Incredible boots - Zamberlan Tofane NW GTX RR Backpacking Shoes - Men's

Look, there's no way around this fact: they are expensive. But they are probably the finest-made footwear I own. Maybe the finest-made thing I own. I guess this remains to be seen, but I expect them to last years. And for that, I'm willing to spend a little extra (it also doesn't hurt that the look great, too).

They keep my feat perfectly dry, and the "Hydrobloc" (as Zamberlan calls the leather treatment) causes thick mud to just slide off the boot without sticking to it at all. Without tons of stitching and various bits and seams, as with synthetic materials, there isn't much for anything to stick to, so the boot slips through terrain without much trouble.

They are sort of heavy, but are also extremely protective, and comfortable (I think a little break-in is required though). I feel like I could walk through the toughest terrain in them without any trouble. The ankle support is also excellent.

I also want to add that although Gore-Tex and full leather does reduce breathability somewhat, I do not find that my feet get too hot or sweaty in them so far.

I once read a review of another pair of full-leather boots I was considering that described them as "tanks lined with velvet." I wasn't sure what that meant at the time, but now I'm pretty sure it applies to these boots as well.

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.