Back in the 1980s, hiking was one of the world’s favorite pastimes. To capitalize on this, companies began creating, conceptualizing, and manufacturing gear to commoditize the medium. In the same light as history’s most iconic sneakers, outdoor footwear became much more than a purposeful piece of attire, allowing fashion-forward explorers to exhibit their style-savvy shoes while on the trail. Among these, Vasque’s iconic Clarion GTX Hiking Boots sought to carve their own path.
Now, the revered company has decided to resurrect the legendary shoe; albeit, with a few modern touch-ups. The newest iteration of Vasque’s Clarion ‘88 GTX incorporates a durable, abrasion-resistant mesh upper, 1.8-millimeter suede leather, and GORE-TEX waterproofing to bring the boot into contention with today’s most technical offerings. An anatomical, high-rebound footbed and Vibram Winkler outsole provide exceptional grip, comfort, and composure on and off the trail. If you’re a connoisseur of the Clarion’s retro stylings, head over to Vasque’s website, where you can acquire your own pair for $160.
