As a general outdoor lover, I’m always in need of a good, all-around boot that is appropriate for just about any activity. The Vasque Talus UltraDry so far has been that boot for me. After getting my pair back in September, I’ve pretty much worn them as everyday footwear over the winter months, and have taken them on hikes and even hunts in the spring. So what makes them a “one-boot-quiver?” First the details.
The Vasque Talus UltraDry boots feature:
- UltraDry™ Waterproofing System
- Perpetuum Last
- 1.8mm Waterproof Nubuck Leather
- Abrasion Resistant Mesh
- Dual Denaity EVA Footbed
- Molded Polyurethane Midsole
- Vibram® Nuasi with XSTrek Outsole
In the winter, these boots have been great for everyday wear to work, walking the dog around the neighborhood, or riding a bike in cold weather. They are waterproof, so I have tromped in fresh snow, walked in heavy rain, and even sunk a bit into saturated mud without any water penetrating whatsoever. With a good pair of wool socks, my feet have been warm and dry the whole cold season.
In the spring after snow melted from the trails around Salt Lake City, I got to take the Talus UltraDry out for some real hikes. Comfort is top-notch right out of the box and there is zero break-in time, which means happy feet. Traction is excellent and I have no worries about slipping on loose dirt and rock on steep descents, even with my 2-year-old riding on my back. And while I have not worn these boots on a backpacking trip, I plan to even though they are not as burly as your typical heavy clog. I think they are durable and stable enough for overnight trips with a somewhat lighter load (though I don’t consider the kid to be “light”).
The Talus also look good, with a simple leather upper that evokes hiking boots of old. They are classic down to the red laces.
My only complaint is that being waterproof and fully leather, the Talus UltraDry are not terribly breathable. I would frequently get sweaty feet when wearing them in warm temperatures, and would have to put them on my boot dryer at home to avoid odor problems. But lack of breathablility is a trade-off for waterproof boots, especially if you plan on hiking in wetter climes. If you’re in need of a boot in warm, dry conditions, the Vasque Breeze III is probably a better choice.
The Good: Fully waterproof, classic looks, comfortable out of the box, great traction.
The Bad: Not very breathable.
Final Word: The Vasque Talus UltraDry boots are pretty much the gold standard for an everyday waterproof boot. If there’s a chance of poor, cooler weather, these boots will keep your feet dry no matter the outdoor activity.