Vasque Breeze/Taku boots or other options

Not directly answering your question but might help a bit…I use low-cut Vasque Breezes and I love them. If I'm nitpicking they are a tiny bit narrow for my feet, but I tend a little wider than average and it hasn't posed a problem while hiking yet. Anyway, I bought Breezes after carefully researching Vasque for a while, and I've been very happy. Durability, comfort, traction, for me the whole package is there and they required minimal break-in time. Actually, in my experience all of my Vasque shoes and boots have required little break-in time.

I bought on Sierra Trading Post, and my version is still there in limited sizes for a cheap price. They probably have high-cut ones too, so I'd check them out. In terms of minimizing weight in a boot, I think the Breeze is a good way to go.

Greg: yeah, the Breeze were astonishingly comfortable in store. I definitely need the above ankle. I have to say that for such a light boot they seem to give great ankle support.

Can you tell me about how well your boots keep your feet dry? (I plan to use my above ankle boots in early season with gaiters). Because of all the mesh in these boots I just assumed that they would leak. Reviews have been mixed on this point.

It's the lack of mesh that interests me in the Takus.

Sure,
I specifically ordered a Gore-Tex version of the low-cut shoe, just for a bit of security. Through whatever rain I've encountered and puddles, they've definitely kept my feet dry. Because the mesh is light sometimes I get the sensation of wetness when I get the outsides wet but really it's just coolness that I'm feeling, and not actual moisture.

I worked at a local outdoor gear store when I was in school and I loved selling people on the high-cut Breeze. As you noted, for such a light boot there is a surprising amount of ankle support and it was always fun to have people try them on and carry some weight around. These days I prefer a lower cut shoe but if you are going high, I think the Breeze is a solid pick.

Thanks Greg.

http://www.lowaboots.com/catalog/ShowBoot.cfm?StockNum=3108450442&Category=16&Type=M

I tried these on and they felt quite "sneakerish". Leather on the outside, and leather lined with no weatheproof liner. Somewhat wide fit (at least for me).

Rob: these look really good. I'll try them out if they're in stock in my stores. Just about everything that I'm looking for, on paper.