Hard Wear, No Tear: Zamberlan 1996 Vioz Lux Hiking Boot Review

The mud, creek crossings, and patches of snow were unavoidable as we squished along the trail using our poles for balance. Our A-framed skis stuck up amid the surrounding willow bushes. Ahead, we could see our snow-covered objective, still miles away.

I glanced down at my mud-caked Zamberlan 1996 Vioz Lux Hiking Boots — an upgrade to the original launched in February 2024. This was just the beginning of the abuse they were about to endure that day.

It was July, and my ski partner and I were hunting for some summer turns on Independence Pass. The approach was several miles long — and it was proving to be a trudge. My favorite boots were getting pretty dirty, and I knew they’d come home that day with some new battle scars. But I never once worried about their stability or waterproofing failing. These boots are tanks.

I already knew, because I’d been wearing them for months at that point. I’d worn them on my daily dog walks and when I traveled, hiked, camped, or did yard work. These boots had become my daily drivers, and I knew how rugged their construction was. The Italians don’t mess around when it comes to making premium hiking footwear — and they know they can charge a premium price for it.

This upgraded version of Zamberlan’s bestselling hiker is a prime example of both points.

In short: The Zamberlan 1996 Vioz Lux GTX hiking boot ($320) is not for folks who like featherweight footwear. However, if you like sturdy, classic hiking boots, they should be at the top of your list. Not only is this an exceptionally good-looking hiker, but it’s one of the most bombproof leather boots I’ve ever worn. With full-grain waxed Tuscan leather uppers, a backpacking-specific last, and Zamberlan’s own Vibram 3D outsole, this pair of hiking boots feels balanced, stable, and very protective.

If you’re shopping for hiking boots, check out our guide to the Best Hiking Boots.

Zamberlan 1996 Vioz Lux RR Hiking Boot Review

Before owning this pair of boots, I had worn just one other pair of Zamberlans — the Salathe Trek GTX. I loved those boots. They were extremely comfortable with suede uppers and mid-stiffness. For lighter hikes and day trips, I wore them extensively.

But the 1996 Vioz Lux is an extremely different boot from the Salathe Trek. Not only was it notably heavier right out of the box, but it was also much stiffer. As soon as I put them on, I realized what a bomber boot this was. It felt like I was wearing a hunting boot, but this was clearly marketed toward hikers and backpackers.

I liked them as soon as they were on my feet. In fact, I liked them so much I didn’t really take them off all spring and into fall. I’ve been wearing these boots four to seven times a week for the last 6 months.

I’ve experienced a lot in them — from backpacking to airport travel and even light construction work. They’ve been put to the test in more scenarios than I had intended to put them through, and I have yet to be disappointed.

Construction, Design, Fit, and Feel

I’ve tested a fair amount of hiking shoes and boots, but this one takes the cake as far as stiffness and stability go. The Zamberlan Vibram 3D outsole is one of the beefiest and stiffest I’ve used.

Holding the boot between my hands and pressing the toe and heel toward each other, I can barely get it to bend in the middle. Torsional flexion is the same — there is not much give, even after 6 months of near-daily use.

You can feel that when you’re walking, too. It almost feels like you’re walking on platforms.

They’re heavy, at 3.5 pounds per pair. But they would only be the third-heaviest boot on our guide to the Best Hiking Boots. Heavier boots are my preference, so the weight never bothered me. If you like lighter boots and shoes, I’d recommend looking at other pairs on the guide linked above.

I don’t want to give the impression that these are uncomfortable boots. I wouldn’t have worn them as often and consistently if they were torture chambers for my feet. They aren’t the most comfortable hikers on the market. But I also never once caught myself complaining of hot spots, pinch zones, or general discomfort in these Zamberlans.

The fit of the Vois Lux felt very secure. Zamberlan calls it the “ZBPK Performance Fit” and claims it’s specifically designed for backpacking. It uses a heel lock and an “anatomical wrap” over the top that holds your foot snugly in place.

The Tuscan leather upper has proven very durable. I’ve kicked and scraped rocks traversing scree fields — even spent a full day in these boots while moving gravel to build a small foundation.

Though the leather has taken on its share of scuffs and scratches, there is no serious damage to the uppers. Nor, for that matter, have the high-resistance treated eyelets or lace hooks suffered any damage.

For the 2024 Vioz Lux, Zamberlan added a calf leather collar that feels plush against the sides and back of your calf. This is the softest, most pliable part of the entire boot.

In the Field

These were the kind of hiking boots that I felt like I could do anything in. I climbed 12,000+ foot peaks in Colorado, went on hikes in the Arizona desert, kicked around trails near Lake Tahoe, backpacked overnight, walked around my neighborhood, traveled to outdoor media events, built a shed for my property, collected deadfall for firewood, and more in these boots.

Yes, most hiking boots are pretty versatile. But I felt as though the bombproof construction of these really lent them to a wide spectrum of work and recreation.

After miles of backpacking and hiking, my feet never felt excessively beat up or exhausted. I stomped through puddles and flooded creek crossings imperviously, trusting the GORE-TEX liner to do its thing — and it never failed. The stiffness and protection of the leather also lent itself well for more aggressive hiking on both the ascent and descent.

There is not much rocker in these boots, though, so rolling from heel to toe feels a little clunky. I thought maybe that would smooth out a little bit after extended use, but the sole feels as stiff as ever today.

The actual Vibram sole has started to show some wear on the heel of the boots. It’s negligible. I’ve used other hiking boots and shoes far less and seen much more significant wear on the bottoms. And if it ever becomes a real problem, they are resoleable, so you could potentially double their useful life if you took advantage of that.

Style-wise, I like the look. It’s rare that you get compliments on a hiking boot, but I’ve been called out for these. They have a Timberland-adjacent aesthetic that — I think — lends itself to daily wear. Admittedly, that’s situational, though. I got some weird looks when I showed up to my cousin’s wedding cocktail party in these.

Patina & Wear, but No Tear

The first time I scratched these beautiful (expensive) leather boots, I was sad to see their perfect appearance marred. The Tuscan leather upper is gorgeous. It took on scratches pretty easily. So don’t expect that out-of-the-box sheen to last long.

But that’s OK, because over time, the patina the leather develops is nice. I got the Waxed Brick color, which has become significantly lighter over time. I’ve used some leather oil to restore it on two occasions, and it mostly regains its original color.

Despite the patina of the leather upper, and the wear on the soles of the boots, nothing about them has failed in 6 months of hard use — which I find pretty amazing. Not a single stitch has come undone. The rubber toebox is still intact and flush with the upper. The sole hasn’t detached in the slightest. Every single eyelet and lace hook is still intact and undamaged.

There is definitely wear on my Vioz Lux boots, but there are no signs of tear.

A Note on Price

Look at our guide to the Best Hiking Boots, and you’ll quickly notice how affordable many of them are compared to the Zamberlan 1996 Vioz Lux boots. Only two on that list are more expensive than these: the Asolo TPS 52 xGV EVO ($360) and the Crispi Nevada GTX Hunting Boot ($440). Both of those boots are similar in construction and build to the Vioz Lux.

Zamberlan boots are all expensive. If you need a budget-friendly option, I’d point you toward something like Merrell’s Moab 3 mid. It isn’t full-grain Tuscan leather, but it’s a solid and very comfortable hiker for less than half the price of this one.

Still, I’d argue that the Zamberlan Vioz Lux merits its steep price. I have truly beat these boots to hell and back, and they haven’t faltered. Yes, they’re easy to scratch. Yes, they’re heavy. But for a premium quality boot that feels like it will last years, it isn’t an outrageous price — just a premium one.

Who Are They For?

It’s no secret among my friends and colleagues that I like boots. I prefer them to shoes. I wear hiking boots pretty much everywhere I go (unless the dress code stipulates otherwise). There’s just something about the look and the feel of having a sturdy, functional foundation that puts me at ease.

So, it should say something like I’ve fallen so hard for the Zamberlan 1996 Vioz Lux hiking boots. They’re everything I could ask for, and I use them daily.

If you like light hikers, low-drop, or “barefoot” footwear, these boots are not for you. If you’re like me, however, you will love these boots as much as I do. I’m not going to stop wearing them just because I’m done testing them. I’ve developed such an affection for this chunky, stiff, full-grain leather hiking boot that the rest of my shoes have gotten a lot less use lately.