The Heritage of Vasque

The evolution of Vasque hiking and backpacking footwear, from the 1960s to today. See more at www.vasque.com
At Vasque, we celebrate our past as we help shape the future. So it’s nice to know Vasque’s history reaches back half a century to the tradition of handmade mountain boots inspired by the Alps. For ages, Europeans have flocked to their high country, enjoying ancient trails over alpine cols. Our founder, William D. Sweasy, recognized the beauty in moving through the hills and brought the passion home--and Vasque boots were born.
Vasque boots helped open America’s great ranges-the Rockies, the Sierras, the Tetons, the Whites, the Cascades, to name a few-to people who’d never experienced the simple, profound joy of breaking a sweat above rock, gravel, snow, and ice. That was 1964. Nowadays, we’re as familiar a name as Mount Rainier, Canyonlands, or the AT. But the adventure-the wonder of discovery-never gets old. Your adventures, your discoveries, are as much a part of the Vasque legacy as the first pair of Sundowners, as we together write the next chapters of the great American outdoor adventure.
Vasque is a division of Red Wing Shoes.

[@tezzap8325]

It’s a shame that Redwing are calling it a day and production has been stopped. Just purchased some as I know they will no longer be.

[@TheBigWWI]

Nothing beats my 1980’s vintage Vasque Montana boots. Sad they stopped making them.

[@luisdelpozo9674]

Hey guys, almost a year ago I was past down a pair of boots which I now know are a pair of clarion II, when Hurricanes Sally and Beta hit my town I volunteered to cut down trees from people’s homes, and since these boots were my first and only ones at that time, i used them and went in mud, water, and more. Now I kinda regret that since I don’t know what to use to clean these boots properly after many failed attempts and keep them clean from now on, I love the retro style they have!

[@dibiase9502]

And in the last week, it has been announced that the brand will be closed by Redwing. Fall 2024 orders are the last ones fulfilled. End of an era. I knew things weren’t good when i bought a pair around 2007 and found out they were made in China. At the time, I hadn’t bought a pair in 6 or 7 years, and I guess globalization happens. Another quality niche brand from my childhood/early adulthood bites the dust. I guess I don’t ever ever have to worry about this happening with Nike, since it started out cutting all the corners possible.

[@gat569]

Biggest mistake Vasque made was getting rid of the Clarions. I went through 1.5 pairs on the AT. Then bought a park service version and those lasted another 7 years. Great boots. Can't find them anymore.

[@rixplace1374]

I'm an ole fashion VASQUE fan/owner 20 years ago my first; climbed KILI then Rainier, mt st Hellens, Shasta, Baker and Adams; dz 14ers in COLO, Italian and French Alps, have those first Sundowners, next to my Scotty, Hamish, my best friends. I now have 6 pairs, switched from sneakers to them and NEVER look back. I prefer the old look, the new ones a bit too"streamlined for me.I wore them to a best friends wedding one time, spent 4 hours on the oldest, and they glowed when I escorted his bride to the altar Vasque and Sundowners forever

[@eman.119]

The Vasque Contender were my Favorite but they haven't made them in 10 Years

[@RedWing]

If you experienced a serious product defect, we want to do our best to make things right. Please contact our customer service department for Vasque and Red Wing Shoes at 1-800-RED-WING

[@RonLennard1020]

Who designed the Skywalk ?

[@allencrider]

Offshored to China! I bought my first Sundowners in 1983 and they were great. Now, the Chinese make the boots and they don't need Red Wing anymore.

[@Meyer0656]

Had a pair of Italian Sundowners as a teenager that lasted me years. Bought the Chinese variant as an adult and it was clear the quality of the leather had changed. I’m willing to try the new design, but I’m prepared to be disappointed.

[@TheHeri88]

I just bought the Vasque Skywalk 2, I didn't check where they were made if its in china it's a problem for me, but hopefully they well last and wouldn't gimme any problem

[@WindsorElNomada]

So? Was a problem?

[@steveobarnes]

Made in America?

[@DuallyDieselFord]

China. I have several hundred miles of hiking on my Chinese boots, including a trek to Philmont Scout Ranch. Held up great