Vasque is best known for their mountaineering and hiking boots, having well-established themselves in the market in the 60’s. Hiking, mountaineering, and trail running are still top focuses for the company, but with the Rift, they’ve well, drifted a bit into a lifestyle shoe that still has great potential for trails.
The Rift has some great features for a hiking boot including a Vibram Spider sole meant for a good hardy grip on wet ground. The fit is tailored for comfort but has strong toe protection for those times you snag your toe (and you will) on roots and logs while hiking. And the solid sole and upper means less chance of twisting anything while you’re out in the woods.
What I like most about the Rift is that it’s a lifestyle shoe that I can get away with wearing both on and off the hiking trail. I mean, look at it, it’s pretty awesome.
I do a lot of walking, and while these wouldn’t be my first choice for slipping on for a trip to the grocery store, they’re a great go-to choice for light hikes as well as those times when I’m looking for a sturdy shoe but could also use a little fashion sense (which is way more often than I should admit).
What I Love
- Super sound construction – no doubt these will hold up over time.
- The fact that they are a crossover hiking shoe as well as lifestyle shoe.
- Trim fit means that my size 8 foot doesn’t look clown-like in them.
- Full lace-ups mean a nice tight fit down to the toe.
- Call me shallow, but I love the color options.
Not So Much
- A tad stiff for a lifestyle shoe but that’s what you’re going to give up when you want protection for hiking.
Available in a wide range of colors including Purple Plumeria/Chili Pepper (pictured), Slate Brown/Scuba Blue, Purple Plumeria/Russet Orange, Jet Black/Classic Green, Chili Pepper/Jet Black, and Pesto/Beluga.
Available on Amazon starting at about $95.
I can see these as a great option for a weekend getaway in the Pacific Northwest when you don’t have to have something fancy to wear at a restaurant but you might also want something handy for a light hike on your way into our out of town.
Travel Well,
Beth
Related links:
Merrell Barefoot Run Pace Glove Shoe
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