Vasque Clarion ’88 Hiking Boots
We brought back the Clarion ’88 because some designs are too good to leave in the archives. These boots honor our legacy while delivering the durability and comfort modern hikers demand.
Built on the same foundation that made the original a classic, the Clarion ’88 features full-grain leather uppers, a Gore-Tex® waterproof membrane, and an authentic Vibram® Kletterlift outsole. Whether you’re breaking trail or heading out for a weekend loop, these boots deliver the ankle support and traction you need.
Our heritage lives in every stitch, but the performance is pure today — we’ve refined the fit, updated the cushioning platform, and kept the retro aesthetic hikers love.
- 2.0mm full-grain leather upper with suede panels
- Gore-Tex® waterproof breathable membrane
- Vibram® Kletterlift rubber outsole for multi-surface traction
- Traditional lace-to-toe design for customizable fit
- Dual-density EVA midsole with TPU shank
Materials & Construction
We source 2.0mm full-grain leather for the Clarion ’88 uppers because it offers the best balance of durability and break-in comfort. The leather is backed by suede reinforcement panels at high-wear zones — heel counter, toe cap, and along the lacing eyelets.
Our Gore-Tex® bootie construction seals out water while allowing sweat vapor to escape. The membrane is bonded directly to the leather, eliminating cold spots and keeping your feet dry through creek crossings and wet brush. Every seam is taped and the gusseted tongue prevents debris from entering at the ankle.
Sizing & Fit
The Clarion ’88 runs true to size with a medium width footbed. We recommend ordering your standard hiking boot size — no need to size up for thick socks, as the dual-density EVA midsole allows enough room for a midweight merino blend.
Our last is built on a semi-curved shape that accommodates most foot volumes without pressure points. If you have a high instep, lace through the ghillie hooks rather than the eyelets for extra volume in the midfoot. The toe box offers enough wiggle room to prevent black toenails on long descents.
Traction & Stability
The Vibram® Kletterlift pattern features multi-directional lugs that dig into soft soil and channel mud away from the contact patch. We’ve tested these boots on everything from scree fields to wet granite slabs, and the compound holds exceptionally well once you learn its limits.
Our TPU shank runs three-quarters of the boot length, providing torsional rigidity without the stiffness of a full-length plate. This lets the forefoot flex naturally on uneven ground while preventing the arch from collapsing under a loaded pack. The dual-density EVA midsole absorbs impact on rocky trails — softer foam in the heel for cushioning, firmer foam in the midfoot for support.
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Clarion ’88 Boot Questions
Yes, the Clarion ’88 boots feature a Gore-Tex® waterproof breathable membrane that’s bonded to the leather upper. The membrane keeps water out while allowing sweat vapor to escape, so your feet stay dry in wet conditions.
Every seam is taped and the gusseted tongue prevents water from entering through the lacing area. We’ve tested these boots in stream crossings, heavy rain, and wet brush with no leakage.
Most hikers report a break-in period of 15-25 miles on moderate terrain. The full-grain leather will soften and conform to your foot shape during this time.
We recommend wearing the boots around the house for a few evenings before your first long hike. Conditioning the leather after the first few outings will speed up the break-in process and prevent stiffness.
The Clarion ’88 boots excel on rocky trails, uneven terrain, and mixed conditions where you need ankle support and aggressive traction. The Vibram® Kletterlift outsole grips well on wet rock, hardpack, and loose soil.
They’re ideal for day hikes with light to moderate loads (up to 25 pounds) and weekend backpacking trips. For extended backpacking with heavier packs, you may want a stiffer boot with more arch support.
Yes, these boots run true to size with a medium width last. We recommend ordering your standard hiking boot size without sizing up.
The toe box offers enough room for thick socks and toe splay on descents. If you have a high instep, use the ghillie lacing hooks to open up extra volume in the midfoot.
The Clarion ’88 boots are built with a stitched and cemented construction that allows for resoling. When the Vibram® outsole wears down, you can send them to an authorized cobbler who works with hiking boots.
Resoling typically costs $80-120 and extends the life of the boots by another 500+ miles. Contact our customer service team for a list of recommended repair shops.
The Clarion ’88 is a heritage-inspired model with a traditional lace-to-toe design and retro aesthetic. It uses heavier full-grain leather and a stiffer midsole than our lighter trail boots like the Breeze series.
Compared to our St. Elias backpacking boots, the Clarion ’88 has a more flexible forefoot and slightly less ankle support. It’s best for hikers who want classic styling with modern waterproofing and cushioning.
Clean the boots with lukewarm water and a soft brush after muddy hikes. Let them air-dry at room temperature, never near a heater or in direct sunlight.
Apply a beeswax-based leather conditioner every 20-30 miles to keep the full-grain leather supple. Wipe off excess conditioner after 10 minutes and allow the boots to dry overnight before wearing.