ProView – Vasque Torre AT GTX Review

If you’re going into the Alaskan backcountry, you need boots that are up for the challenge. The Vasque Torre boots handled everything I threw at them. I brought these along on a 12 day rafting trip down the Tatshenshini and Alsek rivers through the Yukon, British Columbia, and Southeast Alaska. The weather in this area is notorious for driving sideways rain for multiple days, so I knew I wanted a waterproof pair of boots to keep me warm and dry. Well, we lucked out, and may be the first group to experience less than 30 minutes of rain the whole trip! All the sun allowed us to hike more without fear of getting socked in up high. 

Features

We stopped for a layover day at Sediments Creek to tackle a hike into the alpine that the guidebook describes as, “a long, steep, hard-core climb to Goat Ridge.” They weren’t lying (though we didn’t see any goats). The Torre helped me navigate the scree field and class 3 scramble at the top of the hike with relative ease due to the high-traction Vibram soles. The deep lugs helped me avoid slips in sections of steep, loose soil. I did notice that, for me, the heel cup dug into my heel somewhat during the steepest sections, but my ankles felt very stable and supported. While the ankle did not offer a lot of flex, I am hopeful that this will improve as the boots continue to break in. Generally, I found that these boots run on the small and narrow side. I sized up from my usual size and still found them snug. This isn’t a dealbreaker, I’d simply recommend trying them on at a local shop to be sure of your size. Underfoot, the footbed felt comfortable, supportive and responsive, especially when carrying a heavy load. 

Comfort

As we pushed our way through a field of wildflowers that towered above my head, I never felt my feet get saturated from all the moisture. The boots also breathed well, keeping my feet from overheating, a common challenge I’ve experienced with other waterproof shoes. We were rewarded with spectacular views of multiple mountain ranges at the top, which made the steep ascent worthwhile. 

Back on the rafts, we floated another week before arriving at Alsek Lake. The glacial lake was otherworldly, with icebergs floating in the crystal clear blue water.  I was able to stand in the icy water for several minutes when unloading gear from the raft. My feet stayed warm and totally dry! At only two pounds, these boots are surprisingly lightweight for the heavy duty, high cut style. While that certainly made hiking less fatiguing, I was especially grateful for the extra packing weight that allowed me to carry on the bush plane out. The “Sage” color (gray-green) hid dirt well and complemented my hiking pants nicely, even though the rest of me was a mess!

Durability/Sustainability

These babies are heavy duty and I feel sure they will last for years to come. While the Vasque website has limited information on their sustainability practices, they do use recycled mesh as part of the construction. I’d recommend these for people who like the support of a high-top boot and are looking for durability without the weight. They are also awesome for anyone who spends time in wet conditions. I look forward to using them in the future for snowshoeing, muddy springtime hikes, and backpacking. 

The Final Word

The Vasque Torre AT boots are durable powerhouses made for challenging conditions. The Gore-Tex kept my feet dry but not overheated; the Vibram soles and traction lugs made me feel secure on tricky footing. Ultimately, the Torre is a substantial boot without substantial weight. Try them on at a local shop and see if they are the right fit for your next adventure. 

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