Vasque Hiking Boots: Which Breeze or St. Elias Fits Your Hikes

Vasque Hiking Boots at a Glance

Five Vasque hiking boots that independent outlets review. Tap a photo or the button to see the boot on Amazon. For other brands, see our best hiking boots guide.

Price category reflects current US listings: budget is roughly under $150, mid-range roughly $150 to $200, premium above $200. Prices change, so confirm on the product page.

Reported Scores and Weights for Vasque Boots

These are the scores and weights each outlet published. The scales differ, so compare within an outlet, not across them. OutdoorGearLab’s Breeze GTX reviews are from 2015 and cover earlier generations.

Which Vasque for Which Hiker (and Who Should Skip Each)

Who should skip each boot

The Breeze Family

Vasque’s Breeze family is the line the outlets cover most.

Vasque Breeze Waterproof (Men’s)

Best for: durable day hikes and heavier loads on a budget

Switchback Travel rates it 4.0 and calls it a great value with a strong mix of support, stability, protection and durability, saying the in-house VasqueDry membrane kept feet dry even with deep water crossings. RunRepeat scores the Breeze 79.

What this means for you: a hardwearing leather boot that the outlets rate for protection, with a dated feel and a narrow fit.

Fit and sizing: Switchback Travel says it runs smaller and narrower, suggests trying it on first and notes wide sizes are available.

Men’s and women’s versions: Separate women’s version. Switchback Travel lists 2 lb 8 oz per pair for the men’s Breeze and 2 lb 2 oz for the women’s, with the same price, construction and features, and says the men’s boot is about 6 oz heavier.

Watch for: Switchback Travel says it is stiff underfoot, heavier than many alternatives at over 2 lb per pair, runs smaller and narrower, and has laces that are too short and thick. It prefers the Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP as the better overall design.

Skip it if: you want a light, cushioned, trail-runner feel or have wide feet.

Vasque Breeze Waterproof (Women’s)

Best for: durable women’s day hikes and light backpacking

Switchback Travel tested the women’s boot in a women’s 8.5, calling it workable but pretty snug all around and finding the waterproofing performed admirably. OutdoorGearLab scored an earlier-generation women’s Breeze GTX 76, praising narrow and wide fit options and great tread.

What this means for you: the same sturdy boot as the men’s, in a lighter women’s version. Try it on, because the sizing report is snug.

Fit and sizing: Switchback Travel found a women’s 8.5 snug and suggests going up half a size. Wide sizes are available.

Men’s and women’s versions: Separate women’s version. Switchback Travel lists 2 lb 8 oz per pair for the men’s Breeze and 2 lb 2 oz for the women’s, with the same price, construction and features, and says the men’s boot is about 6 oz heavier.

Watch for: Switchback Travel got rubbing at the pinky toes and a heel blister and suggests a half size up. OutdoorGearLab’s earlier-generation boot leaked near the big toe in testing.

Skip it if: you want a roomy fit or a light boot.

Vasque Breeze AT GTX (Women’s)

Best for: rough terrain and heavier loads

Switchback Travel rates the Breeze AT Mid GTX 4.3, calling it stable, supportive and protective with a TPU shank, and good to a load of about 35 lb after a break-in of about 20 miles. T3 gives it a Platinum Award, calling it an all-around, waterproof, comfortable and stable boot with excellent Vibram traction. Section Hiker calls it good for rugged backpacking, peakbagging and off-trail use.

What this means for you: three outlets agree it is a protective, stable boot, and they differ on breathability.

Fit and sizing: Section Hiker says it runs true to size with wide sizes available, while Switchback Travel found it snug in the heel and roomy in the toe.

Men’s and women’s versions: Separate women’s version. Switchback Travel lists 2 lb 10.7 oz for the men’s boot in a size 9 and 2 lb 4 oz for the women’s, with the same design. T3 lists 2 lb 4 oz per pair and both men’s and women’s versions in regular and wide.

Watch for: Switchback Travel says breathability is poor, the lacing hooks pop laces loose and the wide lugs grip poorly on dirt and mud. Section Hiker notes shallow lugs in deep mud and basic stock insoles.

Skip it if: you want a light, fast boot or hike mostly on soft, muddy trails.

St. Elias and a Light Women’s Option

A heavier leather backpacking boot and a lighter women’s option.

Vasque St. Elias GTX (Men’s)

Best for: backpacking with heavy loads in cool weather

Mountain-Hiking.com lists about 2 lb 14 oz, calling it comfortable from the first wear with good ankle support, strong dry-trail traction and a durable full-grain build. GearJunkie lists 2 lb 15 oz and praises out-of-the-box comfort and full ankle support. Wildland Trekking lists about 2 lb 6 oz per pair, calling it supportive, true to size and effectively waterproof.

What this means for you: three outlets agree it is a supportive leather backpacking boot for cooler weather.

Fit and sizing: Wildland Trekking found it true to size. GearJunkie lists narrow, regular and wide widths.

Men’s and women’s versions: Separate women’s version. GearJunkie says men’s and women’s versions are both sold. The outlets disagree on weight, with Wildland Trekking at about 2 lb 6 oz per pair, Mountain-Hiking.com at about 2 lb 14 oz and GearJunkie at 2 lb 15 oz.

Watch for: Wildland Trekking saw the toe leather scuff and peel and needs conditioning before first use. GearJunkie says it may be too hot in warm weather, and Mountain-Hiking.com says it may feel heavy on short, easy hikes.

Skip it if: you hike in hot weather or want a light day boot.

Vasque Breeze LT NTX (Women’s)

Best for: light, comfortable women’s day hikes

Switchback Travel lists the women’s Breeze LT NTX at 1 lb 8 oz per pair. OutdoorGearLab reviewed the Breeze LT GTX women’s version, scoring it 72 at 1.38 lb in a women’s 7.5, with comfort 8.0, support 7.0 and traction 8.0.

What this means for you: a light option. Note the membrane differs, since OutdoorGearLab reviewed the GTX version and this listing is the NTX.

Fit and sizing: OutdoorGearLab says the lacing starts high on the foot, which makes toe box adjustments harder, and its wide-footed lead tester got a comfortable fit with a bit of work.

Men’s and women’s versions: Women’s boot. Switchback Travel lists 1 lb 8 oz per pair for the women’s Breeze LT NTX, and OutdoorGearLab lists 1.38 lb for the women’s Breeze LT GTX in a size 7.5.

Watch for: OutdoorGearLab says the minimalist design could mean durability issues, water resistance scored 5.0 and it is fairly costly. It does not recommend it for heavy loads.

Skip it if: you carry heavy loads or want proven durability.

Our Vasque Evaluation Framework

We score each boot on five questions using only what the named outlets published.

1. Source agreement. How many outlets cover it?
2. Support. Reported stability and ankle support.
3. Weight. Reported weight.
4. Weather. Waterproofing and breathability.
5. Recurring drawbacks. Complaints the outlets raise.

Source agreement counts outlets that reviewed the boot. The rest summarizes what those outlets wrote.

How to Choose a Vasque Hiking Boot

• Check the fit first. Switchback Travel found the Breeze narrow and the Breeze AT roomy in the toe. See best hiking boots for wide feet.
• Match the weight to your load. The Breeze AT and St. Elias suit heavier packs, and the Breeze LT does not.
• Allow a break-in. Switchback Travel lists about 20 miles for the Breeze AT, and Wildland Trekking about nine days for the St. Elias.
• Think about heat. Leather and Gore-Tex run warm. See best waterproof hiking boots.
• Compare with other brands. See best Merrell hiking boots and our best hiking boots guide.

Where the Expert Reviews Disagree

Breeze AT fit. Switchback Travel found it snug in the heel and roomy in the toe, while Section Hiker says it runs true to size.

St. Elias weight. Wildland Trekking lists about 2 lb 6 oz per pair, Mountain-Hiking.com about 2 lb 14 oz and GearJunkie 2 lb 15 oz.

Breeze AT breathability. T3 calls it breathable while waterproof, and Switchback Travel calls the breathability poor.

Breeze waterproofing. Switchback Travel says it performed admirably, while OutdoorGearLab’s earlier-generation boots leaked near the big toe.

Questions About Vasque Hiking Boots, Answered

“What is the best Vasque hiking boot?”

The Breeze AT and St. Elias have the most outlets behind them. Switchback Travel rates the Breeze AT 4.3.

“Are Vasque boots good?”

The outlets praise their support, protection and durability, with notes on weight and narrow fit.

“Do Vasque boots run true to size?”

The outlets disagree. Switchback Travel found the Breeze snug, while Wildland Trekking found the St. Elias true to size.

“Are Vasque boots waterproof?”

They use Gore-Tex or Vasque’s own membrane. Switchback Travel says the Breeze AT tongue should not be submerged deeper than partway up the ankle.

“Do Vasque boots come in wide?”

Switchback Travel and T3 list wide sizes for the Breeze family, and GearJunkie lists narrow, regular and wide for the St. Elias.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying

• Ordering the Breeze in your usual size. Switchback Travel found it snug.
• Skipping the break-in. The Breeze AT needs about 20 miles per Switchback Travel.
• Wearing the St. Elias in the heat. GearJunkie warns it may be too hot.
• Expecting a light boot. Most Vasque boots here run over 2 lb per pair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Vasque hiking boot?

The Breeze AT and St. Elias have the most outlets behind them.

Is the Vasque Breeze AT waterproof?

Yes, it uses Gore-Tex. Switchback Travel says it handled creek crossings and ankle-high mud.

Do Vasque boots run true to size?

The outlets disagree. Switchback Travel found the Breeze snug.

Which Vasque is lightest?

OutdoorGearLab lists 1.38 lb for the women’s Breeze LT GTX.

Do they come in wide?

Yes. Switchback Travel and T3 list wide sizes for the Breeze family.

Are they good for backpacking?

Section Hiker and Wildland Trekking recommend the Breeze AT and St. Elias for it.

Is the men’s Breeze heavier than the women’s?

Yes, by about 6 oz per Switchback Travel.

Where can I compare other brands?

See our best hiking boots guide.

The Short Version

Choose the Breeze for value, the Breeze AT for rough terrain and the St. Elias for cool-weather backpacking. Try the Breeze on before buying, since reviewers report a snug fit.

Keep Reading

Sources

• Switchback Travel: Vasque Breeze
• Switchback Travel: Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX
• OutdoorGearLab: Vasque Breeze 2.0 GTX
• OutdoorGearLab: Vasque Breeze GTX women’s
• OutdoorGearLab: Vasque Breeze LT GTX women’s
• RunRepeat: Vasque Breeze
• T3: Vasque Breeze AT GTX
• Section Hiker: Vasque Breeze AT GTX
• Mountain-Hiking.com: Vasque St. Elias
• Wildland Trekking: Vasque St. Elias
• GearJunkie: Vasque St. Elias FG GTX