Need packing boot advice: Zamberlan Vioz or AKU Superalp

The UK hills?
Definitely low-cut jogger territory.
We did Snowdon in joggers, and the Ben too. And Offa’s dyke and the Pennine Way, in joggers.

Cheers

Boots are blister factories.

When I use boots, I use Zamberlan’s.  I’v e been very happy with them.  My 2 cents.

That would be great if I could but I find myself often trekking through tall wet grass on soggy ground. The last time I did that in low cut shoes, the gaiters didn’t help much. I definitely need a boot that goes high enough, at least past my ankle.

@jonfong did you have any issue with the toe box? I find some pressure on my pinky toe side, like it’s a bit too narrow in the front which is weird cause I don’t have wide feet.

@Alex
some pressure on my pinky toe side, like it’s a bit too narrow in the front which is weird cause I don’t have wide feet.
Correct analysis re too narrow, but probably faulty analysis about the width of your feet.

Although, to be fair, some footwear is just plain badly designed and the wrong shape. Some footwear seems to be designed for an A width: long and very narrow. If your feet are not REALLY comfortable, discard those shoes. They are not worth the risk and the pain and the suffering.

Cheers

I have no problems at all and I have wide feet.  I agree with Roger, never were shoes that do not feel right.  Best regards.

Well if you took the train to the top of Snowdon you could do it in comfortable heels or pumps ;-)

I like AKU boots. I used their SL Trek model from 5yrs ago on my Snowdonia scrambles. They offer a more varied selection of lasts than most other Italian brands. But the Superalp is overkill unless you are carrying a big heavy pack and there is no need for that for ANY trek in England or Wales. The current Tengu Lite GTX is the most boot you would need for even the toughest scrambles in Snowdonia or the Lake District. That said, it incorporates their Performance last which might be a little narrower than boots with the Anatomical last. Also pay attention to which GTX membrane the boot has. The Extended Comfort is the one you want for Summer and early Fall.

We took the Pyg track to the top, in the snow.

Cheers

We took the Pyg track to the top, in the snow.

Cheers

@rcaffin

Wow you guys are quite the honey badgers! That’s awesome!

Maybe it’s just an age thing for me. I want complete comfort at this point, lol!

@rcaffin,

I agree, either my feet were measured wrong it’s just the design of the Zamberlan Vioz that it a bit too narrow in the toe box. I’ll skip that pair, I definitely don’t want to take that kind of risk with a $300 boot…

Thanks for the input!

@yamaguy

I’ll have a look at the Tengu. The superalp just looks so cool! But I see how it could be overkill… I’ll also try the Altera model from Aku, looks very comfy and lighter than the superalp…

There is always the option to try the Altra lone peak mid.  They make an event upper model.  Wider toe box than you find in many boots.  But not a boot.  And not a shoe.  Maybe the best of both worlds?  Maybe a terrible compromise?  I’d rather go with wet feet than ever wear boots again, but I also wouldn’t begin to suggest anyone do something against their better judgement or personal preference.  Just another option to look at with the Altra.

We don’t own any walking boots, and have not for the last 20+ years. Who cares about wet feet?

Look at the banks in this valley – well, OK, gorge. There is only one way to walk this river for a number of days, and that is up the middle.

The found stick in my hand is ‘snake’: it has that sort of a head shape. Invaluable for getting out of the quicksand, for both of us. We brought it home in honour.

Cheers

The newer mids can be quite lightweight ~ 500g while still offering extra protection with rubber toe/heel caps and wrap around rands. Moreover some terrain or scrambling situations will require a stiffer sole to keep secure foot holds. So a lightweight mid boot certainly outperforms a jogger in some scenarios.

My primary trekking shoe has been the NB Leadville V3 but with 700 miles on them I need a replacement as they are sadly discontinued. So I picked up 2 pairs of the Altra Lone Peak V4 from REI sale sight unseen. I haven’t worn them on trail yet but they leave me wanting. The clown shoe toe box fits a little loose and the sole is even more flexible than my now well worn Leadvilles. Overall build quality seems cruder too. Sad since at nearly $90 per pair ON SALE they are the most expensive 3-season trekking footwear I have purchased.

@rcaffin

Looks like an amazing place you were at!

I see your point. Perhaps something I should consider. Seems doable in warmer climates. I just started last year so I’m fairly new to backpacking and the whole thing.

I appreciate the input! Eye opening for sure…

Hi Alex

Oh, amazing country to be sure, but also very hard country with more than enough opportunities for ‘miscalculation’. May I recommend that you learn slowly? This is meant as nicely as possible. Sue and I have been at this game for nearly 60 years now.

Cheers and stay safe, and lightweight.

Alex – I want you to LOVE backpacking.  So, with all due respect, let me say that one of the classic mistakes new backpackers make is to start out with too much shoe … way too much shoe.  It leads to blisters, exhaustion, and trips the following year to the beach.  You rarely, ever, ever, ever see an experienced thru-hiker wearing even “light” synthetic boots.  I suggest experimenting before committing.  Above all else though – Happy Trails!

@mhr

Solid advice! Thank’s for the input. I’m beginning to see the real picture so to speak… I’ll stick with my current shoe for now while I do more research on a good option for the UK. I’m in no rush since my trip is still a few weeks away…

Cheers!

I was once a big one piece leather upper – leather lined boot fan, even after I had transitioned all of my gear to more lightweight gear.  In 2006 I decided to try a pair of trail runners (Salomon XA Pro 3D’s) that I picked up 50% off on an easy hike on the AT.  They shoes were a real success and I decided I would probably wear them on all warm weather trips…..I never wore my leather lined Lowa’s again.  I discovered that instead of my feet hurting after 15-20 mile days, I could do 25-30 mile days without them hurting.  I’ve worn trail runners all over the Southeast US, Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada’s, and two trips to Alaska.

During the Alaska trips the guys I was with wore GTX boots – all of our feet were soaked, but I was the only one on either trip without a blister.

I’ll add that I have tried GTX trailrunners and did not like them.  Breathable trailrunners are the bomb, and the best decision I have ever made about backpacking gear was to switch from boots to trailrunners, so I recommend you at least give them a shot sometime.

And there is a lot more profit margin for a gear shop in selling big leather boots for $300 than in seeing the customer walk off in some light joggers bought elsewhere. Funny about that.

Cheers

Hi Roger,
Great photo of you sloshing the trail-less outback.
My last pair of boots were Salomon GTX mids bought on sale for $58 US at EMS, before EMS took incredible shrinking potion. They will be replaced by an REI, no doubt bringing your price comparison back into better focus.

The best footwear is the pair that fits perfectly. Since feet are shaped differently, even for the same person over time, the best footwear is different for everyone.

Hi Sam
+1

Cheers