Zamberlan boot experiences??

[TimberJunkie]

I tried on some Zamberlan boots today at Diggs outdoors and they were great. I also tried Kennetrek but they were not as comfortable. I was hoping somebody could share some experiences with the Zamberlan brand and any warranty etc. I feel for the price they should be long lasting and bulletproof, as well as comfortable.

Thanks much

 

[BigSurArcher]

As far as warranty goes, they are pretty good. From what I've seen they definitely do what they can to perform a quality repair on your boot unless a total replacement is absolutely necessary (not often the case). Warranty work is typically referred to Dave Pagel, a very good cobbler out of Seattle, WA that a few other Italian boot companies use as well.

If it's a mountaineering type Zamberlan you're looking at, pay close attention to how your heel fits the heel cup. Some of the more aggressive 'forward lean' last shapes paired with a stiff upper can be hit or miss depending on your foots anatomy. Many people tend to worry about how a boot feels on the front half of their foot only. A good heel cup match is just as important.

Zamberlan has been making boots since 1929, Kennetrek since around 2003 or so. Don't think that your feet are lying to you if you feel the Zamberlans fit better.

 

[atrietch]

Love my Zamberlans. Have a year in them and they are trouble free. I have a wide for and they fit me well.

 

[okielite]

Good info guys. I might have to give them a look nest time I need boots.

 

[TimberJunkie]

I get a pretty good deal on them and i am going to try them out. I will give a full review on them in a few minths after i have hunted pigs and turkeys in Nothern Cal for a few weeks.

Thanks guys.

 

[Murdy]

I own a pair of Zamberlan Dakota's -- they've held up real well. They seem a tad shorter than other boots I have in the same size, toes sometimes push against the front of the boot, often times I don't notice it though.

 

[dkopriva]

I bought a pair of Zamberlan Elk GT's and used them this past fall. Put a lot of miles on them chasing antelope and mule deer. I sure like the feel and fit. My left ankle is weak from an injury a few years ago and these boots supported it very well. It did take a while for them to beak in.

 

[LucilleBruce]

I think, I need to buy one. I bought a pair of lacrosse boots from online stores. My friend told that Zamberlan boots are good, that's why I am thinking about that.

 

[Backcountrylady]

I am happy I found this thread. Firstly I haven't been able to find anything about warranty on their website (more on that later) So here's my story with some Zam boots. I bought some of the Sellas. Yes they are their most expensive boot and no I am not rich lol. I put between 400-500 miles (who knows maybe more) on them in the past year (between working trail crew for Forest Service, hunting and shed hunting.The first 60 miles they were so comfy, miles 61-80 ish were rough break in (huge blisters on my heels). These boots are built tough so don't expect the break in to be a walk in the park. I would recommend not doing more than 8 miles per day till they are broke in (I'm sure your fine of your not hiking for several days in a row. The sellas have the high top and I really appricate that in rough terrain it saves my ankles. They have amazing gril on rocks. They are a little bulky so if you don't need a robust boot go for less of a boot. They have been a great boot, after so much use for me the leather is now soft and supple (not a good thing in my opinion) , I'm starting to get those creases at my foot flex point. This crease has also been pushing the treatment out of my leather as I walk and reducing the water proofness. I am currently addressing this with Zam. I don't want to discourage anyone from getting these boots or any other zam boots though. I feel this is all part of the boot life span. Regardless of this issue I'm sure the boots will last another 400 miles at least. Details about me/ my foot. I'm female but have a very wide foot (EE-EEE), very high arch and high instep. I had to buy the boots .5 size big since they don't make them small enough for me but I just use the super feet insoles and the thin one that came with the boot and its fine. I didn't have any problems with insteam/arch and with foot width it worked out fine after breaking in a little. As for the blisters on my heels I wonder if that's because these are men's boots (they only occurred once). Overall. I would highly recommend.

 

[RICMIC]

Welcome to the forum Backcountry lady, excellent first post. I think you were spot on about a more gradual break-in. I have been a firefighter with the DNR, and when you are on the job and unable to cool your feet down occasionally, your feet pay a big price. I never have foot problems on my hunting trips, but have done some real suffering while working on the fire-line. It doesn't sound like you have a warranty issue with your Zamberlains, but it will be interesting to see what kind of response you get.

 

[T43]

I've had zamberlans for 6 years and counting. No complaints, they hold up well and fit my feet great. My next pair of boots will be zamberlans as well.

 

[Cabinet hunter]

Wore Kenetrek for years until quality went away , switched to lowa Tibet Gtx, never looked back , now trying zamberlan 966 vioz Gtx, no complaints so far , will see how they handle the mountains this year , the lowa Tibet is bullet proof if it a good fit for your foot!