vintage vasque hiking boots

I’ve always loved the look of vintage gear. So, when I stumbled upon a pair of used Vasque hiking boots at a flea market, I knew I had to have them. The leather was worn but supple, the stitching intact. They felt like a piece of history in my hands, promising adventures yet to come. Finding them was half the fun!

Finding the Perfect Pair

My quest for the perfect pair of vintage Vasque hiking boots began online. I spent weeks scouring eBay, Etsy, and various online forums dedicated to vintage outdoor gear. I was looking for a specific model, the Sundowner, known for its durability and classic design. Many pairs I found were either too worn, missing parts, or priced far beyond my budget. I even contacted a few collectors, hoping to find a hidden gem in someone’s private collection. One seller, a woman named Agnes in Oregon, had a pair that looked promising – photos showed minimal wear, and they were the right size. We exchanged several emails, and she assured me they were in excellent condition. The anticipation was killing me! The shipping took a week, and I checked the tracking number religiously. Finally, the package arrived, a slightly battered box containing my treasure. I carefully opened it, revealing the boots nestled in tissue paper. They were even better than the photos suggested; a rich, dark brown leather, the Vasque logo subtly embossed on the side. They were slightly dusty, but the leather was remarkably supple, and the soles showed only minimal wear. I held them up, admiring the craftsmanship, the sturdy construction. These weren’t just boots; they were a piece of outdoor history, ready for their next chapter – with me. I knew instantly that I’d found the perfect pair.

Breaking them In (or Trying To!)

Breaking in vintage boots is a rite of passage, I discovered. My initial attempts were…optimistic. I wore them around the house for a few hours, then ventured out for a short walk on paved streets. The leather was stiff, and the seams felt a little unforgiving. I experienced some minor chafing on my heels, a common complaint with older leather boots. Undeterred, I followed the advice I’d read online⁚ applying leather conditioner to soften the leather and wearing thick socks to cushion my feet. I also tried wearing them for increasingly longer periods, gradually increasing the distance of my walks. One particularly ambitious afternoon, I wore them while gardening; the combination of bending and kneeling helped to mold the boots to the shape of my feet. Progress was slow but noticeable. The stiff leather gradually softened, conforming to the contours of my feet. The initial chafing lessened, though it didn’t completely disappear. I discovered that using moleskin on my heels helped significantly. After a few weeks of dedicated breaking-in, the boots felt significantly more comfortable. They were still far from being slippers, but the improvement was substantial. I knew that a long hike was still a ways off, but I was confident that with continued wear, these vintage Vasques would become my trusty companions on many trails to come. The process was certainly challenging, but the anticipation of future adventures kept me going.

My First Serious Hike

Finally, the day arrived for my first serious hike in my vintage Vasque boots! I chose the scenic, but moderately challenging, Redwood Trail near my home. I packed my backpack with water, snacks, and a map (always a good idea!), feeling a surge of excitement. The boots performed admirably; the broken-in leather felt supportive and comfortable, even on uneven terrain. I appreciated the ankle support, especially on steeper sections of the trail. The soles provided excellent traction on both the packed dirt and the occasional rocky patches. There were a few moments where I felt a slight twinge in my heels, a lingering reminder of the breaking-in process, but nothing that hampered my progress. The hike was breathtaking, and the boots were a perfect companion. I paused several times to simply admire the towering redwoods, feeling a deep connection to nature and a sense of accomplishment in conquering the trail in my vintage find. The boots held up exceptionally well, proving their durability and quality. By the end of the hike, my feet were a little tired, but not sore or blistered – a testament to the comfort and support of the boots. It was a truly memorable experience, marking the official beginning of our adventures together. I felt a sense of pride wearing these boots, knowing their history and appreciating their resilience. The Redwood Trail hike solidified my belief in the value of vintage gear, and I couldn’t wait for our next adventure.

Maintaining My Vintage Finds

Maintaining my vintage Vasque boots has been a learning experience, a blend of old-school methods and modern techniques. After each hike, I meticulously clean them. I use a soft brush to remove any loose dirt and debris, paying close attention to the stitching and creases. Then, I apply a high-quality leather conditioner, carefully working it into the leather with a clean cloth. This keeps the leather supple and prevents cracking. I let them air dry completely away from direct sunlight or heat. For waterproofing, I use a specialized leather protector spray, ensuring even coverage. This helps repel water and keeps the boots in top condition, even in wet weather. I store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to prevent fading and damage. Occasionally, I use a leather cleaner to remove stubborn stains or dirt that the regular cleaning missed. I’ve found that regular maintenance is key to preserving the boots’ longevity. It’s a small investment of time that yields significant returns in extending the life of my beloved vintage boots. I learned to be patient with the process; it’s not a quick fix, but a thoughtful ritual that connects me to the craftsmanship and history of the boots. The care I put into maintaining them reflects my appreciation for their quality and the adventures they’ve helped me experience. I’m committed to keeping them in excellent condition for many more years of hiking and exploring.