My Boots Were Made for Hiking! Vasque Women Breeze 2.0 Gtx Boot

Vasque Women Breeze 2.0 Gtx Boot Several Hundred Miles Later!

When I first started taking hiking seriously, meaning more than walking the dog in the oversized dog park, I started thinking about gear.  Knowing I was just coming off of 9-months in a walking boot due to a fibula break, I decided the best place to start would be with good ankle support.  Therefore, I started looking for a good hiking boot.

I have a narrow foot, so as with all shoes, I figured this was going to be a hard find.  Additionally, I did not want to feel like I was going to be wearing around heavy-laden hoofs, as I like to feel as if I am in control of my feet and not my feet in control of me.  Lastly, I was planning on hiking in 3-seasons, so I wanted one piece of gear that would be good for all three, including creek crossing as is often necessary during runoff.

Having my expectations in mind, I started my shopping on the internet.  First, I looked at 2016 reviews of women's specific hiking boots on several different sites.  I compiled a list of the top 5-boots that fit the profile I was looking for from these sites and headed out to the stores to try fit and compare local prices.  

For me, it was an easy deduction due to fit, as it only came down to two boots with a narrow enough footbed that would work with a thin hiking sock.  Sure, a lot of the salespeople wanted me to try on the boots with a thick hiking sock, especially since it was November, but you have to think of all seasons when you are purchasing gear.  I took one of my thin socks with me, so I was going to make a informed decision.  With that, I took photos of the two boots' boxes labels, prices, etc. and went home.

From there, I went on the internet and started comparison shopping for prices.  This immediately led me to one boot over the other.  After all, I am getting my first piece of hiking gear, and I am not Daddy Warbucks!  Upon making my choice, I searched further on prices on the one particular boot and ended up saving about $50 from ordering the exact boot off the internet, rather than in-store.  Obviously, this was not impulse shopping!

The boot I ended up with now has several hundred hardcore hiking miles on it and I am so thrilled with my decision.  

I purchased the Vasque Women Breeze 2.0 Gtx Boot.  These are my experiences and why I am still a fan of my boot.

• It is waterproof, and I have absolutely tested this with many creek crossings, as well as hiking in downpours. 

• It provides ankle stability.  I have maxed this test out.  I'm rather sure with the rocky, rooted terrain I hike if I did not have this superior support I would have been stranded with sprained ankles, or possibly another fibula break.

• The soles offer cushioning, stability, and traction.  I rarely slip on scree, or loose terrain.  I have great grip when I scramble over rocks and boulders, and I just put over 10-miles on with a bruised toe (I did night before) and didn't even feel pain!  

• Breathability.  My feet do not overheat, even in 90+ degrees with a thick hiking sock!

• Athletic fit. This allows quick movement and easy scrambling, no jamming of the toe box and my ankle does not slip.  I have yet to have any blisters!  

Boots cushioned bruised toe. Didn't even feel it.
Bruised night prior, not from hiking!

Thus far, I love my boots and I believe I made an excellent choice in footwear!  💚💚