
4 reasons not to buy
- A handful of users wished there was a waterproof version.
- The curved shape of the shoe last received disapproval from a few.
- Some experts thought that there was too little cushioning.
- The narrow fit of the Grand Traverse did not please a couple of gear reviewers and online purchasers.
Bottom line
The Vasque created the Grand Traverse to be an all-around hiking shoe. The careful selection of the features did not add bulk to its weight. Hence, it collected positive remarks. Its strongest points include durability, support, and performance. These pros, of course, raises a few items for improvement. Its minimal cushioning and narrow fit left outdoorsmen yearning for more. To conclude, the Vasque Grand Traverse is a low-cut day hiking shoe which may not work well with wide-footed individuals. Nevertheless, its list of benefits still leave prospective buyers enough reasons to check it out.
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.
90 / 100 based on 16 expert reviews
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I love them. Great shoes!
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I can wear them all day.
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With a lightweight and flexible build that is great for desert scrambling, this hybrid hiking and approach shoe is about as sticky as it gets.
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From light hiking to biking to getting together with friends for Happy Hour; here is a shoe you can slip on in the morning and not worry about missing out on whatever the day presents.
Updates to Vasque Grand Traverse
- The Vasque Grand Traverse uses a Vibram Ibex with Idrogrip and Megagrip compounds. This composition renders a grippy and stable footing.
- Rendering a cushioned ride are the molded EVA midsole, dual-density EVA footbed and Poron foam. A TPU shank grants stability.
- The upper is made of 1.8 mm suede leather and PU mesh. A rubber toe cap and lace-to-toe closure give durability and security, respectively.
Vasque Grand Traverse size and fit
The Grand Traverse from Vasque is a day hiking shoe for men and women. It comes in full and half sizes. It fairly runs true to size. The webbing heel lock enables accommodation of a wider range of fit adjustments, and its to-the-toe lacing system grants a snug fit. It is designed using the Equalizer last which features an asymmetric curve and roomy yet snug forefoot area.
Outsole
The Vibram Ibex is composed of two compounds which work together to provide a stable and grippy ride on most types of terrain. The Idrogrip addresses traction on wet grounds while the Megagrip compound creates a balance between pliability and firmness.
Midsole
The cushioning of the Grand Traverse has an abundance of features. It uses a Poron foam which adapts to the contours of the foot. It also features a footbed and midsole made of dual-density EVA and molded EVA, respectively. These blend of foams grant long-lasting comfort while maintaining a low weight. A TPU stabilizer is also placed in the midfoot section to give support and rigidity.
Upper
The upper of the Vasque Grand Traverse is made of 1.8 mm suede leather and PU overmolded mesh. These materials make the boot hard-wearing and breathable. It is reinforced with a rubber toe cap which also adds durability. It has a lining that wicks away moisture and promotes airflow even in the most strenuous activities. The classic lace-up closure is made up of punched eyelets.
Additional Info
- The Vasque Grand Traverse can also be used for Fastest Known Time (FKT) attempts with climbing and flat pedal mountain biking.
