Zamberlan’s footwear has developed renown for its comfort, quality construction, and elegant design, and you’ll find all of these qualities with Zamberlan’s 996 Vioz GTX, a heavyweight backpacking boot with Italian style and all-day comfort. At $310, they’re the most expensive boots in our review, but they’re also built to withstand whatever you throw at them. While other footwear companies are constantly introducing new technology to make their boots as modern as possible, Zamberlan has taken a more traditional approach that honors its roots. We loved the style (even without multiple color options) but found that some design elements were just a bit dated. There’s a reason that full-grain leather hiking boots are becoming a less common sight, and there are several other boots in our review that deal out a better value for your money.

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Like Scarpa and La Sportiva, Zamberlan has a storied history that begins in the Italian Dolomites. The company began in 1929 with shoemaker Giuseppe Zamberlan and continues today with the third generation of the Zamberlan family. The company’s footwear has developed renown for their comfort, quality construction, and elegant design.

You’ll find all of these qualities with Zamberlan’s 996 Vioz GTX, a heavyweight backpacking boot with Italian style and all-day comfort. At $310, they’re the most expensive boots in our review, but they’re also built to withstand whatever you throw at them. While other footwear companies are constantly introducing new technology to make their boots as modern as possible, Zamberlan has taken a more traditional approach that honors its roots.

Comfort & Weight

The midsole of the 996 Vioz GTX is made of polyurethane. These are already comfortable enough, but Zamberlan went a step further by adding removable, moisture-wicking insoles. One addition we particularly appreciated was the heel pocket wraps that hold your heel in place, reducing the chance of developing blisters. The lacing system for these boots is hardcore—there are 8 pairs of metal eyelets running up the boot, starting with metal rings on the bottom, four closed hook eyelets above, a pair of wider-set open-hook eyelets, and then two more closed hook eyelets at the top.

In terms of weight, there’s no easy way to say it: these hefty boots tip the scales at 3.5 lbs (1.59 kg), making them the heaviest boots in our review. Much of this weight can be attributed to its burly construction and the rugged materials used, such as the complete set of metal eyelets and the full-grain leather upper. However, the fact remains that those hikers who prioritize weight-saving will almost certainly want to look elsewhere.

Traction & Stability

There’s no shortage of traction with these boots, thanks to an outsole made of burly Vibram 3D rubber. There’s a heel brake on the back to ease downhill descents, as well as wide-set lugs that are unlikely to get bogged down with mud and other debris. This rocker sole (meaning the front and back are both slightly curved upward) manages to be incredibly rugged without sacrificing comfort.

Water Resistance & Durability

The waterproof lining is constructed with seam-sealed Gore-Tex, a go-to inclusion for many footwear manufacturers. Zamberlan recommends regular treatments with Hydrobloc to maintain waterproofing on the exterior. Breathability is achieved with nylon linings intended to wick away moisture. Still, it’s simply a challenge to find a boot with a Gore-Tex lining that manages to excel at both waterproofing and breathability.

The durability of the upper is a major selling point for the 996 Vioz GTXs. The upper is made of single-piece Hydrobloc full-grain leather measuring 2.4mm in thickness, which is about as durable as a boot can get minus a full set of metal armor. Not only is much of the boot constructed from a single piece of leather, but the only seams are behind the heel to reduce the chance for potential snags. The outsole is equally rugged in both material and design; it has a decently tall toe cap to protect the rest of the boot from underfoot debris.

Styles & Sizes

You’ll only find one color option for these boots (Dark Grey/Red), but we are big fans of this particular style, which can easily transition from the trail to the city. It’s like they say: Italian boots pair well with any outfit. Sizes run from 8-14 US, and there are both regular- and wide-fit width options available. The 996 Vioz GTXs come with a 1-year warranty and can even be resoled; to do so, visit the Zamberlan website to connect with one of their approved cobblers.

The Bottom Line

The Zamberlan 996 Vioz GTX are a real standout amongst the hiking boots on our 2021. While they are the most expensive and heaviest boots we reviewed, this is backed up by their extreme durability and the high quality of their construction. We loved the style (even without multiple color options) but found that some design elements were just a bit dated. There’s a reason that full-grain leather hiking boots are becoming a less common sight, and there are several other boots in our review that deal out a better value for your money.

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