Zamberlan Mens 1996 Vioz Lux Gore-Tex RR Brick Leather Boots Review

This is my initial review and I will update once I have done everything in these boots I bought them for. Purpose; I bought these to work on my property, use chainsaw, chop wood, hike around, snowshoe, wear on overland trips, mountain living stuff. I wanted a good 3-4 season boot that I could rough up a bit but that wouldn’t be so heavy that I couldn’t enjoy a decent hike. I’ve spent thousands of $ on footwear in recent years including dress boots, fly fishing boots, snowboard boots, cycling, golf shoes, you name it.. I do it and have a shoe for it. These are incredibly well built and aesthetically pleasing. These are NOT an urban hipster boot “I wanna look mountain person” boot. These boots are for people who really need a strong durable weatherproof boot with a grippy sole, some toe protection, and confidence in mountainous terrain. They aren’t crazy light or zero drop. They have chunky grippy soles. If you’re trying to look rugged on sidewalks, go buy some lightweight danners or knock offs. These are pretty chunky boots but excellent for snow, dirt, and rooted/rocky terrain. Think also, getting out of your car or truck in the snow to put chains on or the type of boot you’d want on if you got lost in wilderness. I took it at as a good sign that several employees at REI also said they love this boot. I bought the 1996 toe cap version cuz I just wore out a pair of leather/goretex danner boots that didn’t have a toe cap or structured sole. For as much money as these are, I’m pleased they come with 2 sets of laces. Good outsdoorsman always carry an extra set of laces in vehicle or backpack. Lastly, to compare… I tried on several mountaineering brands at REI including Asolo, Scarpa, etc… these zamberlins were the most comfortable and didn’t give me that weird sharp pain in top of my foot when bending down. My hunch is these need a thorough break in period, and need proper leather care as you use them. I’m always a size 10 and size 10 fits great great. 10.5 was too roomy even for thicker socks. I’m very glad I discovered these, and hoping they will last me at least 5 years. I will update review after winter season.Short term Update; excellent traction in snow and hiking over slippery rocks. Didn’t take long to break in. Only 1 hot spot around ankle that went away after more use. Thin or thick wool sock does fine. Feet stayed toasty and warm in freezing temps. Rubber toe cap is nice for work in yard, or wedging feel into tight spots climbing over rocks. Went in water and slush up to 3-4” deep, feel stayed completely dry, no leaks. Good support for lifting stuff or moving logs/firewood/cut down trees. Feels great laced up tight around ankles doing work, and less tight for hikes.

After doing extensive research, I decided to order these based on the good looks, premium Italian leather, comfort and rugged soles. I was not disappointed. These are the best hiking boots I have owned! Right out of the box they were very comfortable with a snug fit that felt molded to my foot. It supported the heel and ankle and had adequate room in the toe box for my D width foot and slight inner side bump. I did order a half size larger (I usually wear a 10D/44.5 but ordered a 45/10.5) which allows my toes to lay flat and add a slightly thicker sock for colder weather. I wore them around the house for 2 days to make sure that there were no issues and was very satisfied that there were no hot spots and extremely comfortable. The sole is stiff which should give good support on uneven terrain and good arch support but not over exaggerated. The leather feels great and should wear well over time with proper care. They also feel fairly light on your feet. I would highly recommend these and feel they are a good value for the price. The seller shipped promptly.

These are the best boots you will ever buy. I have been wearing this brand and style for many years, and the build quality is second to none. They look great, and are incredibly durable. I'm a contractor, and wear these as my daily work boots. I get about 2 years from each pair, every pair has remained intact, and waterproof for the entire time I've worn them. Are they expensive? Yes. Is it hard to drop this much on a pair of boots? Yes. Is it worth it? By far, yes. How many pair of cheaper boots will you buy in a year or so? Great looks, long lasting, good traction, form perfectly to your foot, great arch support, warm, and waterproof. Hard to beat that..

I’ve had two of this model. I still have the first pair. Two years of walking ballast and every day wear and four yeas of retirement with plenty of rocky wilderness area backpacks and they still are perfectly waterproof,no tears in anything inside and you would be hard pressed to ever cut thru the outside,I’ve never done it and I’ve walked through plenty of rocks. The soles have worn about two thirds down but they are such a hard vibram sole they have lasted amazingly well. I bought this new pair because they never made these in a wide the first pair I bought and even though I bought them a half size bigger when I had a 50 lb pack on for a couple hours they weren’t quite wide enough to stay comfortable with feet swelling. If I were buying these over the internet I would say that comparing with the montrail boot I used to wear these run a little longer in the toe and narrower across the forefoot. Take that into consideration and be prepared to fall in love for a long time! And no,Zamberlan does not know I exist!

These are great boots from the fit, to the durability of the craftsmanship, and the grade of the leather and rubber.The only issue I have w these boots is they worked great in Arizona where the first pair of boots were purchased but now in Kentucky, I am having more issues w the boots being slippery on wet surfaces.

I use these boots for work and not hiking. I do construction work, so I’m on my feet all day. These boots are made very well, that’s for sure. I’m a size 13 and they fit and feel perfect from the very first day. This is actually my third pair. I wear them year round. Not too hot in summer and not too cold in winter with some good socks. They stay waterproof for quite some time as well. The only downside is that the soles wear rather quick, but with me, it’s because I wear them every day of the work week.I would still highly recommend these boots. Very well made and very comfortable.I’m fortunate enough at the time to be able to spend the $345 on the boots. They seem pricey, but I honestly think they’re worth the cost.I used to get the 996, but the 1996 are definitely a step up. The rubber rand really helps protecting the boot.

These are the only boots my husband will wear. They hold up well too.