Zamberlan 730 Men’s Gear GTX Hiking Boot Review

ZAMBERLAN 730 MENS GEAR GTX HIKING BOOT REVIEW
Zamberlan 730 GTX Hiking boot review

By Randy Johnson
iReview Gear Lead Field Editor
HIGH DESERT WILD SHEEP GUIDES
www.highdesertwildsheepguides.com
Alti2ude Outdoors Pro Staff

BASIC DESCRIPTION

A very comfortable, mid-weight boot designed for tough day hikes and short backpack trips. Waterproof and highly breathable, the 730 Gear GTX will keep your feet dry and comfortable whether the weather is cold, rainy, sunny or hot. Ultra lightweight and durable this boot is perfect for hiking and moderate backpacking adventures.

JUST THE FACTS

Zamberlan continues to demonstrate that it is one of the top boot making companies in the industry with the design of their quality, ultralight, rugged mid-weight boot, the 730 Gear GTX. If you are looking for a boot that is capable of standing up to multiple years of tough day hikes on rugged trails as well as short backpacking trips then the Zamberlan Men’s Gear GTX Hiking Boot is exactly what you are looking for. Designed with a Gore-Tex Performance Comfort membrane, the 730 GTX guarantees waterproof protection, yet it is highly breathable. While the upper’s Hydrobloc Perwanger waxed suede adds weather resistance and durability to this boot, the Cordura panels enhance this boot’s ventilation so your foot isn’t sweaty. Despite the 730 GTX’s rugged construction, this boot’s last isn’t extremely stiff, thus providing a surprising amount of flexibility allowing hikers the comfort they need to stay on the trail mile after mile. The bottom of the boot features a dual-density PU wedge that reduces impact while the special grooves allow for a natural stride. The TPU plate balances torsional rigidity with soft support in order to help you walk naturally over uneven terrain as the bi-density PU is a perfect blend of cushioning, durability and grip. Zamberlan added a rubber toe bumper in the front for extra long-lasting protection. The Zamberlan Vibram L. H. 0. 7 sole consists of a big contact area at the toe for a better grip on slippery surfaces, flexion lines across the bottom for improved rolling, and carefully positioned multidirectional lugs that ensure a maximum amount of traction and braking power.

The mid-height profile of the 730 GTX provides adequate protection for your ankle without the additional weight of a traditional full height boot. Weighing in at just 1.45 lbs makes this boot ideal while hiking with moderate loads, weekend outings or even as a everyday outdoor performance boot. The Hydrobloc Perwanger Waxed Suede leather and Cordura uppers are very light yet offer robust protection for the backcountry.

TECHNICAL FEATURES
Made Italy
Uppers Hydrobloc Perwanger Waxed
Leather Thickness 2,0/2,2mm
Hardware H.R.T “High Resistance Treatment
Lining Gore-Tex
Footbed Zamberlan Z-Comfort Fit Footbed
Padding Z.A.S. “Zamberlan Air System”
Insole/Shank Zamberlan Modular Flex GT
Toe and Heel Thermoplastic
Sole Package Zamberlan Vibram L.H.O.7.
Construction GTX Bootee,
Lacing System F.W.S. “Foot Wrapping System”
Weight (Grams) 660
Sizes USA Men’s 8-12, 13
Care Hydrobloc Proofing Conditioner
Fit Men’s
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ZAMBERLAN®VIBRAM® L.H.0.7. SOLE

For those of you who are not familiar with Zamberlan, please note that Giuseppe Zamberlan, the grandfather, began to make boots soon after after World War I ended. From simple repair he moved on to footwear production, driven both by necessity and by his big passion for his local mountain range, the Piccole Dolomiti. He understood the poor performance of the early existing soles – made of leather with iron studs – and he both shared and supported the revolutionary ideas of Vitale Bramani, founder of Vibram, who was studying and developing rubber soles at the time.

These types of soles became accepted worldwide for the future as he purchased the first machinery and began building positive relationships with suppliers of raw materials, employing a few co-workers and starting a small workshop.

Boot making became a family affair as his wife Maria and son Emilio developed the same passion for making boots that would test the mountains. Now, more than 35 years later the Zamberlan Family is distributing to many European and world wide markets and today more than 90% of its production is destined for export to countries like the United States behind the savvy management of Marco and Maria Zamberlan and their valued team members dedicated to quality, comfort and performance.

I have visited at length with Maria Zamberlan and other members of the Zamberlan USA team and can attest to their passion and dedication to manufacturing quality boots.

STORY

As an avid outdoor enthusiast, hunter, outfitter/guide for over 25 years I’ve had the opportunity to wear a lot of boots. Many have stood up to my demands while others have fell short of my expectations. I can’t think of a worse situation out on the mountain than to have a pair of boots fall apart or have them wear painful blisters on your feet. I demand a boot that is comfortable, tough and durable whether I’m hiking/backpacking in extremely rugged terrain or on mountain trails. When I field test hiking boots I wear them in every kind of terrain and weather condition because those who read my reviews are placing their safety and trust in what I say. This translates into the basic fact that any boot I wear must stand up against sharp rocks, mud, snow, cactus and abrasive sandstone. Although every person’s foot is built differently, you, nor I can’t afford to have bloody toenails, bone bruises or painful blisters when we are out on the mountain.

I choose to wear different boots in various types of terrain and conditions as well as for the loads I may be carrying on backpack trips. I’ve been looking for a light, mid-weight hiking boot for tough day hikes and short backpack trips where I am not carrying loads over 70 lbs. Having field tested for Zamberlan before I told Phillip Benson what I was looking for and he recommended that I try the 730 Gear GTX. Great decision as I quickly found out that this boot was exactly what I was looking for and has provided me with outstanding performance! For me, I didn’t need a “break in” period for these boots as they fit perfectly and were very comfortable. The first day I slipped the 730’s’s onto my feet I threw on a 50 lb. backpack and went for a 2 hour long hike. The boots performed flawlessly. It should be noted that most Zamberlan boots run about ½ size smaller than your normal U.S. size. Since my initial hike I’ve worn the Gear GTX’s on countless hiking trips while shed antler hunting and have been very impressed with how flexible the boot felt on my feet as they feature a firm but not extremely rigid Vibram sole. I’ve been extremely pleased with the Hydrobloc Perwanger Waxed uppers as they have kept my feet dry and warm while hiking in some deep, wet snow. These boots are perfect for long day hikes as well as short backpack trips. I wear the 730 Gear GTX’s exclusively for conditioning and training so that I can save my high end backpacking/alpine boots from wear.

I’ve found that the Zamberlan Vibram L.H.O 7 sole has provided me with great traction, yet it is flexible enough that I can walk over rugged terrain with great balance and confidence. The mid-height profile of the 730 is high enough to provide my ankles with support and protection. The waxed suede uppers have taken plenty of abuse in the sharp rocks that I’ve worn them in and have held up very well. The lacing system is simple but conforms to Zamberlan’s foot wrap system.

If you shop around you can find Zamberlan’s 730 Gear GTX’s priced from $240 to $250 dollars The quality and durability of this boot are well worth the price. They come in a “dark brown”color and can be found in USA Men Sizes 8-13. You can expect these boots to hold up well under normal hiking conditions. For long, rugged backpack trips where I will be carrying heavy loads I will change into a more robust boot like Zamberlans Guide 960 GT RR.

With any boot I purchase it is always important to research whether or not the company will stand behind their product. In regards to returns and exchanges Zamberlan guarantee’s satisfaction with every purchase. Returns are subject to normal usage. If their boot does not meet your expectations during its useful life, they promise to repair it, replace it, or provide you with a refund. The companies that I purchase my hunting or backpacking boots should be customer friendly and always willing to take care of a problem when I contact them personally.

Zamberlan’s Expanded Toe Box and Reinforced Heel Rand On the 730 GTX

WHAT ZAMBERLAN COULD DO BETTER

Zamberlan is one of the most reputable boot companies there is and are well known for manufacturing cutting edge, outstanding footwear. I always recommend that all high end boot companies provide better, robust insoles.