By Kimberly Bates
Get ready to charge the 2012 hiking season in style with the classic design of Vasque’s Talus WP lightweight hiking boot. With its one piece leather design, streamlined leather eyelets, and smooth toe, this attractive nubuck leather boot offers simple lines and unmistakable quality. Laced up for a day-hike to Table Rock, overlooking the beautiful tree-filled city of Boise, Idaho, I felt the exceptional quality and support these boots offer the minute my feet hit the trail and we started for the summit. Table Rock Trail #15 starts at the Old Penitentiary parking lot and winds its way up the hill, alternating between moderately steep switchbacks, and flat areas. Vasque’s Talus WP was up for every change in terrain, as well as any change in weather.
Vasque’s Perpetuum last surrounded my foot with excellent stability and support on the uphill climb. The boots cradled my feet on the packed dirt as I traversed the trail, heading up to the top of Table Rock, and the PU midsole offered impressive cushioning, taking me up the hill with supreme comfort. The heel of the Talus WP is solid, and the shoe provides excellent ankle support, with its padded mesh collar. In addition to adding a sleek look to the boot, the leather eyelets kept my laces firmly in place, and the metal hooks secured them at my ankle. I never had to stop my trek to tighten, or re-tie my laces. The gussetting on the padded tongue also added to the comfort of these shoes, preventing the problem of the tongue slipping to either side of the shoe during the climb. I noticed my feet stayed stable on the descent, with no forward slipping or rubbing whatsoever. The toe box gave my wider feet ample room and lasting comfort while navigating steeper declines.
I was especially impressed with the performance of the Vibram Nuasi outsole. On this day-after-Christmas hike, the air was chilly, the sky was dark with clouds, and the trails were damp. Demonstrating premium traction, the Talus WP boots held tight to the trail, even in snow dusted areas in which my daughter slipped in her tennis shoes. On packed dirt, traversing loose rocks, and scaling rocky ledges, these shoes had solid grip, as well as trusty dependability. The Talus WP refused to let me lose my footing, making me feel as sure-footed as a mountain goat.
On winter hikes, one must be prepared for any type of weather, and the fully waterproof nubuck upper provides assurance against wet feet in the event of a sudden downpour, or if you suddenly get the urge to puddle-jump your way up the trailhead. The Ultra Dry membrane further protects against the elements. The membrane keeps water out, allows feet to breathe, and wicks away sweat.
In addition to navigating the trail to Table Rock, these exceptional boots also carried me around the softer and sandier plateaus surrounding the Birds of Prey Center in Boise, and were right at home paired with jeans as I hit the mall for last minute shopping before the holidays.
I loved the classic and simple lines of this heritage-style boot, and was pleasantly surprised to find the colorway I wore, Bungee Cord/Purple Plumeria was a clay colored boot, accented by feminine purple laces. If you prefer an earthier combination, lace up the Dark Earth/Rumba Red. Men can choose between Turkish Coffee/Chili Pepper and Beluga/Old Gold. Subtle in design, and sporting an old school appeal, these boots prove to be modern in their performance and technologies. At a price-point of $155, these boots are a high quality choice at an affordable value. Lightweight, comfortable, and offering superior traction, these vintage style boots won’t disappoint. When spring is in the air, and your feet are ready to roam, these boots will seem like a new friend with an old school feel.
Specifications:
Waterproof nubuck and mesh upper
Ultra Dry membrane
Perpetuum last
PU midsole
Vibram Nuasi outsole
Colorways:
W: Dark Earth/Rumba Red and Bungee Cord/Purple Plumeria
M: Turkish Coffee/Chili Pepper and Beluga/Old Gold
Weight: M 9-2lbs 9 oz
Weight: W 7-2lbs 2oz
Price: $155
