I’m a little bit of a shoe/boot nut and I couldn’t wait to test out the new Irish Setter Vapr Trek boots from Red Wing. Most of us spend a lot of time selecting the gear we use. Whether it’s picking out a hunting rifle, a top-notch optic, or the ideal backpack for hiking, these decisions often involve a great deal of research and consideration.
But how much thought do we give to the boots we wear?
Some pay more attention than others, but often people just grab a random pair off the shelf and call it good. But having a high-quality pair of boots is just as important as any other gear you purchase. And if you think about it, you will use your boots more than any other equipment you purchase.
The newly re-designed Irish Setter Vapr Trek Boots from Red Wing have just hit the market, and they have found a perfect blend of quality, comfort, and price. Here’s a quick look review of my time with them so far.
Irish Setter Vapr Trek Boots
The Irish Setter Vapr Trek boots are a marriage of innovative design and traditional craftsmanship.
Built for hunters, Irish Setter says they are half “ultra-light athlete” and half “all-terrain vehicle.” Once you wear them for a few days, that statement starts to make sense. A lot of my other boots are somewhat heavy, which you really start to notice after a long day. This pair is surprisingly light at just under 20 ounces per boot.
When it comes to looks, the Vapr Trek boots have a cool blend of hunting, tactical, and hiking aesthetics. Some of this is because of their material composition. They are made with a combination of synthetic materials and full-grain leather. This is part of what makes them so light.
The magic is in the sole
Plenty of footgear looks really nice, and some doesn’t fall apart in less than a year. But few combine both while still being comfortable. I think Red Wing figured it out with these boots, however.
The Vapr Trek have an EnerG midsole, which is sandwiched between the insole and outsole of the boot. I have worn them on long hiking trips and on concrete for long hours. They stay comfortable all day and don’t cause any lower back pains like some other boots I’ve tried.
Perfect Tread Pattern
I was a little surprised by the tread pattern on the Vapr Trek boots. At first glance, the treat doesn’t appear to be very aggressive. After wearing them for some time, however, I’ve discovered the tread is perfect.
Because the tread is spread out, I haven’t had any issues with rocks getting stuck in them. This is something I get a little annoyed with in most pairs of boots.
Most thick treads tend to collect everything you step on — dirt, mud, rocks, small sticks, etc. After a while, there isn’t much tread left to provide a good grip. With the tread on these boots being spread out somewhat, nothing gets stuck in them, and you always have a good tread to walk on.
Padded Support
The inside portion of the boots has some firm padding in specific areas. This includes a cushioned footbed that provides arch support and does a great job of absorbing impact, which reduces the strain on your feet and legs. This is important for just about any type of shoe or boot.
And They’re Waterproof!
Another cool feature is the Vapr Trek boots are lined with a moisture-wicking material that helps keep your feet dry.
During some of my hikes with these boots, I walked through a lot of wet grass, but my feet stayed dry. Not only that, but it was also nearly 100 degrees out and my feet stayed surprisingly cool. Boots that are both water-repellent and cool — that’s a rare combination.
Irish Setter used UltraDry waterproofing on the Vapr Trek boots so it’s not surprising that they stayed dry so well.
Who is Irish Setter?
To truly appreciate the Irish Setter Vapr Trek boots, it’s important to understand the legacy behind the brand. Irish Setter is a subsidiary of Red Wing Shoes, a company with a long history that dates back to 1905. Red Wing Shoes was founded in Red Wing, Minnesota, and has built a reputation for making high-quality, durable shoes and boots.
Irish Setter was established in 1950 as a division of Red Wing, with a specific focus on producing hunting boots. They wanted something that combined the rugged durability of Red Wing with specialized features tailored for outdoor uses.
The brand quickly gained popularity among hunters because of its quality. The name “Irish Setter” itself was inspired by red Oro-Russet leather, which is the same color as an Irish hunting dog.
Today, Irish Setter continues to uphold the values of its parent company while carving out its own niche in the world of outdoor footwear. Red Wing is known for their quality and innovation. They like to incorporate new technology into their designs while keeping some classic features. They do a great job at this through the Irish Setter line.
Are They Comfortable?
So, after all this talk about the features and the legacy, the burning question remains: Are the Irish Setter Vapr Trek boots comfortable? After wearing these boots for months, I can confidently say that they are.
Comfort is subjective, but these boots check all the right boxes for me. One of the first things I noticed was the excellent arch support. As someone who spends a lot of time on their feet, I can’t overstate the importance of this feature.
The boots provide the right amount of support without being too stiff, which is important when you’re walking on uneven terrain. The high-ankle design adds an extra layer of support, which I also appreciated. I can’t count the number of times I’ve twisted my ankle when walking or running on rough ground.
But comfort isn’t just about physical support — it’s also about how your feet feel after a long day. When I get home and my feet are relatively cool and stayed dry, I’m a happy camper.
Lace them up and see for yourself
Like many traditional work boots, the Vapr Trek boots are a lace-up style. The lower portion laces up like a regular shoe, while the upper half uses hooks.
This design allows for a snug fit that can be easily adjusted depending on your activity level or the type of terrain you’re tackling. Some like to lace them up high, and others lower, for more flexibility.
A loop on the upper back portion of the boot makes it easy to pull them on. This isn’t hard when they are unlaced all the way, but if you like to leave them mostly laced up, the loop makes it easier.
From a first-time perspective, I can’t find anything I don’t like about these boots. Only time will tell how well the soles and seams hold up on the boots, but I don’t suspect any issues.
I will continue to wear them and provide another update someday down the road. But from what I can see so far, this is one of the better pair of boots you can buy for the price. They are high-quality, comfortable, and make hunting, hiking, or any other activity more enjoyable.
