You'll get what you pay for! - Zamberlan 320 Trail Lite Evo GTX Hiking Boot - Men's

I normally don't write reviews on anything until I've used the item extensively but I will make an exception here. I will also say fit and comfort in hiking footwear is very subjective. What works for me may not necessarily work for you.

I've tried many different hiking boots in more than 50 years of wandering about, and Zamberlan's fit me the best. For more than 20 years, the Vioz has been my go-to boot. I don't wear them year round because goretex lined leather boots can be hot here in the MidAtlantic region. The Zamberlan Trail Lite Evo GTX was immediately comfortable right out of the box. In my past, I was a boot fitter, and these clicked all the buttons (for me and my feet!!).

According to Zamberlan, these are made on the same boot Last as the Vioz. So if you own the Vioz and want to try a ligher weight boot, these could be it. Fit and feel is identical except they are MUCH lighter in weight. I usually size up 1/2 for hiking boots. With proper lacing, it allows plenty of room for toes, and the fact that feet swell some when walking. I have no heel slippage, and toes do not touch the toe when walking steep downhill. I will review further after they get banged around on the trail a bit.

One other note - current 'fashion' in the hiking field are very light weight trail runners, or boots made of sewn together pieces of fabric and leather. I'm not a fan of either. I've used them. The can fall apart fast. I have always found leather boots (especially single piece outer like this boot) take a lot more abuse, and last longer, and give me the support I need for my feet and style of hiking. Yes they can be heavier. I don't care about that. I live in boots. Wear them all day. These are the lightest I have.

So why 4 and not 5 stars?? I'll report back after they've carried me and my pack for a bit.