Vasque Men's Sundowner Gore-Tex Waterproof Backpacking Boot

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 269 ratings

Dark Brown
Size Chart
US Boot size
Brand SizeUKEuropeHeel to toe (in)
3.52.534.521.5
4.03.035.022
4.53.536.022.5
5.04.037.023
5.54.537.523.5
6.05.038.024
6.55.538.524.5
7.06.039.025
7.56.540.025.5
8.07.041.026
8.57.541.526.5
9.08.042.027
9.58.542.527.5
10.09.043.028
10.59.543.528.5
11.010.044.029
11.510.545.029.5
12.011.046.030
13.012.047.031
14.013.048.032
15.014.049.033
16.015.050.034

Product details

Fabric type
100% Leather
Sole material
Rubber
Outer material
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
Closure type
Lace-Up

About this item

  • Gore-Tex waterproof technology
  • Cement construction
  • Dual density EVA midsole
  • Supportive Bimodal 2 insole
  • 3-bar knit lining and padded collar
  • Vasque Classic outsole with Sundowner last

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Product details

  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15 x 11 x 5 inches; 4 Pounds
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ 07132
  • Department ‏ : ‎ mens
  • Date First Available ‏ : ‎ November 12, 2006
  • Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Vasque
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B001DNLRY6
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 269 ratings

Product Description

Vasque constructs a boot that's heavy duty for light backpacking, yet stylish enough for everyday wear.

Men's Sundowner GTX Hiking Boot

Heralded as 'the boot that built the brand,' the Vasque Sundowner GTX hiking boot with Gore-Tex waterproof technology has a reputation for longevity, comfort, and old-school style. As common in the city as it is on the trail, the Sundowner is the ideal blend of form and function--making it suitable for either backpacking or an easy day hike.

Simple, Timeless Design

The Vasque Sundowner GTX's simple and timeless design has made it the benchmark for backpacking boots for over 25 years. The cement construction adds forefoot flexibility without reducing the support and stability you need under a heavy pack, while the one-piece, full-grain leather upper eliminates seams, giving the boot its iconic look.

Features Gore-Tex Fabric Technology

The Sundowner's waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX membrane, water repellent laces, and seam-sealing technology keep water and moisture out, ensuring a comfortable, relaxing hike.

At a Glance
• Gore-Tex waterproof technology keeps moisture out
• Features Vasque Classic outsole with Sundowner last
• One-piece leather upper eliminates seams
• Weighs 3 pounds, 6 ounces (1,531g)
• Range of widths available
About Vasque

Vasque is committed to making functional, innovative, and aesthetic footwear that performs to the highest standards. Founded by recreation enthusiast William D. Sweasy in 1965, Vasque has been producing high-quality mountaineering and hiking boots for over forty years. From the original Voyageur boot to today's technically innovative and stylish designs for both men and women, the Vasque trail continues today, breaking new ground toward what's next.

What's in the Box

Vasque Men's Sundowner GTX Hiking Boots.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
269 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like the quality, comfort, and shape of the boot. For example, they mention it's an excellent all around boot, with good arch support. Some are happy with the waterproofness, and value. That said, opinions are mixed on durability, and fit.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

58 customers mention43 positive15 negative

Customers like the comfort of the boot. For example, they say it's soft, supple, and perfect. Some mention that the arch support feels good, and the boots are more natural to walk in. That said, they're excellent for people with foot problems and reduce foot pain.

"...with whatever grade sole you want and they will look good and feel great for a very, very long time." Read more

"...Comfortable after short break in period...." Read more

"...stay dry and your feet do not sweat, which makes them excellent for people with foot problems...." Read more

"...The leather may be a little stiffer this time, I'm having a little trouble with a crease in the leather at mid-foot poking me a little on the right,..." Read more

56 customers mention56 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the boots. They mention that they are excellent, comfortable, and the best hiking boots in the world. They also say that the boots are made of premium leather and that they look good enough to wear in an office.

"...Apparently there is a piece of steel in the sole. Works great. Lastly, these look good enough to wear in an office...." Read more

"Great boot, rugged, warm but not too much so like an insulated boot. Comfortable after short break in period...." Read more

"...a good cushioned insole to make it perfect, but it is an excellent all around boot. I have worn my first pair for over 3 years with no problems...." Read more

"...They were slightly used at the time, maybe a couple years old. Amazing boots! These were the original Vasque Sundowners made in Italy...." Read more

21 customers mention20 positive1 negative

Customers are satisfied with the shape of the boot. They mention it fits great, looks good, and is comfortable. Some say that the boots go nicely with khakis or jeans and hold a great shine.

"...Works great. Lastly, these look good enough to wear in an office. Overall, these boots are well worth the higher price tag." Read more

"...moderate day hikes of maybe ten to twelve total miles, but will hold a great shine when I'm asked to work indoors and be presentable as well...." Read more

"...a few corners by having these manufactured in China, but overall they look nice (unique) and you get a pretty good product that seems like it will..." Read more

"...The look really good with jeans, but run REALLY large...." Read more

19 customers mention15 positive4 negative

Customers like the waterproofness of the boots. They say they stay waterproof and supple a long time, keeping their feet dry. They also say the boots are pretty weatherproof and have a quality tread.

"...I have worn my first pair for over 3 years with no problems. They stay dry and your feet do not sweat, which makes them excellent for people with..." Read more

"...I wore them a few weeks ago through our wet property, and they kept my feet dry...." Read more

"...These were the original Vasque Sundowners made in Italy. Great waterproof Gortex. Super comfortable leather that formed to my foot...." Read more

"...These boots will protect you from water and the discomfort of walking on jagged rocks. I have worn Sundowners for at least 25 years...." Read more

15 customers mention12 positive3 negative

Customers like the value of the boot.

"...Overall, these boots are well worth the higher price tag." Read more

"...Reason one is a fit like a glove. Reason two is value for the price...." Read more

"...They are waterproof and durable. The price was amazing!! He is very happy with them." Read more

"...could have them resoled, but not worth the cost or worry. feel like i got my money's worth, as i always buy them discounted anyway." Read more

96 customers mention59 positive37 negative

Customers are mixed about the durability of the boot. Some mention that they are built to last, very rugged, and support the foot. The leather is very sturdy, and the Gore-Tex lining is pretty solid. However, some say that the overall quality did suffer a bit, with faulty engineering. They also say that it takes a couple of weeks to break in.

"I have worn Vasque Sundowner's since 1996 because they are made well and support the foot and ankle completely...." Read more

"Great boot, rugged, warm but not too much so like an insulated boot. Comfortable after short break in period...." Read more

"...is subject to getting wet which will lead to cracks and ultimately failure of the leather...." Read more

"...I have worn Vasque boots for over 10 years they are long lasting and high quality. The sundowner is a good boot but not for long range hiking...." Read more

52 customers mention31 positive21 negative

Customers are mixed about the fit of the boot. Some mention that it fits true to size, is roomy, and sturdy. However, others say that the sizing is significantly off, runs a tad large, and doesn't fit the same as the previous versions.

"...The 9 wide is a perfect fit! I am ready to start the break-in process...." Read more

"...They don't fit the same as the previous versions and they tend to rub my feet in some places...." Read more

"...They fit like a glove, were perfect for Northern AT backpacking trips, day hikes, and even yard work...." Read more

"...Great waterproof Gortex. Super comfortable leather that formed to my foot. Comfortable footbed. Good traction. Sturdy leather...." Read more

9 customers mention0 positive9 negative

Customers find the boots stiff and inflexible out of the box. They also mention that the left tongue has a very hard knot of what seems to be glue.

"...Inside the top side edge of the left tongue there was a very hard knot of what seems to be glue...." Read more

"...What used to be a great product is now just a heavy, stiff, uncomfortable leather boot." Read more

"...The leather was a little tough to break in, but with a few applications of boot dressing and conditioner (and placing on a boot dryer/warmer), they..." Read more

"...Also, allow some time to break them in. They are a bit stiff at first but once broken in they are super comfortable." Read more

Not for use outdoors.
1 Star
Not for use outdoors.
Apparently these were not designed for outdoor use. Have a look at the picture and see what I mean. This came from wearing them during light duty yardwork for less than two weeks. They are very old boots but I just now started wearing them again.
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Top reviews from the United States

DCahoon
5.0 out of 5 stars America - F&%# Yeah!
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2014
Verified Purchase
I bought my first pair of Sundowners in 1989 and after a motorcycle kick-starting accident replaced them in 1993. I loved the boots until I wore them out and when I decided to buy another pair I checked Amazon and started reading the reviews. I must be new but I was shocked at some of the idiotic comments and reviews for these boots. The biggest complaint is that Vasque would DARE move operations to China and not preserve the 'master quality' that was coming from Italy. If the assumption is that Made in China means crap quality then Apple, and virtually EVERY other manufacturer is wrong. China has cheap labor but that doesn't mean 'cheap' products. They will build whatever you ask to the exact specification requested. The other thing that bothers me is that these same reviews would buy 'American made' in protest. This is from the same people who complained that the boots weren't still made in Italy!
Now for an actual review:
There are a few things you need to know about Sundowners that will help your buying decision and your happiness owning them. Because they are a full leather boot they are going to break in differently and will take more time. If you want boots ready to hit the trails after a few walks around the block buy the 'tennis shoe' hikers that they sell at almost any sporting goods store. The materials will be synthetic, breath well and will not require much breaking in. If you want a full leather boot you will need to put in some time.
In addition to breaking them in properly, you will need to maintain these boots. The leather in the toe and heel is subject to getting wet which will lead to cracks and ultimately failure of the leather. If you notice most boots being sold have a rubber toe and heel guard, sometimes along the entire length of the bottom of the boot, to protect your boots from scuffs and water. If you want a full leather boot you need to apply a leather waterproofer/conditioner periodically to do the same job. If you don't want that hassle get the other boot style.
The sole is the only thing that I'm not happy with but I will wait and see how they wear. The Vibram soles were much better (so I'm told). I do remember a big uproar in the early 90's about how Vasque changed the sole to deal with folks who were daily wearers. People complained then and I guess they will complain now. The BEST part of a full leather boot is that if you take care of them, you can resole them with whatever grade sole you want and they will look good and feel great for a very, very long time.
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enginerd
5.0 out of 5 stars Among the World's Best
Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2012
Verified Purchase
I have worn Vasque Sundowner's since 1996 because they are made well and support the foot and ankle completely. For example, I have a history of turning my ankle, but not in these boots. Even on a construction site, climbing in and out of excavations, my ankles were supported. I felt them start to turn, but the boot stopped it. Also, there is a built-in arch support in the sole which allows me to go without an orthotic. I have heel spurs and need arch supports to keep pain at bay - a real arch support, not a little bump in the insole. Apparently there is a piece of steel in the sole. Works great. Lastly, these look good enough to wear in an office. Overall, these boots are well worth the higher price tag.
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Glenn
5.0 out of 5 stars Comfortable but rugged
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2013
Verified Purchase
Great boot, rugged, warm but not too much so like an insulated boot. Comfortable after short break in period. To help break in period I applied mink oil liberally to necessary areas and heated with hair dryer on low flow, high heat till fluid state. Left on overnight and then rubbed in remainder. Literally the break in only took couple days doing this.
Can't praise Amazon enough on availability and speed of delivery with Amazon Prime. I had originally looked for this boot from the company that now owns Vasque and the companies local retail shop and they told me it would take over a month to get the boots. When I got that news I ordered from Amazon that night and two days later I'm wearing the boots. Thank-you Amazon. No thanks R.W.
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Joseph Hudson
4.0 out of 5 stars Order at least one-half size smaller!
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2013
Verified Purchase
I ordered this boot in my regular shoe size which is 9 1/2 Wide. I have always bought my Vasque boots in 9 1/2 wide including the Italian made and the now Chinese made, but the length is not correct to US or Euro shoe sizes with the new boots. I sent mine back today. I could not exchange them for a smaller size but am getting refunded and had to buy another pair (9 Wide) at a higher price. (READ the exchange policy). I like these boots but beware of significant sizing issues when you order. If there would have been a close retailer I would have gone and had them sized and then ordered from Amazon.

The free shipping option was fine. These boots just sat at the post office for a couple of days before they were delivered. If you are in a rush for these boots, pay the shipping and get them sooner.

The quailty was very good, just like my old Vasque boots, just a bit stiffer out of the box than they used to be.

Happy Hiking!

***UPDATE***

I just received my Vasque Sundowner GTX boot in the correct size which is 9 wide. I normally wear a 9 1/2 wide Vasque boot but I had to return the 9 1/2 wide and purchase a 9 wide. The 9 wide is a perfect fit! I am ready to start the break-in process.

HOWEVER, the 9 wides that I received were very, very lightly worn. Beginning to form toe box creases. Very small scuff marks on the left toe and the left shoe lace had one aglet that was frayed and almost removed. The shoe lace has some fraying near the end. Otherwise in good shape. It doesn't look like they were worn outside....much.

IWGBTP!
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brian sheeran
5.0 out of 5 stars good all around boot
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2013
Verified Purchase
This boot needs a good cushioned insole to make it perfect, but it is an excellent all around boot. I have worn my first pair for over 3 years with no problems. They stay dry and your feet do not sweat, which makes them excellent for people with foot problems. I have worn Vasque boots for over 10 years they are long lasting and high quality. The sundowner is a good boot but not for long range hiking. Vasque has other boots that are very comfortable for long range hikes. The Sundowner is very versatile because it can be used in a pinch if you need foul weather footwear but must wear dress clothes.
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