Vasque Saga GTX Hiking Boot - Beware the Laces!

UPDATE March 2019: This review is quite positive, but people should be aware that the original laces for these boots are inadequate due to very rapid failure. It frustrates me because I think the boot itself is excellent. Many written reviews say the same. Vasque sent me replacement laces of the same poor design a while back. Their more recent replies to online comments seem to indicate they are looking for a better lace design to send to people. Check www.vasque.com for more information.
Here's a brief review of the new for 2018 Vasque Saga GTX. It's a waterproof boot, suitable for day hikes or backpacking. I compare it to a Vasque Breeze II and Vasque Taku GTX.
The reviewer is a scouter and experienced day hiker and backpacker in the northeast USA, including portions of the Appalachian Trial and numerous Adirondack High Peaks in upstate New York.

[@anjian7690]

Thanks for sharing. Very nice review. I think I would get the Saga~~

[@PaoloFrancesco99]

Thanks for watching. A few months ago, I purchased new boots for myself and opted for La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX. They have performed very well for me. They are lighter than the Vasque Saga and also fit me nicely. If I find the time I will make a comparison review of a few newer boots in my family.

[@WereAllThatBored]

Those are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. Of any type of shoe. Just picked them up a few weeks ago and dont regret it.

[@PaoloFrancesco99]

Thanks for watching and commenting. My son, whose new pair I reviewed, likes his so far too. He's been out a few times, including with full backpack.

[@chriss729]

Nice review, this should have more likes and views.

[@PaoloFrancesco99]

Thanks for watching and commenting. This review was the only one when I posted so I was hoping some might find it helpful. The boot has performed very well so far with just one issue. A lace blew out prematurely just before stepping off for a hike and it was a challenge using parachord as a replacement (all we had). Not only is the original lace and its end very thin but the eyelets are also small to match. I had to fuse the end of the parachord just right to thread it through, wasting precious time. I communicated this to Vasque and they sent a pair of Saga laces which we'll keep with us on hikes. Seems silly to get cute with lace design. But it's still a great boot and is still the leading candidate to replace my Takus when needed. It's also available in all leather now for traditionalists out there. But I would go with the tech material for reasons mentioned in the review, and I think it's lighter too.

[@Oculus729]

Well done review thanks. Now if Vasque could see it to make the Saga in a wide width.......

[@PaoloFrancesco99]

Thanks for watching, Craig. In fact, Vasque makes them in medium AND wide! On a whim, I wanted to double check for you. I have a feeling you may have looked at another website, e.g. REI seems to carry only medium right now. Go to Vasque.com and check it out...

[@idoiapallares8410]

Hi, thanks for your video. I have the Vasque Breeze III, for my performance, I find it too flexible, the Saga are equally flexible? Would you recommend them for heights between 2000 and 3000 in summer? Thanks. Salutations.

[@PaoloFrancesco99]

Thanks for watching. I would be glad to help but I'm not sure if you mean that the upper part of the Breeze III is too flexible or if you mean the sole is too flexible so you feel too many things under your foot. I'll answer both. First, I don't think the sole of the Saga will be much stiffer than the Breeze III. Considering they both use the Megagrip Vibram compound/tread pattern, maybe they are the same. Regarding the flexibility of the upper part, I think the Saga would provide more support than the Breeze III, partly because the boot is higher. My son said he feels supported, even while backpacking with a reasonably heavy pack. The engineered material of the Saga is not thick and stiff, it is pretty flexible. However, a good fit with proper lacing should offer support. I'm not sure if your question referenced 2000-3000 feet or meters. Either way, terrain really depends on what part of the world you're hiking. My son's Sagas will be used in the Adirondack High Peaks this summer (all sorts of challenges including deep water, mud, roots, sloped wet rock, etc.) at 4000-5000 feet and also in New Mexico at elevations of 8000-12000 feet where trail conditions will likely be better. Feel free to comment with a follow-up question and mention the type of hiking you're doing, e.g. dayhiking or backpacking, etc.

[@PaoloFrancesco99]

Folks, this review is quite positive, but people should be aware that the original laces for these boots are inadequate due to very rapid failure. Many written reviews say the same. It frustrates me because I think the boot itself is excellent. Vasque sent me replacement laces of the same poor design a while back. Their more recent replies to online comments seem to indicate they are looking for a better lace design to send to people. Check www.vasque.com for more information.