Vasque Breeze LT Low GTX | Moab tested and approved

When packing for a 2-3 week trip to Colorado and Utah, I decided to be a little choosy. Not wanting to overburden an already heavy truck with unnecessary stuff, I packed light. Well, our personal gear was light. I came up with a 5 day clothing list and told my son we’d do laundry on the road. He adhered to the list and we both fit our personal items in a small tote. That’s not hard to do when the forecast is for temps above the 100F mark. Shorts, t-shirts, socks, underwear, 1 pair of pants and a long sleeve shirt. Which were never worn by the way. A pair of flip flops and a shoe that’s capable of everything that lay ahead. Like the Breeze LT Low GTX.

Vasque Breeze LT Low GTX Video Review:

I met with Joel from Vasque at Outdoor Retailer this summer and I asked what he would recommend for such an adventure. And before long, a pair of Vasque Breeze LT Low GTX shoes arrived. I prefer a low top for the majority of what we had planned but the Breeze is also available in a high top boot. The LT is the lightweight version of the proven Breeze III Low.

First Impression

My first impression when I put them on was that the amount of cushion provided by the Dual Density Compression Molded Enduralast EVA Midsole was unbelievable. I had been wearing approach shoes from another manufacturer for the past few months and had become accustom to their stiffer midsole. The feeling was refreshing. Similar to wearing a running shoe. Everything I stepped on was absorbed rather than transferred to my foot.

Below that shock absorbing midsole of the Breeze LT is the venerable and Vasque Exclusive Vibram® Ground Control LiteBase with Megagrip Compound. This thing did everything I threw at it with no issue. From the rain soaked shale rocks above 12,000′ in Colorado to the smooth sandstone Slickrock of Moab. These shoes gripped everything like a gecko. My adventurous 16 year old son was always climbing some rock structure in Moab so I was typically not far behind. The grip these shoes provided was confidence inspiring.

Quality Materials

The Abrasion Resistant Mesh upper allowed enough airflow to remain comfortable in all climates while the GORE-TEX® with Extended Comfort Technology provided the protection needed while crossing streams in the mountains. It seemed to rain each afternoon while traversing the high passes of Colorado. Further reassuring that my choice in footwear was the correct one. Weighing only 1 lb. 6 oz. (626g), the Breeze LT lived up to its marketing hype of being a lighter version. As far as durability and abrasion resistance, I’d say the shoe did exceptionally well. I was not tip toeing around while hiking and exploring. Crawling into abandoned (possibly unsafe) mining caves complete with flowing water and silty muck, the Breeze was a solid choice.

Vasque Breeze LT GTX Features:

• Rubber sole
• Shaft measures approximately Ankle from arch
• Boot opening measures approximately Medium around
• The breeze Lite low Gore-Tex is a streamlined hiking shoe for fast and light Trail adventures. Save on weight, while taking full advantage of best-in-class traction and waterproofing
• The GORE-TEX waterproof membrane blocks moisture from the outside, while allowing moisture inside to evaporate
• The upper is a synthetic microfiber, abrasion resistant mesh with a anatomical high rebound footbed Dual density compression molded enduralast EVA midsole
• Features Vibram Megagrip Outsole for sure footing across varying surfaces and a dual density compression molded enduralast EVA for comfort

Mountain Biking

One day we decided to take a break from the trail and rented full suspension downhill mountain bikes in Telluride. The next few hours were spent riding the lift up and bombing down some exciting tracks. Tracks that carve their way through the pine and aspen forests that bracket this famous ski resort. Gripping the pedals like they were purpose built mountain bike shoes, I felt confident as I reverted to my days on a YZF400 skidding around hairpins and kicking a foot out to pivot on. Only once did my foot slip off the pedal after a jump gone bad (rider error) and my shin took the brunt of the pedal.

If you’re looking for a shoe that can do almost anything, the Breeze LT Low GTX is a pretty solid choice. It was as comfortable driving the ridiculous 3800 miles round trip as it was hiking, biking and climbing. I plan to continue testing this shoe long term and will report back if anything comes up. And if you don’t hear from me? You know it’s all good.