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Reviews > Footwear > Boots > Vasque Clarion 88 boots > Test Report by Michael Pearl
VASQUE CLARION '88 HIKING BOOTS
INITIAL REPORT - June 29, 2018
TESTER INFORMATION
I have a great appreciation for the outdoors and get out at every opportunity. I am a three-season, learning to be a four-season backpacker and year-round hiker. Currently, my trips are two to three days long as well as an annual week-long trip. I utilize the abundant trail shelters in my locale and pack a backup tarp-tent. I like to cover big distances while still taking in the views. I have lightweight leanings but function and reliability are the priority. I mostly travel woodland mountain terrain but enjoy hiking beautiful trails anywhere. PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: Vasque INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
The Clarion '88 boots arrived in the standard shoebox tightly sealed in a thick clear plastic. The first thing I notice when removing the boots from the box is the color scheme and pattern. I find it neat and appealing; they're bold without being brash. Inside one of the boots I found an extra pair of laces. The ones the boots came laced in are a solid gray, like the gray suede of the boots. The extra are two-tone red and gray ones seen in the photos. I think the two-tone ones help complete the retro feel of the Clarions. READING THE INSTRUCTIONS There were no care for or use instructions accompanying the Clarion boots. However I don't feel any special directions are needed. I will practice my usual soft brush and mild soap when heavily caked in mud or dirt followed by air drying with insoles removed. TRYING IT OUT
The Clarion '88's laced up on my feet I took a short walk around the pond with our dog. The first few steps SUMMARY
The Vasque Clarion '88 boots are neat looking and well made with quality materials. The fit is less the perfect for my foot. They're not painful to walk in but ever so slightly uncomfortable. However I am hopeful that during the next phase of testing the Clarion's will break in and I'll overcome this minor fit issue. FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
Day Hikes
PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
This period of testing the Clarion boots and I saw many ups and downs, both literally and figuratively. I started the break in process slowly with several low mileage day hikes. In all they added up to 31 mi (50 km). There are a few steep sections, a few muddy spots and some gravel on these hikes. I felt the unusual flex in the toe decreased with the miles I put on the boots. The fit is still not perfect but my foot is no longer growing and I can't think of a way to shrink the boots. So I felt I was ready for some bigger miles over tougher terrain.
The Clarion boots provide excellent traction and stability on all trail conditions. They are not water proof as I found when I slipped and plunged a foot into a stream crossing near Zealand Falls. However they do dry quickly enough and breathe well. My feet felt warm but never sweaty at any time. These are all the "ups" I had with the Clarion's. The "down" occurred when I peeled off the boots in the shelter at the end of the day. The initial sensation was "aahh" as fresh air hit my tired feet. But the first few bare foot steps caused pain where my toes meet my foot. I chalked this up to a hard day of hiking. Then halfway back out the next day I had sharp pains in the arches of my feet at various times. At the end of the 7.3 mi (11.7 km) on the second day the balls of both my feet were sore and my left knee was not painful but uncomfortable. I gave my feet and the boots a rest for a few days. Then I decided to wear the Clarions to work and around town. My feet did not hurt but I think this was because I was altering my stride. The reason I think this is because my left hip hurt at the end of the day. I have had no hip injuries or pains in the past. I again gave the Clarions a rest and the pains resolved. SUMMARY
I have been hesitant to wear the Clarions since then as I feel the ill fit is the cause of these pains. Not sure if it was the number of miles, pack weight, terrain or some combination that caused the fit issue to translate to pains. Either way I will not use the Clarions again for overnight backpacks and this is not there intended use anyway. As the next stage of testing begins I will put the Clarions to use on my less demanding day hikes. I am having a hard time dismissing the Clarion boots as all other aspects of these boots are very good. LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
Mt Cardigan - Alexandria, New Hampshire PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
I have used the Clarion boots on shorter day hikes, morning walks with my dog and casually around town. They provide excellent traction and ankle support, good breathablity and draw compliments. I have not experienced any more foot pain during this stage of testing. I attribute this to carrying lighter loads and lower mileage. These hikes can still be challenging though. Cardigans summit is bare exposed rock and steep in places. Moose Mountain has several stream crossing and lots of rocks to deal with. The Bolton view is accessed by a side trail of the Vermont Long Trail. This area is rooty, muddy and steep at the top. Balch is mellow but has lots of roots and pine duff to deal with in sections. The Clarions helped me stay upright and moving forward every step. My feet and toes were always well protected even when accidentally stubbing a few rocks.
SUMMARY
The Clarions and I never had a Cinderella moment. But we were able to have several great hikes and many enjoyable miles. I still like the kind of vintage look their name Clarion '88 suggest. I value the quality and durability this boot provides. However when all is said and done because of the less than great fit I will not regularly reach for the Clarions. On lighter, shorter hikes and casual outings I can see wearing the Clarions but not on the more demanding longer ones. Read more reviews of Vasque gear Read more gear reviews by Michael Pearl Reviews > Footwear > Boots > Vasque Clarion 88 boots > Test Report by Michael Pearl | ||||||||||||||||||
my foot balked at the narrowness. About a quarter of the way around this subsided. Then about halfway around the pond I started to notice the flex of the boot at the toe. It seems the extra space in the toe of the boot put a strange pressure on my foot. Then on the downhill section my foot slid forward in the boot. My toes moved closer to the front and the boot flexed more naturally with each step. They were more comfortable this way until then downhill ended. By the time I returned home I no longer notice either the tightness or flex of the boots. However when I removed the Clarions my feet relaxed and I felt the effect of pressure from being in a snug boot. I hope I can get my wider than longer feet to cooperate with the Clarion boots.
