Disclosure: All Out Kids Gear generously provided us with a pair of Vasque Breeze 2.0 Kids Ultradry Hiking Boots to test and review. All words and opinions are my own.
Testing
Little POG (5 years old) tested the Vasque Breeze Boots on several hikes over a 2-month period. From dirt trails to loose rock, the boots did well on all terrain. We put the waterproofing to a test on our raincation (11 days of tent camping and hiking in the rain) and Little POG’s feet stayed dry! Hurrah!
Vasque Breeze 2.0 Kids’ Ultradry Hiking Boots |
What We Loved
Light enough for dayhikes, but sturdy enough for backpacking, these waterproof boots are perfect for active, outdoorsy kids (because seriously, who buys their kid multiple pairs of hiking boots?)! Our favorite features are described below.
Vasque Breeze at Edworthy Falls |
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- Weighing in at 1 lb 8.75 oz (size 13), these boots are relatively lightweight – they weigh only ounces more than their lowtop cousins, but provide more support.
- High tops provide ankle support, a heel lock, and protection from debris (small rocks, pine needles). They provide more support than low hikers and are softer than leather backpacking boots, so they are quite comfortable. Another advantage of higher top boots is that you can buy the boots a bit big and use them longer because your child’s heels won’t lift! We got Little POG’s boots one size bigger and she wears them with thick socks and finds them really comfortable.
- Pro tip: Be sure to wear technical hiking socks that are higher than the boot tops to prevent chafing.
- The Ultradry waterproof membrane allows heat and moisture to escape while keeping water out. Little POG wore these all day from morning ’til night and had dry feet at the end of the day several days in a row. In light rain, water actually beads off of the boots! Time will tell how long the waterproofing lasts, but if they’re made like the women’s Breeze boots, they should be good for a few years.
Puddles? No problem! |
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- Note: The only times Little POG had wet feet while wearing her Vasques was when water went in the tops of her boots (e.g. not wearing rain pants/gaiters in heavy rain, or walking into knee deep water).
- Rubber caps on the toe and heel prevent abrasion and protect little toes and heels. Super useful when scrambling on loose rock!
- Since the boots are made of abrasion resistant mesh and waterproof suede, no break-in period is required. The boots are good to go right out of the box!
- The outsoles provide good traction on mud and loose rock. Little POG is really nimble in her Vasque Breeze boots whether we’re on a dirt trail, gravel trail, loose rock, or scree.
At the top of Mount Fairview, Lake Louise. It was steep and rocky, but Little POG did great! |
What We Would Like To See
Our only beef with these boots is that the laces seem to come undone quite frequently despite double tying them. Different laces would be nice in future generations of the Vasque Breeze.
Bottom Line
I would recommend the Vasque Breeze 2.0 Ultradry hiking boots for kids that hike a lot and are getting in to backpacking and scrambling.
Where to Buy
Vasque Boots can be found at quality outdoor gear stores, including All Out Kids Gear, the sponsor of this post.
Based in Red Deer, Alberta, All Out Kids is a family business “committed to bringing in only top quality gear, and providing the very best possible customer service and shopping experience!” In addition to Vasque kids’ boots, they have a sweet collection of Deuter packs and MSR products!
To save 10% on your order of Vasque Breeze 2.0 kids’ boots from All Out Kids, please use coupon code playoutside10 at checkout.
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4 comments
Thanks Tony! We typically wear one pair of socks (technical wool blend hiking socks), but I've also tried the double-layer Thorlos socks and like them a lot. I avoid cotton as it retains moisture and promotes blisters. Hope that helps!
Thanks rockiesgirl! I'll give that a try!
Nice review. Interesting I am working on my own blog about foot care. I was wondering about socks. Do you use 1 or 2 pair of socks? From my military days I have always used 2 pairs. The normal cotton blend sport sock on the foot then a 100% wool sock over top.
I have Vasque Breezes too and agree the laces come undone easily. When you tie the laces in a bow, if you wrap the lace around first bow in the opposite direction than feels normal, it makes a different knot which is more secure. Not sure if that makes sense but it's what I do!
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