Review: Zamberlan 1024 Lagorai NW GT get the Malibu Backbone treatment

By April MacIntyre Feb 27, 2012, 5:18 GMT

Review: Zamberlan 1024 Lagorai NW GT get the Malibu Backbone treatment

The lack of our normal gully washer winter Southern California rains has left the normally overflowing local streams with a lack of restorative water and the resultant emerald lush hiking season we are normally used to this time of year.

Despite the mini-drought, this is still the perfect time to try out a new pair of hiking boots touted as the finest in the world for a challenging rocky terrain courtesy of the Santa Monica Mountains Backbone trails. 

These connected trails contain unexpected westward bound fresh-water streams, waterfalls that wax and wane depending on the precipitation, with tucked away hidden grottos, sandy paths, sandstone caves and rock formations that served as natural pathways to the sea for the native Chumash Indians from the townships of what are known now as Malibu, Calabasas, Agoura and Westlake.

One of my favorite things about the diverse landscapes that surround this extreme western edge of Los Angeles County is how quickly they transform from dry and seemingly lifeless walkabouts to lush waterfalls and sandy bottomed ponds that have fish, frogs, turtles and mollusks.

When Italian boot maker Zamberlan contacted me, I was game to have my trail mate lead the way with these manly, stomp the yard handcrafted boots that were made for the likes of the majestic Alps and Fjords of Norway.

My home turf of Calabasas and Monte Nido park lands that contain many entrances to the Santa Monica Mountains Backbone Trail that parallel Malibu and the Pacific Ocean were going to have to do. 

We made a plan and took a day for an elevated walkabout that proved to be an excellent trial to judge the straight "out of the box" experience for the new Zamberlan 1024 Lagorai NW GT that has more patented technology engineered into it than any shoe we have ever encountered.

Our journey started from the Grasslands Trailhead near the intersection of Mulholland Highway and Las Virgenes Road.  The near one-mile trail through the open vistas, coastal oak lined paths and rolling hills will lead one directly to Crags Road.  From there, we hiked alongside rock pools with tree roots partially submerged near Century Lake, navigating a blend of dry and muddy pathways.

The entire hike took about four hours and was near six miles in length. Malibu Creek State Park served as an excellent testing ground for these European trailblazers that provided superior lateral support and heel cushion, reducing leg fatigue too. 

The Zamberlan shoes never gave way on trail and were cushioned so well, my testee was amazed that the heavy boot never needed a breaking in prior to the actual hike, and was not experiencing any discomfort.

Quite the opposite, in fact. The Zamberlan boot footbeds had incredible shock absorption, efficient moisture and foot perspiration wicking and internal stability ensuring a comfortable inside the boot environment.

Handcrafted in Italy, the science behind these Zamberlan 1024 Lagorai NW GT boots for mountainous terrain, field and forest employs a patented Norwegian Welted construction with a Vibram NorTrack lightweight, dual-density PU sole sewn to waxed Tuscan leather uppers, including a super cushioned Gore-Tex liner. The heel and the toe cup together with sculptured padding that hold the foot in place and protect it from stones and pointed rocks.

The Zamberlan design boasts Hydrobloc waxed Tuscan leather which ensures a real water-resistance feature, along with the protective Gore-Tex liners.  The boot is true to size and is well-fitting with a roomy toe box; correct flex point; adequate arch, ankle and torsional support; around-the-ankle comfort zone; comfortable hold of the heel; smooth wrap of the foot and even contact; sculptured padding, all fine details that add up with these important issues for a really fabulous fit.

Zamberlan even takes into account the anatomical differences between male and female feet in their designs of the same model shoe. The boots are also engineered differently for those who need ice climbing boots or a lighter weight shoe for normal temperature range on-trail use.  Zamberlan midsoles are designed to flex comfortably at the correct point, following the natural movement of the foot when walking.

There are 16 technological breakthroughs the company uses to craft these shoes, but the two we were most impressed with included the Z.A.S. - Zamberlan Air System, a special construction and design method and choice of components to optimize the comfort and the boot breathability.

The other was ZCS, this engineering reduced the impact of the foot on the terrain at every step, and the Z.C.S. utilizes different types of shock absorbing materials all with high cushioning and stabilizing effects. Translation: You can hike your ass off in these boots and not get leg and foot fatigue. These are the right tools for the outdoorsman/woman to take on Mother Nature, whatever she's dishing up for the trek.

These boots are high-end, over $400 USD retail. However, the craftsmanship makes this a boot that will last most people a lifetime. Highly recommended.

www.zamberlan.com

April MacIntyre is Monsters and Critics' smallscreen and people/celebrity editor who loves to visit and celebrate small American businesses when she can. You can contact her on Twitter