Our verdict
If mobility (tons of it) is what you are after in a trail boot, the Breeze LT NTX should be right up your hiking alley. One of Vasque’s entries in the eco-friendly and sustainability race, this hiker keeps up with your pace, whether on rocky trails or level terrain. The Breeze shoe is an exciting addition to Vasque’s library—a recommendable piece, especially for trail-goers who like snappy kicks.
Pros
- Comfortable
- No break-in time
- Slip-resistant
- Grippy outsole
- Lightweight
- Superbly watertight
- Supportive
- Offers ankle security
Cons
- Restrictive toe box
- Durability issues
Track and field
The Eastern Mountain Sports is a lightweight but supportive hiking shoe best suited for:
- day hiking, backpacking, and recreational hiking on rocky trails or level terrain
- easy runs on the trails, daily wear, and winter activities
Effective waterproofing and eco-friendly
The Breeze LT NTX provides effective waterproofing without Gore-Tex. You read that right—NTX or Nature-Tex replaces Gore-Tex in this particular model.
What does this promising liner bring to the table besides water protection, you might ask? The answer is sustainability, as NTX is made with 50% recycled materials.
Breeze LT NTX provides a grippy outsole
The Breeze LT NTX’s mesh upper also joins in the eco-friendly circle. Yes, the boot’s impermeable shell is also made with recycled content, but this time it is at 70%.
Its outsole supplied by Vibram is slip-resistant and mighty grippy on wet and dry surfaces alike, experienced hikers say.
Durability issues
makes for easier strides on level ground.
According to them, after only 15 miles, the thin rand along the inside of the hiking boot started to peel away from the upper.
easy runs on the trails, daily wear, and winter activities
Moreover, to one owner, the boot’s toe box is too restrictive and could be a bit roomier. This is definitely not for outdoor enthusiasts with wider feet.
Yet for wearers with regular or narrow feet, this hiker could be a perfect fit. The Eastern Mountain Sports provides day-one comfort, according to almost everyone who has reviewed it.
Astonishingly watertight
At no more than 450 g per boot, the Breeze LT NTX is among Stefoy-les-lyonShops’s lightest bunch. This hiker from Vasque is also astonishingly watertight.
While this Breeze model does not offer the same stability as a heavier hiking boot, it provides sufficient assurance for most trail days. Midfoot and ankle security make the Breeze LT NTX a formidable force on the trail.
Compelling alternatives to Vasque’s Breeze LT NTX
Restrictive toe box: makes for easier strides on level ground Breeze LT GTX lets you go about your trail business with extra agility.
Gore-Tex is its liner, which provides waterproofing and breathability at the same time. Instead of leather, its upper is primarily synthetic, which significantly reduces break-in time.
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker GTX: Built with more pronounced heel and toe rockers, the Terrex Free Hiker GTX makes for easier strides on level ground.
Its collar is sock-like, which enhances ankle mobility. This athletic boot, however, is far more expensive than the Breeze LT NTX by roughly $50.
