What I used the shoe for:
I purchased these shoes prior to attending ALERT search & rescue basic training. The shoes were used for 9 weeks covering 500-600 miles, over both rocky and sandy areas in the south-west (Texas & Oklahoma). These shoes were originally designated as my running/PT shoes. Due to circumstances I ended up using these shoes for almost every event during training. These Vasques were routinely drug through sand, mud and water. I wore them on road surfaces for PT, sandy soil for most of the day, and fairly rocky terrain during several hikes. The hikes lasted from 20 to over 50 miles under load (40 lb pack)
How it felt:
These Aethers required little to no break in. I purchased and wore them for light running (1-2 miles) (road surfaces) immediately out of the box. No hot spots, blisters, or toe bash, either during initial wear, or after later instances of 23+ hours of continual hiking with a 40 lb pack. Being used to Altama jungle boots, I found these shoes to offer a reasonable degree of support. I never twisted an ankle.
These shoes breathe really well and dry out nicely. At several points during training these shoes became completely soaked, still they remained comfortable and dried on my feet rapidly. My feet are average width (4" at widest with weight on it) and I experienced very good lateral support. The BOA lacing system is terrific. I bought these shoes on recommendation and was initially concerned that the laces would hold up. I am completely sold on these laces. They tighten very uniformly and can be adjusted very easily and quickly. The tightening knob never came undone or popped loose. One of the best things about this lacing system is how quickly they can be put on. During drills and response alarms when it was imperitive to suit up and move fast, I found it a huge time saver to simply step in, push the button, and tighten down. My regular shoes take about 19 sec. to put on, while these Aethers take 8 sec. In addition, If I needed to tighten my regular shoes, I had to wait for a break. With the BOA's I could manage slight adjustments while hiking.
How it lasted:
At this point my Aethers are pretty beat up. The fabric uppers lasted much better than the original soft shell version. The tread is still very good. One of the rubber "V" treads came off, and the tread is slightly detached from sole on the backs of both shoes as a result of guys behind me stepping on my heels, many times. Allot of shoes tend to wear down and get mushy, loosing thier arch support. These are still reasonably good. These shoes are not water-proof, fire-proof, or edible.
Closing:
In retrospect, I still love my jungle boots, but these shoes are now my first choice for all outdoor activites. Not to be used for chopping wood, or chores that require protection, but these shoes can still endure allot of use. I wish the uppers were built just a little stronger. The shoes I'm left with still have plenty life left in them, but there are so many holes that it's hard to keep rocks, leaves and twigs out. the uppers are deffinately the weak link. The BOA's could easily be put on a new shoe and see plenty more action. All this said, these are technically trail runners that were used as boots. I think the Vasque Aether functioned very well as a running shoe, and held up very respectably as a medium-duty hiker.
OOrah! ALERT Academy! OOrah! Vasque Aethers!
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Since I first tried a pair of Vasque hiking boots several years ago, I have been hooked on vasque. They are the best fitting and most comfortable boots and shoes ever. At least for me. These shoes are also comfortable, and a pleasure to wear all day. The Boa lacing system is a good idea, but the way it's constructed, it makes the shoes difficult to get on or off. The tongue of the shoe is attached to the sides with very little expansion room. So it remains tight even when the lacing system is fully loosened. A shoehorn is an accessory to have handy for these shoes. The laces are actually steel cables, and tighten as the dial is turned. It's possible to dial in a perfect fit, and it remains where it's set. Pull up on the dial, and the cable loosens immediately. There is a hook on the side of the shoe where the cable hooks over, and the cable can be unhooked to loosen the shoe a little more, and that makes it easier to get on or off. But then you have to hook the cable back up before tightening the cable. That negates the easy tightening intent of the Boa system.
Time will tell if the shoe can hold up to the cable. The cable is a small diameter, and may result in premature wear on the contact areas. How long the cable will last is another unknown, and I don't know if the cable is user-replaceable.
Take a look at the video, and much will become apparent.
Best Deals on Vasque Men's Aether Tech Trail Running Shoe
Very good shoes but width is little bit narrow. Feelings of dial operation is little bit weaker than other boa systemHonest reviews on Vasque Men's Aether Tech Trail Running Shoe
These shoes are the best, the dial laces are great, I adjusted my shoes while driving the other day! With just one hand you can keep your shoes comfortable throughout the day.The shoes have awesome cushion and are very light weight, cool and comfortable.
I will buy another pair in a different color and I am on the lookout for a pair for my 9 year old son.
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