Vasque Grand Traverse
MSRP: $129.99 (BUY NOW)
Weight: 1lb 10oz (730g)
Review Sample: Color- Bungee Cord/Rooibos Tea, Size- US Mens Size 13
Company Product Pitch: “Ignoring limits…an admirable mantra, but easier said than done. The Grand Traverse is our best effort at making it happen. Embark upon a rocky, loose hike and the dual-density EVA footbed and molded EVA midsole happily oblige. Change plans to an exposed ridge traverse, and fear not—the Vibram® Ibex sole features dual-compound rubber to maintain grip under your toes, but wet-weather traction underfoot and beneath the heel. Climb, descend, hike, repeat…that’s what makes a Grand Traverse.”
I am always on the lookout for a shoe that can handle the abuse of everyday use, light hiking and the general life of an overland traveler and photographer. Comfort, durability and traction are the key atributes that I require in my everyday footwear.
These shoes where extremely comfortable right out of the box. Their light weight and cushioned upper greatly contribute to this comfort. While these shoes breath really well for the suede leather construction and protection that they offer, they do tend to lock in moisture in hot environments. They are not only comfortable on the feet, they are also comfortable to wear in a huge variety of situations, from off trail rocky hiking to kicking it around the city with friends.
I’ve used the Grand Traverse for over 7 months, on average 5+ days a week, while traveling all across North America. They have been used in the deserts of AZ, the beaches of CA, the mountains of Alaska, the remote wilds of NW Canada and everywhere in between. The shoes have shown very little wear and tear overall. Early in their use I would regularly leave them loosely tied and just slide my foot in and out without untying the laces. While this is really convient it does wear out the upper edge of the back of the shoe and makes the shoes a bit sloppier to wear than I like. Since stopping this practice, and untying the shoes every time I take them off, the wear on the upper edge of the back of the shoe has stopped wearing out any more.
I really require good traction from my shoes on diverse terrain. The Vibram Ibex soles on the Grand Traverse have proved to be extremely versatile and provided confidence inspiring traction in most conditions.
Pros:
Light weight
Durable
Great Traction
Great style
Cons:
Provided shoe laces do not stay tied
Not an inexpensive shoe
If you couldn’t tell, I love these shoes. Besides the wear along the top edge of the rear of the shoe and the laces that never seem to stay tied these shoes have far exceeded my expectations. As an overland traveler I need a shoe like the Vasque Grand Traverse that can handle everything that I throw at them.
(Disclaimer: These shoes where provided to Exploring Elements for review consideration.)
