Vasque St. Elias GTX Hiking Boots
The St. Elias GTX is our full-grain leather backpacking boot engineered for multi-day treks and technical terrain. We built this boot around a GORE-TEX waterproof membrane that keeps feet dry without sacrificing breathability on steep ascents.
The 2.2mm full-grain leather upper withstands abrasion from rock scrambles and off-trail bushwhacking. Our dual-density EVA midsole absorbs impact on descents while the TPU shank delivers torsional rigidity when edging across boulder fields. At 3 lbs 2 oz per pair, the St. Elias strikes the balance backpackers need between ankle support and nimble movement.
- GORE-TEX waterproof breathable membrane
- 2.2mm full-grain leather upper for durability
- Dual-density EVA midsole with TPU shank
- Vibram Contact Grip outsole with 5mm lugs
- Weight: 3 lbs 2 oz per pair (men’s size 9)
Leather construction & waterproof protection
We source 2.2mm full-grain leather from tanneries that specialize in outdoor footwear stock. This thickness resists scuffs from talus fields without the stiffness that plagues heavier mountaineering boots. The leather takes 3-4 wears to break in fully, but requires no special treatment beyond occasional saddle soap cleaning.
The GORE-TEX membrane sits between the leather shell and the textile lining. Water from stream crossings or morning dew rolls off the outer leather while perspiration escapes through microscopic pores in the membrane. We’ve tested this construction in 72-hour rain simulations and submerged wading up to the boot collar — the interior stays completely dry.
Midsole cushioning & stability platform
Our dual-density EVA midsole uses a firmer compound under the heel and forefoot for edging precision, with softer EVA through the midfoot for shock absorption. The TPU shank runs from heel to ball-of-foot, preventing the boot from folding when you’re stepping across gap crossings with a loaded pack.
The 6.5-inch cuff height provides lateral ankle support without restricting forward flex. We cut the collar at an angle that follows your Achilles tendon to eliminate pressure points during steep climbs. Backpackers carrying 35-50 lb loads report the St. Elias prevents ankle roll on uneven terrain better than low-cut trail runners, but moves faster than traditional heavyweight boots.
Outsole traction & lug pattern
Vibram Contact Grip Compound
We spec the Vibram Contact Grip rubber compound for its bite on wet granite and greasy tree roots. The 5mm lug depth channels mud away from the footprint while maintaining enough rubber contact for friction on slickrock. Independent field tests measured the Contact Grip at 15% better wet-traction performance compared to standard hiking rubber.
The lug pattern features heel braking lugs angled at 45 degrees to grip on descents. Forefoot lugs orient in multiple directions to maintain purchase during traverses and side-hill travel. We’ve logged trail reports from the White Mountains to the Sierra showing 500+ mile durability before lug wear becomes noticeable.
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What people are saying
Common questions about the St. Elias GTX
Most hikers report 15-20 miles of loaded hiking before the leather softens fully and the boot conforms to your foot shape. We recommend wearing them around the house for a few days, then taking them on progressively longer day hikes before committing to a multi-day backpacking trip.
The 2.2mm full-grain leather is thick enough to require a break-in period but not so stiff that it causes major discomfort during the process. Avoid wearing brand-new boots on a thru-hike or extended trek — give the leather time to mold to your foot first.
The St. Elias GTX runs true to size on our Classic Last. We’ve already built a 0.5-inch toe box buffer into the pattern, so you don’t need to size up for toe room. Order your standard hiking boot size.
If you typically wear a half size in athletic shoes, stick with that half size in the St. Elias. The boot measures slightly narrower at the ball compared to our wider models, so backpackers with high-volume feet may want to try on in-store or order from a retailer with a good return policy.
GORE-TEX is a membrane system licensed from W.L. Gore & Associates, featuring microscopic pores that block liquid water while allowing water vapor to escape. UltraDry is our proprietary waterproof/breathable technology that uses a different pore structure and chemical treatment.
Both keep your feet dry in wet conditions, but GORE-TEX has a longer track record in independent field testing and typically offers slightly better breathability on long ascents. The St. Elias GTX uses GORE-TEX for maximum waterproof reliability on multi-day backpacking trips where you can’t afford wet feet.
Yes, the St. Elias construction supports professional resoling. Most boots see 800-1200 trail miles before the Vibram outsole wears down enough to need replacement. We recommend taking them to a cobbler who specializes in hiking boot repair rather than attempting a DIY resole.
The resoling process involves removing the old Vibram Contact Grip rubber, cleaning the midsole bonding surface, and cementing a new outsole in place. Cost typically runs between sixty and ninety dollars depending on the repair shop. This extends the boot’s lifespan significantly compared to buying a new pair.
The St. Elias GTX weighs 3 lbs 2 oz per pair in men’s size 9. This puts them in the mid-weight category for backpacking boots — heavier than ultralight trail runners but lighter than traditional mountaineering boots.
The weight comes from the 2.2mm full-grain leather upper, the GORE-TEX membrane, the dual-density EVA midsole with TPU shank, and the Vibram Contact Grip outsole. Backpackers carrying 35-50 lb loads report the extra weight is worth the ankle support and durability on technical terrain.
The St. Elias GTX excels on rocky trails, off-trail bushwhacking, multi-day backpacking trips, and technical terrain with stream crossings. The full-grain leather upper resists abrasion from talus fields and the Vibram sole grips wet granite and muddy descents.
They’re overkill for groomed rail-trails or short day hikes on maintained paths where a trail runner would suffice. The 6.5-inch cuff height and TPU shank provide stability for backpackers carrying heavy loads over uneven ground, making them ideal for the Presidential Traverse, Colorado fourteeners, or multi-week thru-hiking sections.
After each hike, brush off dried mud and wipe the leather with a damp cloth. Every 4-6 outings, apply a leather conditioner like Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel or saddle soap to prevent the grain from drying and cracking. Avoid mink oil or heavy waxes that clog breathability.
When the boots get soaked, stuff them with newspaper and air-dry at room temperature away from heaters or direct sunlight. Rapid drying causes leather to shrink and adhesive bonds to fail. Hand-clean only — never machine-wash full-grain leather boots, even though the GORE-TEX membrane inside can technically handle agitation.