Select recommendations from experts who use this product

Great Build-Long Lasting

Living in the Mountain West, I have tried about every brand of boots that exist. These are the first boots to last me longer than 2 seasons. The one piece leather exterior, calf leather ankle cuffs and GTX make these boots extremely durable and REALLY waterproof. My first pair got chewed up by my bird dog after 5 years, and I about cried. Instead, I bought a second pair, and if they weren't sold out of my size right now, I'd buy a third pair just to have them. Can't say enough good things about this boot. Great job Zamberlan!

Super comfy and very good looking boots

I chose these for their quality and full leather upper to take the abuse of my first season in a trail crew. These boots look good, are super comfortable and have great support. The upper has help up pretty well although pretty scratched and roughed up from rockwork. But I condition them and they almost look brand new. One of the concerns I’ve had with this boot is that it puts pressure on the front of my leg right above the top of my foot. Another concern is the durability of the sole, there are already tabs tearing off on the sides. I hope to see many years of hiking and the occasional trail season in these boots, but fear I might have to send them in to get resoled.

Truly the best boots I have ever worn

I have owned many brands and types of hiking or tactical boots for both on-duty work, tactical, day hiking and backpacking but these boots are the nicest, most supportive and well-made I have experienced. I would recommend them for even daily use, and even purchased another Zamberlan model for my tactical uniform. The 1996 VIOZ LUX is by far the best hiking boot I own and have recommended them to every one I work with and my buddies who hike. They are very well constructed and well thought out with the soles, the lacing and the inner padding. They look great, I have received many compliments and hope to get many more miles out of them in the next few months. This is the only boot I have said, "wow, where have these been?" when I first wore them. I definitely recommend them for any use. So far, I have no negatives to note, all positive experience and worth the price.

Great boot for field work

I've used this boot for two seasons of rugged field work and found them really comfortable. They are very water resistant and I've also used them while snowshoeing. When I went to take my old pair to my local shoe cobbler, they informed me that they are actually not resoleable (except for by Zamberlan themselves. I was also hoping to get another season out of them but the rubber tip started coming off. The leather is top quality and durable and would last another season if I could resole them and fix the tip.

Best. Boots. Ever.

I cannot over-emphasize how happy I am with these. My goal in finding and buying a hiking boot was to never have to buy another pair again in my life. So in addition to something built though and built to last, I needed something that could be repaired. These nailed all of that. I've done about 20-30 miles so far around town and up in the mountains of VT in the winter. Warm and dry. Grip like a champ. My only advice, follow the sizing guide on their website. Then order to that size. They will look/feel HUGE when they arrive, but the sizing is spot on. Hike on!!!

Excellent & Durable

I have now backpacked over 100 miles in these boots & they are awesome! There is a definite break in which seems to come with any hiking or hunting boots of this type. They did break in well & have fit my feet perfectly like my other Zamberlans. They have been breathable, durable, water proof for all of the creek crossings and rainy weather, no chopping out of the soles so far & I have been in a lot of rock, & they fit my orthotic insoles perfectly. Overall they are excellent boots.

I wore out two pairs of the 996 vioz and they are a great boot. I bought my third pair the 1996 VIOZ LUX. The Zamberlan boots are a little stiff out of the box, but suprisingly require very little break in, I wore these boots on some small hikes before I hiked the presidential range in the White Mountains, NH. The soles have great traction especially on wet New England granite. I would recommend these boots to anyone they are great for hiking, backpacking or any outdoor activity.

Sweet boots

These are super solid, well built boots. They look great as well. I expect them to last years as my last pairs of Zambos have. The rocker on the front of the boot takes a quick minute to get used to but is nice for climbing slope. Appreciate the toe rand as it ups the durability. Waterproof. A bit stiffer out of the box than my other model vioz. I work in the woods daily in a volcanic landscape and these are comfortable and hold up well. Cheers.

Great boot, solid build, stiffer than expected.

Awesome boot. Have had them for 1.5 years and worn them a lot. Other than some cuts and scratches in the leather then still look new. I reapply leather conditioner a couple times a year. They're still as close to water proof as a non-waterproof boot can be. They were stiff when they were new and took awhile to break in. They fit great now but the foot bed and sole are still really stiff. That's a plus in a lot of situations but not in others. Still 100% happy with the purchase.

Worth the money

This is my second pair of Zamberlan Vioz boots in 10 years-- I didn't treat the first pair as well as I should have, but they were still comfortable and waterproof. These are comfortable out of the box, but are stiff and will require some break-in before using them on a long hike or backpacking trip. They run big, but that's good in this kind of boot to prevent "toe bang" when moving downhill. Highly recommended.

Research Forester Approves These Boots

These boots have lasted me three seasons and would have lasted longer had I routinely waxed them. The rubber toe protects the leather from rogue rocks. I do forest research in very remote places that are often off trail for several miles. These are the only boot I trust to stand up to multiple days in the field all summer long.

Best boots ever!!

Exceptional fit & quality of materials. Nothing has ever Fit my foot like Zamberlains. Can’t find fault except the pricing but the boots are so superior that I don’t even hesitate!!

4 years later

4 years into owning these and they’re still my favorite boots. Hiking and hunting in all corners of the PNW with these has been great! I’ve also owned Lowa, Danner, Keen and Merrell but I’ll be buying these again whenever my current pair stop being so comfortable.

Big fan

Only have about 20-30 miles on them so far. Great support. Very comfortable. Look great. My previous pair is 3 years old with 1800+ miles on them. Still in great shape, but support is breaking down. Now a yard work boot.

Truly remarkable shoes!

Zamberlan makes hiking shoes/boots like a custom suit. They fit incredibly well out of the box, and better than that with each wearing. I’m so grateful to have found them!

Zamberlan 1996

10 hours a day doing farrier work. No fatigue. First set went 18 months of working in barns, getting stepped on and lots of miles. Still going but got pretty ugly from the daily abuse.

I have about 1 month worth of hiking in mud snow and up steep terrain and boots have been very solid

I have an avid hiker and hike for my career everyday. From the box to the field these boots took very little time to break in and did not bother my feet one bit.

Feels wonderful on the feet. A bit to break in, but built to last!

Breaking them in for hunting season. Comfy, sturdy, and nice on the eyes. I like the stiffness and think it will help climbing up and down hills!

Amazing Comfort

Wore these for a couple of days just to get a quick break in, then did a 15 mile day hike with 7000' of elevation gain. Most comfortable boots I've ever worn!

Super Tough Hand Made Hikers

Not the most comfortable out of the box, but with proper break-in and treatment they will quickly become your go to hikers. Super tough and stay dry as a bone.

Excellent boot

I have not tested it in the mountains yet, but it is a very nice looking pair of boots for a cold, snow weather in the country or urban environment. I personally enjoy it very much!

Still in the breaking in stage

Haven’t had a chance to wear them backpacking yet, but they look fantastic and I’ve had a pair in the past and they were dynamite.

still new

Only had them on a few times, I hope they wear better once broken in, losing feeling in your feet to get them tight enough isnt pleasant.

Extremely comfortable

These are the most comfortable boots I have ever owned. I can be on my feet all day with bilateral plantar fasciitis and no foot pain.