Zamberlan guide 960 issue

[Wasatchbuck]

Zamberlan guide 960 issue(customer service update)

Bought a pair of the guide 960's a couple months ago, wore them to work for about a month to break them in plus a few training hikes. With the lathrop and sons insoles they were as comfortable as could be for a boot. Went bear hunting last week with them and after a full day of hiking around I noticed two wet spots on each side of the boot, exactly where the toe box formed a crease when breaking them in. I hadnt been in any water so I could only assume it was sweat finding its way out of the boot. Sure enough the spots got bigger and then next day when they dried left behind a salty stain. Happened to both boots in the same places, the right foot being the worse of the two.

Anyone have anything like this happen to them?

been well over a week and I have not heard a word back from Zamberlan customer service so I decided to call and see if I could speak with someone. I go some uninformed young girl who really had no clue about much, told me she would have to have her manager look at my complaint and that gore-tex only recommends synthetic socks be used with their product. Called Gore-tex to confirm if this was true and they recommended merino wool socks with their boots. If this is how a premium boot maker treats its customers then it will be the last zamberlan purchase for me.

 

[sneaky]

Yep, my feet sweat a lot, especially in gore tex boots. My 960's and 980's have both done this with me. Must be something about northern Utah lol. Mine haven't skipped a beat if that helps ease your mind any.

 

[sneaky]

You're right though, those things are about as comfortable as you can expect for a boot.

 

[5MilesBack]

I can't imagine my feet sweating so much that it would be leaking out of the boot like that. I sweat a lot. But never noticed that much from my feet. What do your socks look like in this condition?

 

[Wasatchbuck]

Well that somewhat eases my mind that I am not alone with this happening. My socks are pretty good to go in terms of moisture. Like Sneaky, my feet sweat alot. Typically when I stop to glass I either pull my boots off to let my feet breath or just loosen them up so they are wide open. It has never been an issue with regards to blisters but I always carry a spare pair of socks with me.

I am still going to contact Zamberlan and see what they have to say about it. Just find the whole thing a little odd.

 

[sneaky]

I can't imagine my feet sweating so much that it would be leaking out of the boot like that. I sweat a lot. But never noticed that much from my feet. What do your socks look like in this condition?

Believe it or not my socks don't really get that wet. It's like all the moisture just wicks straight out. But, I should also say that it happens mostly in dry, cold conditions when I'm doing a ton of walking. I think the dry air pulls a lot of the moisture out.

 

[Wasatchbuck]

see update in original post for those considering a zamberlan purchase

 

[idig4au]

I run Zamberlan boots exclusively and I have sometimes had the same issue with sweat stains coming out on one side, especially if its on warm hunts and I'm using the insulated version. That said, I haven't had an issue with leakage or have felt the boots have been compromised. I've used them all over the world on hunting trips without fail. I had a pair of kennetreks back in the day that also did the same thing and those boots never failed either.

I have had to use Zamberlan warranty once when I pulled out one of the eyelet rivets (my fault) . They were easy to work with, sent a return shipping remit for a cobbler in WA and he repaired and sent back to me.

Just my experience with them.

 

[Trial153]

I guess other then unsightly it's nice to know they are breathing well....

 

[BroodBuster]

Isn't pulling moisture from the foot, thru the sock and out the boot exactly what you want? I'd think their customer service response would be, "You're welcome."

 

[ScoutFox]

I have not yet seen this. It does sound like there is moisture being pulled through the leather from the inside though. I have been breaking mine in while at work. It has been very hot here, and I have not seen this yet. I have noticed the right boot has been making a clicking sound when my heel leaves the ground. (when the toe area is in flex.) Not sure what that is..