Gear Review: Vasque Snowburban/Pow Pow UD Winter Boot
A high-cut winter hiking boot at home on steep slopes and deep snow.
[powder pro]
Big brother and sister to the Vasque Snow Junkie UD, the high-cut Snowburban and Pow Pow (women’s version, $140) are at home on steep slopes and deep snow, hiking or snowshoeing, with support for 45-pound loads. “I felt like I could conquer anything in these boots, yet they were lighter than some full-protection summer hikers I’ve worn,” says a Coloradan who tested the Pow Pow in the Holy Cross Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park. The TPU shank in the midsole proved ideal for tender feet.
“My chronically sore arches and balls felt great in these boots,” our tester says. The high, nine-inch tall lacing “gave ankle brace-like support,” and allowed testers to skip gaiters when snowshoeing in six inches of powder and tromp through mud puddles with confidence. The 400-gram weight Thinsulate Ultra proved warm enough for standing around into the low teens. Yet, thanks to the waterproof/breathable UltraDry membrane and the waterproof leather and fabric uppers, testers’ feet didn’t overheat when daytime temperatures climbed into the 50s. $150; 3 lbs. 3 oz.; m’s 7-14, w’s 6-11; vasque.com