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Reviews > Footwear > Camp Shoes > Giesswein Vent Shoes > Test Report by Michael Pearl
GIESSWEIN VENT
INITIAL REPORT - March 11, 2017
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: Giesswein Year of Manufacture: 2017 Manufacturer's Website: giesswein-usa.com Made in: Austria MSRP: US$134.00 Listed Weight: N/A Measured Weight: 26 oz (737 g) per pair Sizes Available: 36 - 48 Euro (5 - 12.5 US Womens) (6.5 - 15 US Mens) Size Tested: 42 Euro (9 US Mens) Colors Available: Slate, Plum, Ocean, Hibiscus, Green, Earth, Black Color Tested: Black Materials: Natural Boiled Wool Rubber Outsole Cork-Latex Foot Bed The photo to the right is of the foot bed removed and the rubber outsole, bottom of the Vent. On the Giesswein website the Vent is listed under the Lodge Shoe Collection which is meant for indoor or outdoor use. The wool upper body of the shoe is odor and water-resistant as well as moisture-wicking and breathable helping to regulate temperature. The foot bed is removable and made from cork and latex with a suede lining that molds to shape of the foot. The outsole is waterproof, treaded rubber that is slip-resistant and non-marking. The toe cap and heel cup are reinforced with a recycled material for durability. There is an adjustable elastic cord in the ankle of the shoe. The Vent is labeled with a 5 out of 5 support level, which means it has a high level of arch support. INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
The Vent shoes arrived in a standard shoe box. Inside the box the shoes were wrapped in tissue paper. Removing the paper reveals two fuzzy, wooly slipper-like shoes. After taking the shoe out of the box and seeing the outer sole the Vent looks more like a shoe than a slipper. The outer sole has a bark-like pattern and feels sturdy. The fuzzy looking wool upper does not feel like it looks. It is soft to the touch and very comforting. READING THE INSTRUCTIONS
The Vent is machine washable (after removing the foot beds) with cold water on the gentlest cycle using only mild, natural detergent if necessary. Do not use fabric softener or machine dry. Rather stuff the shoe with paper or newspaper and air dry. Insert foot beds after shoe is completely dry. TRYING IT OUT
The Vent shoes arrived post a 9.8 mi (15.8 km) hike. My feet were a little tender after switching between snowshoes and microspikes all day. I peeled off my boots, changed my socks and slipped on the Vents. The loop at the back helps to pull the shoe on. The cord at the front around the ankle easily pulls and holds in place with a small cord lock to snug up the fit of the Vent. The most noticeable thing was the arch support. The Vents conformed to and pleasingly lifted my arch with amazing support. This is not something many shoes accomplish as I have a slightly higher than normal size arch. They enveloped my feet without being snug. The foot beds conform to every part of my foot. The shoe is warm without being stuffy. While walking around the house putting my gear away I could feel my feet relaxing. It was like a foot massage with each step. The Vents were extremely comfortable! SUMMARY The Giesswein Vents are extremely comfortable, well made quality shoes. They are stylish enough to wear for everyday use and have a wear all day fit. I have worn wool clothing and really like its qualities and performance, but have never worn wool shoes. If my first experience with the Vent shoes is an indication of their potential I am going to have very happy feet. FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
I have been wearing the Vent shoes as my house slippers every day since the test series began. On five separate day hikes I wore them in the car to and from trailheads and around parking areas, conditions permitting. Lately some places have been way too muddy where even proper parking is in short supply. In addition the Vents have assisted with some serious lounging at two lodges. Once was after a hard day of snowboarding and skiing at a downhill ski resort. The other at an AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club) lodge that acted as a "base camp" to Tuckerman's Ravine on Mount Washington in New Hampshire. Lastly I packed the Vents in for an overnight backpack and wore them around camp. PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
The Vent shoes have been quite a pleasure during this phase of testing. They are so easy to slip on or off and comfy that I almost forget I am wearing them. When lounging around I don't find the need to tighten the cord at the ankle. But if I walk a substantial distance or at a fast pace I tighten the cord to keep the shoe closer to my foot. They are as comfortable outdoors as indoors and have handled all surfaces nicely. I have not had any slips or trips due to the Vents, their traction is quite good. I have avoided the muddier areas and the minor dirt that the Vents have encountered has cleaned off with water and a towel. SUMMARY
I am very happy with the Vents at this point. They have confidently handled a variety of environments and been completely comfortable every step of the way. My feet have felt very cozy in the Vents, never hot or cold. They are very supportive and soothing to my trail weary feet. The only mildly negatives are in regards to weight and bulk. In the line up of camp shoes these are not the most packable or lightest. The Vents remain in like new condition, show no serious signs of wear and have no offensive smell. The Vents make my very tired post activity feet say "AHH!" LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
Since my last report not a whole lot has changed. Well the weather has warmed up, it hit 80 F (27 C) and the mud has receded quite a bit. I continue to wear the Vents around the house. In addition I wore them to and from a day of trail maintenance, a big day hike, around camp on an overnight backpack and on the trail for a short hike. This last outing came as a suggestion from another BackpackGearTest member. I am glad I took the advice because it added a new perspective to my use with the Vents. PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
The Vents continue to maintain the same level of comfort and performance. They keep my feet comfortable before a hike and help relax my tender feet afterward. Even on warmer days when my feet are hot from hiking the Vents are cozy but not too warm. A simple change of socks after a five to ten minute airing out and my feet are happy in the Vents. SUMMARY
The Giesswein Vent shoes have been really fun to wear the last several months. They are still incredibly comfortable and versatile shoes. They have worn well in a variety of settings and conditions. They remain in very good condition with only expected wear on the soles. The only care needed throughout the series was a spot cleaning of the soles and wool uppers with a damp towel to remove mud and dirt. I find the Vents almost therapeutic for my trail pounded post hike feet. The under foot support combine with the soft wool upper fit without constraining and always sooth my feet. I really enjoy their basic design using natural materials. At the end of the test series I find the Vents perfectly categorized as lodge shoes. Their bulk and weight take them off my backpacking gear list. However they are a excellent transition shoe from car to hiking boot, lodge to ski boot and back again. As well as being able to take on a rough path around the lodge or trailhead. Read more reviews of Giesswein gear Read more gear reviews by Michael Pearl Reviews > Footwear > Camp Shoes > Giesswein Vent Shoes > Test Report by Michael Pearl |