Zamberlan Men's 996 Vioz Gore-tex® Walking Boot

Probably better for those with narrow feet, but if you size up, I guess they will suit normal width feet too and just have some spare toe space.If you do have narrow feet, you may find you don't need to go up so much in sizing, although the insole is half a size shorter than a Scarpa insole (I compared when I was trying some at home).They are not super narrow - I would say a C width (D is normal, E is wide).So having got the right size, what is so good about them:-They feel light weight and the sole design is such that you almost spring forward - but in a really natural way - the sole is both stiff and pliant at the same time so gives very good shock absorption. They feel grippy to the touch - I can't vouch for wet rock performance yet, but they feel like they will be good. The one piece leather design seems to be unique to Zamberlan and means no side seam 1) to let water in (when the Goretex gives out) 2) to get scuffed and worn stitching. A nice touch is the heel over-stiching that is back to front compared to a traditional heel overlap which means scuffing is less likely to damage the boot seams - a detail, but after 10 years hard work, that's where my last boot finally showed damage.The ankle cuff manages to be very supportive and soft at the same time.I tried the Vioz Lite and the "lesser" Trekker RR boot, because I don't really need a full mountain boot, but the full Vioz were more comfortable than either of the lighter and supposedly less rugged boots. (And less rugged to me should mean more comfy, but it didn't in this case)Not quite glove like, but I doubt you'd find a boot of this level of support that is more comfortable.But as others have said in many forums I have read - choose the boot that fits you best - almost nothing else matters, so the size and shape of your foot and the boot will determine what is right, but these are a great starting point, especially if you have narrower than average fit.After a weeks serious use, no complaints at all. One minor issue, they are so grippy on most surfaces, you can get complacent. On worn smooth shiny wet metal drain covers and the like they are lethally ungrippy, as they are on algaed wood. Probably to be expected, but the sudden contrast in grip performance is a shock - 3 times in a week I skated over such items, nearly pulling a ligament or muscle each time. For this I'd take off half a star - if I knew of a boot much better in this respect, I'd take off more.Oh, and you can jog in them without feeling like you are wearing clompy boots - the heel absorbtion is that good.

I've now had these walking boots for a few days and today I tested that they really are waterproof by walking across badly flooded fields. Yes, they are definitely waterproof. I bought a 0.5 extra size than I would normally do so I can wear another pair of socks when it's really muddy. The boots are exceptionally well made, did not need breaking in and now I have got used to them, I really like them. I walk my dogs 2-3 miles every day always in walking boots, apart from a few weeks in the summer when I wear walking closed-toe sandals. So I need boots that are going to last, won't let water in and are comfortable. These make my feet feel very secure and well-protected. They also grip the ground very well, especially when it's wet, muddy and slippery. As it's really days I can't say how long these will last for but, as long as I look after them, I am confident they will last for quite some time.

I got these as were advertised as 7.5 UK. the shoe that turned up were EU41. a little to tight for me. the marketplace seller has agreed to refund as appartently Amazon converts a euro size to a size that amazon believers is the conversion. so be very careful on this aspect of choosing the size. waiting for seller to confirm if they will refund the return cost as it was their/amazon mistake. their policy is £5 refund for postage but it is costing me £9 to send it. lets wait and see.....i am confident amazon will make me whole so not worried about this. however, these are great shoes, i wish i was size 7 or 8 the next one up, but for me for walkinng it has to be 7.5 or i get blisters. if you find your size, are happy to have a relatively heavy shoes, with great vibram soles then go for it. i bet like a goat it will carry you anywhere......

I have now been wearing these boots on 6 occasions on 10-12 km mountain walks and I found that the front of the boots are scuffed badly immediately after my first walk. Ideally the rubber at the front should go up an inch higher to protect the leather. In hindsight the Vioz Plus model would have been better option for the kind of walk I do. I walked in boggy wet ground and in rough terrain and these pair are reliably waterproof.

These are absolutely fantastic. I bought 8 different pairs of boots to try on - all different brands and prices. These were the most expensive but the ones I ended up keeping. They ooze quality and have a lovely bounce to them when you walk. Felt comfy from the off can't recommend them enough. I'm a size 7 shoe and the smallest size of these which is 7.5 fit me perfectly with a thick sock.

These are amazing boots, my second pair of these, i couldn't pass up the opertunity to buy another pair before they stop making them, I have had my first pair for almost 3 years and they are in fantastic condition still, moderate to heavy use.Love love these.

I have been a fan of Zamberlan boots for many years - this is my 5th pair, although the first of this model. They were comfortable straight out of the box and, as always with Zamberlan, needed no 'breaking in'. What I particularly like about the 996 Vioz is the one-piece upper, so reducing the potential for leaking seams in the years to come. If they wear as well as my previous pairs, they will keep my feet dry and comfortable for a long time

Great boot, been out for short and long walks with the Vioz on, performance has been excellent.I was particularly after good grip, having had problems with some of the latest Salomon's in this respect. Grip was very good last weekend on wet stone/grass, terrain which has seen me slip badly with Salomon boots.Note on sizing - I'm 6'3" and approx 14 st, usually take a 9, ordered 9.5 and they fit great. Zamberlan say they are true to size and that seems to be the case. Perhaps a little narrow for some, but no problems for me.