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mangoes_n_rainbows OP t1_jdwvxa8 wrote

Reply to comment by lobin-of-rocksley in 25 year old Vasque Sundowners, bought new at REI in Albuquerque circa '97, hiking two days ago in Maui highlands by mangoes_n_rainbows

Vasque was acquired by a Chinese company decades ago and their quality went to shit. I wouldn’t buy Vasque these days.

Mine were made in Italy, have taken me up Half Dome three times and other hikes in CA, as well as hikes in NM, VT, and now HI. Even a few hikes in the Philippines.

Those Italians knew how to make a boot!

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lobin-of-rocksley t1_jdwwkev wrote

I have heard this all over the place. I currently have a pair of Lowa's that seem to be pretty nice. No idea on longevity, but they grip well and are very light.

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TaintlessChaps t1_jdx3vi6 wrote

I got mine in '98, but they were made in China. Lasted a long time although some of that was dormant in a flat land. One broke in so that it always pushed down on my toes and caused discomfort, but I was insistent they were buy it for life so I kept on hiking in them until the sole came off a couple years ago. All things considered, they held up pretty well over the many miles, but man I wish I had gotten them a year or two before when they were made in Italy.

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psimian t1_je4tk7h wrote

My first pair of "real" hiking boots were Sundowner hand-me-downs from the late 80's or early 90's. When they finally failed after 30+ years of use I made the switch to lightweight trail shoes and sandals. There just isn't anything like the old school sundowners on the market (at least not that I can afford). With newer ultralight hiking/backpacking gear I've found that I can get away with Teva sandals in most cases, or trail shoes if weather and trail conditions are particularly bad. I do miss those boots though.

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