Guiseppe Zamberlan began handcrafting boots to conquer his native Italian Dolomites just after World War I. Today, his grandson Marco continues the family tradition with the aid of high technology. The company offers an extensive range of models for hunting, military, hiking and mountaineering applications. One example is the 10"-tall 980 Outfitter GTX RR model, which features the Vibram StarTrek sole for traction, a Hydrobloc-treated Nubuck leather upper and GORE-TEX inner bootie to shed water, and superb lateral rigidity and a rubber rand, making it a capable side-hiller in steep country and resistant to damage from sharp rocks, respectively. The 980’s weight of 2 lbs., 9 ozs. per boot in size 13, while not feathery, is more than reasonable. Price: $390. Contact: Zamberlan USA, Inc.; (888) 745-4774; zamberlanusa.com.
