Zamberlan Vioz Lux GTX RR: Zamberlan Vibram 3D

What the listing states

Leather is listed for the outer, the insole and the overall material type. The lining is named as Gore-Tex Performance Comfort, and the boot is described as waterproof. The sole material field reads Zamberlan Vibram 3D. All seasons are named, and the shaft height is given as ankle.

The listed weight is 2.45 kg, with a product dimension note of 1.95 kg, so the figures are inconsistent. Both are heavy, and both likely refer to a pair. The listing also gives a shaft circumference of 9 cm, which looks too small to be accurate.

Living with a full leather boot

A boot like this needs breaking in. Wear it on short walks first and let the leather shape to your foot before a long trip. Once broken in, full leather boots tend to give firm support and good protection on rough, rocky ground.

Care is part of ownership. Clean off mud after each walk, dry the boots slowly at room temperature, and wax the leather regularly so it stays supple and keeps shedding water.

Against other Vibram-soled boots

The Scarpa SL Active uses a Vibram Biometric sole with XS Trek rubber and a 2.7 mm Sherpa leather upper, at a lower listed weight of 785 g. The Meindl Burma Pro MFS sits on a Vibram Multigriff sole with a leather lining. The Zamberlan is the heaviest of the three on paper, aimed at walkers who want maximum solidity.

Who it does not suit

Walkers who want a light boot for summer day walks will find this too much. The listing does not explain what RR stands for, so if that detail matters, ask Zamberlan or the retailer.

Narrow or wide feet should try the boot on, since the listing gives no width options and a stiff leather boot is less forgiving of a poor fit.