Breathtaking places and landscapes, unforgettable experiences. The mountains offer the chance to live incredible moments — especially if you take the time to explore and get to know them. But it's crucial not to improvise: the mountains can be just as dangerous and unforgiving. The passion for high altitude is more widespread than ever, and one of the first rules for anyone setting out on hikes — perhaps demanding ones — is to be properly equipped.
A backpack, technical clothing, water, a first-aid kit, gloves, a hat and supplies are the bare essentials for a mountain hike. But the single most important element of the experience is the footwear you choose. That's why for almost 90 years Zamberlan® has dedicated itself to producing trekking and backpacking boots that guarantee outstanding performance, protection and reliability. Footwear designed down to the smallest detail for anyone tackling easy or demanding hikes — even on muddy, wet or snow-covered terrain.
What features must trekking and backpacking boots have?
- SAFETY. One of the essential requirements of footwear for demanding hikes is proper foot support, even when walking on steep, uneven, muddy or wet terrain. That's why mid-height trekking boots are often preferred for this kind of activity, to better protect the ankle area. Many models also feature rubber or polyurethane (PU) reinforcements — toe caps or rands — that optimally protect the foot from sharp rocks, thorns and anything that could tear or scratch the boot and, in the worst cases, cause it to fail during use.
- WATERPROOFING. In the mountains, weather conditions change very quickly, in every season. You can set out on a sunny morning and run into rain or much colder temperatures by afternoon. You may also need to cross small streams or walk for hours on wet ground — which makes waterproofing a non-negotiable feature of backpacking boots. The boot must keep water and snow out while remaining breathable, letting sweat escape. Most Zamberlan® trekking boots feature GORE-TEX membranes — the world-leading brand in waterproof membranes.
- TRACTION. Anyone who loves long walks, even multi-day ones, wants confidence in terms of grip and traction on the terrain ahead. For Zamberlan®, the soles used in its products are therefore of fundamental importance. The goal is backpacking boots that guarantee excellent grip on every type of terrain — rocky, rough, wet, slippery or muddy — maximising performance and reliability. To achieve this, Zamberlan® relies on a decades-long partnership with the brand synonymous with quality and excellence in the field: Vibram®.
- PERFORMANCE. Zamberlan® engineered its backpacking boots to give wearers the best possible performance, developing innovative technical solutions such as the FLEX-SYSTEM joint, which allows better boot flexion at the ankle while walking. Durable, supportive insoles for heavy loads and soles with materials of different densities are also purpose-built into the products to boost performance. For example, the pronounced rocker shape of the Zamberlan® Vibram® 3D soles eases the foot's natural roll through each forward step, assisting the hiker as much as possible.
- COMFORT. The use of multi-density soles gives Zamberlan® backpacking boots the ability to deliver maximum comfort and cushioning at all times — even after many hours of hiking with heavy loads on your shoulders. In addition, some trekking models (WIDE LAST versions) have been developed so that people with wider feet can wear them without being squeezed into overly narrow footwear, ensuring excellent comfort.
The backpacking boots in the Zamberlan® range
996 VIOZ GTX
A line that includes four versions: two colourways (dark brown and dark grey), the women's model and one with the special WIDE LAST fit. All share the features that have made the 996 VIOZ GTX Zamberlan®'s best-selling backpacking boot of all time. With a full-grain leather upper treated with Hydrobloc® water repellent and a GORE-TEX membrane for waterproofing and breathability, these boots have qualities that make them perfect for demanding hikes with heavy loads — such as an easier stride thanks to the pronounced rocker and the FLEX-SYSTEM joint near the ankle. Finally, the Zamberlan® Vibram® 3D sole makes them ideal for backpacking on varied, even steep terrain, delivering excellent traction and control with a pronounced heel that assists braking on descents.
The women's version keeps all these features but was designed specifically around the characteristics of the female foot — including an accentuated arch, a contoured collar and additional ankle protection to make these boots even safer. The 996 VIOZ GTX WNS is available from size 36 to 43, including half sizes.
The WIDE LAST version, meanwhile, was designed to ensure maximum comfort for those with wider feet, with a broader platform and greater volume in the forefoot.
1996 VIOZ LUX GTX RR
Another model much loved by the Zamberlan® public — a slightly different evolution of the 996 VIOZ GTX. Available in men's and women's versions and six colourways (three each), these backpacking boots are perfect for demanding hikes.
The core technical features carry over from the 996 VIOZ GTX: the Hydrobloc® water-repellent treatment of the upper, the GORE-TEX lining, the FLEX-SYSTEM joint and the Zamberlan® Vibram® 3D sole. On top of these come extra refinements: the upper is made from high-quality waxed Tuscan leather, 2.6–2.8 mm thick, and a rubber toe cap has been added at the front for even greater protection.
Here too the women's version delivers the same qualities, with the fit adapted to female needs: a contoured collar and excellent ankle wrap are among the specific touches. The 1996 VIOZ LUX RR WNS is built to support heavy loads and is available in Waxed Blue, Waxed Green, Waxed Red and Camel, from size 37 to 43 including half sizes.
960 GUIDE GTX RR
Another timeless classic of Zamberlan® production: the 960 GUIDE GTX RR is a trekking boot available with either a close-wrapping fit or a wide fit. All variants share a Nubuck leather upper, a rubber rand protecting against scratches and cuts from sharp stones, and excellent waterproofing that doesn't sacrifice breathability. To meet everyone's needs, Zamberlan® offers both a GORE-TEX Performance Comfort-lined version and a leather-lined one. These boots also work for mountain hunting: tough and robust, yet supremely comfortable on the walk. The Zamberlan® Vibram® StarTrek sole delivers excellent traction even on rough, wet surfaces, with cushioning and added stability thanks to a central TPU insert.
Also available in the WIDE LAST version, developed by Zamberlan®'s technicians so that even wider feet can walk and hike long distances in total comfort.
1006 VIOZ PLUS GTX RR WL
A trekking and backpacking model defined by its WIDE LAST fit and a protective rubber rand that wraps almost the entire base of the boot. The WIDE LAST fit was developed to guarantee maximum comfort for wider feet, with a broader platform and more forefoot volume.
Like many other models, it is fully waterproof thanks to the GORE-TEX membrane, keeping water and snow out. It also features the FLEX-SYSTEM joint for a natural stride, and the rubber rand shields the foot from the knocks and scratches of a hike. The Zamberlan® Vibram® Darwin sole provides traction and grip on many types of surface, paired with a dual-density PU midsole that delivers support, stability and cushioning for 100% comfort even on long hikes.
1000 BALTORO GTX
For more demanding hikes at higher altitudes (with sections of snow or ice) or particular via ferratas, the 1000 BALTORO GTX backpacking boots are the perfect solution: technical, close-fitting, tough, suited to rocky terrain and compatible with semi-automatic crampons. And more: the special dual-density Vibram® Mulaz Evo sole has a specific lug design and a "climbing zone" engineered to guarantee maximum sensitivity and the right support on difficult terrain and small ledges.
These boots handle varied weather conditions and keep water out entirely thanks to their GORE-TEX membrane; in colder temperatures they let the foot breathe while staying waterproof, wicking sweat away and ensuring proper ventilation. The upper is made of highly resistant Perwanger® leather, with PU protection on toe and heel to shield the foot from impacts and damage from sharp rocks.
When needed, they can be fitted with semi-automatic crampons.
636 BAFFIN GTX RR WL
A unisex backpacking model, available from size 36 to 49 including half sizes, ensuring comfort and safety for men and women on long hikes, even with heavy packs and on varied terrain. These boots also feature the WIDE LAST fit for maximum comfort on wider feet. The upper is made from a SINGLE PIECE of Nubuck leather and keeps the foot dry in any climate thanks to the GORE-TEX lining. Extra protection from sharp rocks, thorns and potential cuts comes from the front rubber toe cap, while the Zamberlan® Vibram® Darwin sole is a certainty for traction and cushioning on any surface.