Vertex Alpine GTX Shoe Men's

I’ve owned a pair of these for 6 months and have enjoyed every second of them. For starters this show has the comfort level that keeps me pushing miles on my journeys throughout the SoCal area, and have taken them through some really rocky terrain and they have spared my feet where other shoes have failed. First time on foot I hated the geometry and feel of the underfoot, as it took about a week for my brain to accept the structure and the shape, as I did do myself a favor and broke them in on flat ground. Then took them on my first hike and they did exceptionally great incline and alpine terrain, it was quite cold for SoCal 6k elevation and 32 degrees after sunset, and I felt comfortable, also paired with the Arc Merino Wool socks, it was a streamlined experience. These shoes were crafted expertly in getting the dynamics of the foot properly, and I wear these shoes on and off the trail in the city and back on the trail again, and they are sticky with loads of traction yet comfortable, nimble and sleek. Ribbed collar is a godsend as you can swiftly put these on without having to re-lace the shoes every time. I think if people have worn any sock like shoes before they would get the technology and engineering that has gone into them. The durability is superb, I’ve taken them on walls, and worn them into swanky spaces and they are still head turners after have miles on the trail, I’ve cleaned them to almost new status again and some. The waterproofing has come in clutch time and time again as I’ve conquered rain, and rivers with these shoes on and felt comfortable from start to finish. These shoes have helped in overcoming fears that I would have had in other shoes I’ve used in times past, and have saved me from so many of countless injuries. The shoes are lightweight, and help me glide across whatever terrian I’ve come across, scrambling, running downhill, through treacherous terrain, keeping me stable throughout the hikes. I hope that this shoe doesn’t get discontinued as I believe that this is probably one piece of gear that I could honestly not live without. The only thing is that I wish that I bought two pairs in the Solitude colorway. As lighter colorways are tougher to clean, but I like to put my items through their paces and enjoy the experience. Definitely am going to buy another pair, and hope this shoe stays within the Arc family lineup Keep sending

If you're looking for hybrid shoes for hiking on the mountain at hight speed, this is pretty the top notch! They are quite stiff, like a hiking shoe should be: i don't understand the other complaints, there are specific trail running shoes on the Arc'teryx lineup and this one are identified as approach shoes. I feel fine with the heel, but i purchased a 12' instead of the 11/11.5' i usually wear with other brands. Albeit what i read on some reviews the shoes are quite light too: 60gr (x shoe) lighter than my previous Mammut AR Boa GTX, which are much more cushioned and soft in comparison. The traction is great, cannot state if the sole will last, but Vibram is a guarantee usually (unlike the SpeedCross, which i get used to replace every 2 months). Don't tested waterproofing yet, but the overall sensation is great protection, unlike other trail running shoes i owned. At the end they get an high recommendation from me. Just be aware of what you're purchasing and check the best size that will suite you: the tip is very stiff and if your big toe hits on the upper it can become pretty uncomfortable.

I've trail-tested my Vertex Alpine Shoes at Stawamus Chief and found them comfortable with great traction on slippery boulders. They have stability and comfort, making them great for hiking and trail running.

These are realistically a great pair for a mix of trail/hiking/approach. The added details from a more traditional trail runner are a nice touch, but the biggest issue is just the stiffness of the upper material. Even though the front toe box is nice and wide, especially if you have some wider feet (I am a size 8E), the stiffness of the upper material can create pretty severe pressure/hot spots on the top of your foot. Although this may not happen to everybody, there are enough reviews at this point regarding the same issue that these should be redesigned with a softer upper entirely. Sure you kind of get the best of both worlds with what is essentially a trail runner and approach shoe combined, but with the potential amount of discomfort these bring, it would be worth it instead to bring a pair for each respective terrain.

The shoes are very stiff and lacking for comfort when walking

Not sure why they get so many negative reviews. Purchased the first generation a year ago have had no complaints. They fit great, worn for travel, standing all day, hiking. They are pricey…..