Vasque Eriksson GORE-TEX Hiking Boots
The Vasque Eriksson GTX hiking boots deliver proven performance for alpine backpacking and extended mountain treks. We built this boot around a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane that seals out moisture while allowing sweat vapor to escape, keeping your feet dry on multi-day trips through wet conditions.
Our full-grain leather upper provides abrasion resistance on rocky trails, and the Vibram Nuasi outsole grips variable terrain from loose scree to wet granite. The dual-density EVA midsole absorbs impact mile after mile, while the TPU heel counter locks your foot in place during steep descents. We designed the Eriksson GTX for hikers who need a durable, supportive boot that performs season after season.
- GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membrane for all-weather protection
- Full-grain leather upper with textile accents for durability and flexibility
- Vibram Nuasi outsole with 5mm lugs for aggressive traction
- Dual-density EVA midsole for cushioning and stability
- TPU heel counter and nylon shank for underfoot support
GORE-TEX waterproofing and breathability
The Vasque Eriksson GTX hiking boots feature a GORE-TEX extended comfort membrane laminated directly to the boot’s interior, creating a waterproof barrier that keeps rain, snow, and stream crossings from soaking your feet. Unlike coated fabrics that eventually wet out, GORE-TEX stays waterproof for the life of the boot while maintaining breathability.
This membrane allows moisture vapor from sweat to escape through microscopic pores, preventing the clammy buildup common in non-breathable boots. On warm summer ascents or snowshoe treks, your feet stay drier and more comfortable. The gusseted tongue and sealed seams work with the GORE-TEX layer to create a complete weather barrier, so you can focus on the trail instead of wet socks.
Leather construction and trail durability
We chose full-grain leather for the Eriksson GTX upper because it offers the best combination of durability, support, and weather resistance for serious mountain use. This leather naturally resists abrasion from rock contact and brush, developing a protective patina over time rather than wearing through.
Textile reinforcements at the ankle collar and tongue reduce weight while maintaining flexibility for comfortable movement. The leather takes longer to break in than synthetic materials, but the payoff is a boot that molds to your foot shape and lasts for hundreds of miles. We recommend treating the leather with a conditioner after the first few hikes to enhance water resistance and keep the material supple.
Vibram Nuasi outsole and traction performance
The Vibram Nuasi outsole on the Eriksson GTX features 5mm directional lugs arranged in a multi-directional pattern for grip on varied terrain. These lugs bite into loose soil and gravel on ascents, while the deeper heel lugs provide braking traction on steep descents.
Vibram’s rubber compound balances durability with flexibility, so the sole conforms to rock surfaces without wearing down prematurely. The outsole’s contact zone extends slightly beyond the upper’s footprint, creating a stable platform on uneven ground and narrow ridgelines. We’ve tested this tread pattern on everything from Sierra granite to Pacific Northwest mud, and it delivers consistent traction across all conditions.
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Common questions about the Eriksson GTX
Yes, the Eriksson GTX runs true to size on Vasque’s precision hiking last. We recommend ordering your normal boot size and trying them with the same hiking socks you’ll wear on the trail.
If you have high-volume feet or plan to wear thicker winter socks, consider going up a half size. Your toes should have about a thumb’s width of space when standing to allow for downhill movement without jamming against the front of the boot.
The GORE-TEX membrane in the Eriksson GTX is laminated directly to the boot’s interior and will remain waterproof for the life of the boot with proper care. Unlike coated fabrics that eventually wet out, GORE-TEX maintains its waterproof and breathable properties indefinitely.
To maximize the lifespan of your boots, clean off mud and debris after hikes, allow them to air dry naturally, and treat the leather upper with a conditioner every few months. The membrane itself requires no special maintenance.
The full-grain leather upper on the Eriksson GTX requires 15-25 miles of hiking before it fully conforms to your foot shape. We recommend wearing these boots on several shorter day hikes before committing to a multi-day backpacking trip.
The leather will feel stiff at first but will gradually mold to your foot and become more comfortable. You can speed up the process by wearing the boots around the house and on easy walks before hitting technical trails.
Yes, the Eriksson GTX works well for winter hiking and snowshoeing in temperatures down to about 20°F when paired with thick merino or synthetic socks. The GORE-TEX membrane keeps snow melt and slush out, and the Vibram Nuasi outsole provides solid traction on packed snow and icy trails.
For colder conditions or extended winter camping, consider adding an aftermarket insulated insole or stepping up to our Snowburban UltraDry model, which features additional insulation specifically designed for sub-zero temperatures.
The Eriksson GTX is designed to support pack loads of 30-50 pounds comfortably over extended trips. The dual-density EVA midsole, nylon shank, and TPU heel counter work together to provide the stability needed for multi-day backpacking with a loaded pack.
For heavier loads above 50 pounds or technical mountaineering routes, consider our St. Elias FG GTX model, which offers extended ankle support and a more robust midsole platform specifically engineered for expedition-level loads.
The Eriksson GTX excels on rocky alpine trails, loose scree, wet granite, and muddy forest paths. The Vibram Nuasi outsole with 5mm directional lugs provides excellent traction on variable terrain, while the full-grain leather upper resists abrasion from rock contact.
These boots are ideal for mountain backpacking, peak bagging, and extended trail hiking where you need durability and support. They’re less suited for ultra-light fast-packing or trail running, where a lighter synthetic boot or shoe would be more appropriate.
Clean the leather upper with a soft brush and lukewarm water after muddy hikes, removing dirt before it dries. Allow the boots to air dry naturally at room temperature, stuffing them with newspaper to absorb moisture and maintain shape — never place them near direct heat sources like radiators or campfires.
Apply a leather conditioner every 20-30 miles of hiking to keep the leather supple and enhance water resistance. We recommend products specifically designed for full-grain hiking boot leather rather than general-purpose shoe polish.