Vasque Taku GTX Review

November 14, 2012
Vasque Taku GTX
GEAR INSTITUTE RATINGS
77
Support & Stability
5
Quality & Construction
6
Comfort
7
Weight
7
Protection
7
Value
5

The Good

  • Good protection from rocks and stones
  • Sufficient support for moderate backpacking loads (up to 35-40 lbs)
  • Good construction and materials
  • Light weight for a leather upper hiking boot

The Bad

  • Flimsy throwaway footbed
  • Not the best choice for a trip with a heavy load, especially into rugged country
  • Somewhat expensive, but the cost might be justified
THE VERDICT

The Vasque Taku’s tough looks belie its easygoing ways—it’s light, moderately protective, dependable, and supportive, but it’s not hankering for the high ground. The Taku feels most at home somewhere between rugged day hikes and moderate backpacking trips, but feels overwhelmed under heavy or in scree. Overall, it was a solid and dependable performer light-duty hiking boot.

FULL REVIEW

Support and Stability
The sole’s firm flex and the close-fitting upper held my foot in place in the boot on rough ground, but I felt a slight bit of mushiness in the sole when I pushed hard on rugged ground. I ran into the boot’s limitation when I loaded a pack for a long trip—there’s isn’t enough support for carrying a big load. The arch support was adequate.

Protection & Comfort
Protection is very good—thanks to TPU (thermoplastic urethane) plates in the midsole for sharp rocks, and rubber rand over the toe. There was just enough padding in the ankle and tongue, but not so much as to be bulky. All in all it was a very comfortable boot.

Construction and Design
This isn’t a boot that goes for flash or techy bling. The Taku is a simple, classic, well-made boot for light loads. I would have liked it if the laces went farther down towards that toe—that would probably add a little support for heavier loads and rougher terrain. The seams in the upper are well-located away from abrasion points, and the nicely fitted lining is comfortable. The lacing fittings are bomber.

Performance
The Taku performed just the way decent all-around light boots should, they were comfortable and supportive as long as I didn’t push the boots really hard in rocks or with heavy loads.

Lined with Gore-Tex, the shoes remained waterproof in rain, during stream crossings, and during a ten-minute soak in a tub of water, but in hot, dry weather my feet felt a little warm, as is usually the case with Gore-Tex lined boots and shoes.

 


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