Sometimes boot companies come out with a new boot that catches your eye. That’s exactly what the Zamberlan Adak boots did when I saw them at the Western Hunt Expo in Salt Lake City before they had been launched. The Adak looked and felt like a unique boot that was lightweight, yet built like a tank- a rare combination in today’s market. With that in mind, I set out for a season of use with the Zamberlan Adak 6 GTX to see just how they performed.
How They Are Different – Zamberlan Adak 6 GTX Boots
NO DEEP-SET HEEL HOOK: There are a few interesting design features that stand out with the Zamberlan Adak boots. First, you’ll notice they do not feature a deep-set heel lock lace hook. I didn’t initially catch this subtle (but interesting) design choice when I was looking at them at the Hunt Expo, but the first time I laced them up, I found myself thinking, “This could be bad.” Later, when I encountered the break-in challenges described below, that concern felt justified.
ACTIVE HEEL PAD (APH): Another unique design feature is Zamberlan’s increased heel cushioning system, called the “Active Heel Pad.” This system uses a low-density, molded PU insert that runs through the insole and heel counter to provide extra shock absorption for those long days in the field. I found this to be fantastic.
INNER HEEL POCKET DESIGN: While there is nothing published on the Zamberlan website about the interior of the heel pocket, the folks at Zamberlan explained that the lack of a deep-set heel lace hook was by design because of their new cushioned heel pocket, which is intended to lock your heel in place. Once I got through the break-in period, I loved the system, but getting there proved to be a bit of a challenge.
OUTER FABRICS: Zamberlan used an ultra-durable, lightweight outer fabric called “Jacquard” to keep the weight down while still offering exceptional durability. That, paired with a full rubber rand, proved to be a fantastic combination. The durability this boot offered was incredible—so much so that I believe that extra-durable outer fabric may be one of the culprits behind the extra break-in time. This boot is INSANELY durable for a lightweight boot.
The Break In Process – Zamberlan Adak 6 GTX Boots
My testing for this Zamberlan Adak review started with the break-in period. My experience with most Zamberlan boots that I’ve tested has been a very minimal break-in period, and absolutely no blister or discomfort issues. I started with some training hikes on a local trail, which consists of a 3.5-mile round trip and roughly 750 feet of elevation gain and loss. I typically do this with 50–80 lbs in my pack and push the pace to get a good cardio workout.
The initial returns were great, and no discomfort, hot spots, or blisters developed. However, after a few more of these hikes, I started to notice an odd hot spot on the inside of my right heel—and only my right heel—which quickly turned into an annoying blister. I set them aside for a few hikes to let the blister calm down, then grabbed them again to continue the break-in process. I found that the boots were extremely comfortable, but still offered excellent support, yet that pesky blister immediately came back.
Looking for something different than the Zamberlan Adak 6 Boots? Check out our other boot reviews!
I cycled through this process, trying Leukotape, changing the lacing, tightening them, loosening them, and everything I could think of to make them work because I loved the boot…my right heel just didn’t. I nearly gave up on them, but decided to set them aside one last time for a full month and let the blister completely heal and try one more time.
To my delight, this time my heel didn’t flare up, and I wore them a bunch more to make sure I’d be OK entering the fall hunting season. I didn’t want to ruin a hunt with an unnecessary nasty blister. Thankfully, the more I wore the Zamerlan Adak 6 boots in rough, rugged terrain, the better the felt. These boots just took a while to break in for me. If hadn’t experienced the blister, I wouldn’t have thought they needed much break-in, but that was my experience.
Contrast that with another team member who was also trying these boots, and he never experienced one blister and was using them right out of the box without issue. It just goes to show you that it’s very situationally dependent, and boots fit everyone differently. I was just glad they finally worked, as I now LOVE these boots.
Sizing Note – Zamberlan Adak Boot Review
One interesting thing I found with the Zamberlan Adak boots is that, unlike some of the other Zamberlan boots that run a bit on the large side, these are true to size. I typically wear an 11.5, and that’s exactly what fit me perfectly in these Adak boots.
Factory Insole Replacement – Zamberlan Adak Boot Review
At this point in my testing of the many Zamberlan boots I’ve used, I didn’t even try the factory insoles. The reality I’ve come to is that they just aren’t that good, so I swapped them out before my first use.
A good option if you don’t want to spend a small fortune on custom orthotics is one of my longtime favorites, the SuperFeet Trailblazer Insoles, which are an excellent option at a reasonable price.
However, if you want a custom fit, the Sheep Feet custom orthotics are worth a try. Those SuperFeet insoles are great for a budget-friendly option, but there is simply no comparison when stacked up against the Sheep Feet custom orthotics. They do cost more and require a bit of a process to get, but it is absolutely worth it. You end up with a fully customized orthotic, made specifically for you, based on an imprint of your foot.
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The Testing – Zamberlan Adak Review
After I got the boots broken in and they were no longer causing a blister on my heel, I felt comfortable taking them on my fall hunts, starting in August while helping a buddy on his first elk hunt. They performed well in that hot-weather hunt, and my buddy took his first elk on day three of our hunt.
Next up was some mid-August scouting, followed by our September archery elk season. I rotated these Zamberlan Adak boots in with my trusty favorite ultralight boots, the Zamberlan Baltoro Lite, just to make sure that heel blister didn’t rear it’s ugly head. Thankfully, that previous blister issue never came back throughout the fall. We spent a solid 15 days in the field in September, and the Adaks began to earn their stripes and my trust.
Make sure to check out our other gear reviews and the Backwoods Pursuit YouTube Channel to help you decide what gear will help you stay out in the field longer!
Following our September elk hunts, we switched gears to the October general season deer hunts in Idaho. We took a trip deep into the backcountry with the Adaks in pursuit of some high-country bucks we’d located during our scouting and early-season elk hunts, and again the Adak proved themselves.
Finally, we headed to Colorado for a 9-day deer and elk hunt, where we had 3 buck tags and 2 bull tags to fill. Make sure to check out the films from this hunt over on the Backwoods Pursuit YouTube channel, but we had an epic hunt and left Colorado with 3 bucks and a bull, and memories that’ll last a lifetime. The Adaks were all I brought, other than the Zamberlan Sawtooth Insulated boots for when the temps dropped on us. Once again, the Zamberlan Adak boots proved to be amazing, and I can now say that they’ve fully earned my trust for any hunt and any terrain I threw at them.
The Specs – Zamberlan Adak Review
Given how durable and rugged these boots are, the specs are quite impressive. Here are the specs and details that you get with the Zamberlan Adak boots:
| Zamberlan Adak Boots | |
|---|---|
| Weight (1 boot, US size 9 / EU size 42) | 26.6 oz |
| Height | 6 & 10 inch Models |
| Waterproof | Yes – Gore-Tex |
| Insulated | No |
| Upper material | Recycled Eco Fabric PFAS Free |
| Rubber Rand | Yes – Full |
| Midsole | Low density PU wedge |
| Outsole | Zamberlan® Vibram® 3D Camo Grey |
| Last | ZBPK performing fit |
| Resolable | Yes |
Craftsmanship/Build Quality – Zamberlan Sawtooth Boot Review
It was no surprise to be impressed with the build quality of the Zamberlan Adak boots. Just like every other pair of Zamberlan boots we’ve tested, you can always count on a well-made boot. Now, I will say that the lack of a deep-set ankle hook in the lacing system is a strange design option, and quite honestly something that I feel would make these even better, but nonetheless, the build quality is flawless.
Stiffness & Support – Zamberlan Sawtooth Boot Review
Over the years, I have gone back and forth between more flexible, lightweight boots and stiffer, more rugged boots. I’ve tested the Zamberlan Anabasis hikers (see that review here) and Zamberlan Baltoro Lite boots (see that review here) both of which have a more flexible midsole, and I’ve also used and tested boots with a stiffer midsole, such as the Crispi Thor II boots (see that Crispi Thor II review here).
Some folks love that stiffer feel, while others are opposed to it. I find that there can be a place for both, but I often lean toward a more flexible midsole overall. The flex of the Zamberalan Adak boots was slightly stiffer than I typically love, like their Baltoro Lite boots, but I found it to be a great balance of flex and support once they were fully broken in. They are quite stiff right out of the box, much more so than I expected for a synthetic boot.
I also found the footbed and midsole cushion and support to be fantastic in the Zamberlan Adak boots. This can be particularly critical for high-mileage hikes, heavy load hauling, people with nerve issues in their feet, or those who are more prone to developing sore spots underfoot. That extra support and cushioning compared to the lighter-weight boots like the Baltoro can make a big difference and is also welcome during long hikes through steep, nasty terrain.
Lacing Eyelets – Zamberlan Adak Boots
The lacing eyelets on the Zamberlan Adak present a very unique design that skips the deep-set heel hook that we’ve all come to expect. I was concerned that this would cause issues, and I still feel like the boot would benefit from adding one more ankle locking hook, but at the end of the day, after fully breaking the boots in, I didn’t find it detrimental to the boot.
Other than that, the Adak boots feature your standard high-quality lacing system that I’ve come to expect from Zamberlan boots.
Traction / Outsole- Zamberlan Adak boots
These were the first boots I’ve tested that feature the Vibram 3D outsole, and to say that I’m a fan would be an understatement.In fact, I liked them so much that I’d be excited to see more of their boots offer this outsole. It offers phenomenal traction in almost all terrains, clears out mud quickly and easily, and proved to be extremely durable. It’s my new favorite outsole.
Materials – Zamberlan Adak Boots
The Zamberlan Adak boots are made with their Jacquard Fabric Upper that proved to be exceptionally durable while still being lightweight. According to Zamberlan, “The high-strength woven fabric upper gives the Adak fewer seams, lighter weight, and greater breathability, with additional microfiber inserts for reinforced abrasion protection.”
I can’t argue with the results as these boots have been bomb-proof and show almost no signs of wear (outside of a little blood for our successful hunt). Bottom line, these are the most durable lightweight boots I’ve ever tested, hands down. They aren’t “ultralight” like the Baltoro Lite, but they aren’t far off and are substantially more durable.
Waterproof Testing – Zamberlan Adak Boot Review
Waterproof testing in Idaho can be tough as we don’t often have super wet weather. This fall proved to be on the dry side, and we didn’t encounter many days of rain, so I wasn’t able to test the Adak in that way. Additionally, we didn’t even have one drop of rain or snow during our week in Colorado in late October. I was able to tromp through the typical swampy areas, creek crossings, and morning dew on the vegetation, and the Zamberlan Adak performed perfectly. I’d expect nothing less given the minimal amount of wet weather I encountered.
I’ll continue testing these, and when the wet weather presents itself, I’ll update this review with the results.
After a Full Season Of Use – Zamberlan Adak Boot Review
The Zamberlan Adak took all the high-country abuse I threw at it, with steep, rocky terrain, side hilling, climbing, and descending like a champ. I used these boots throughout the summer as well during my training hikes, and the Adak boots hardly look used. I am beyond impressed with their durability so far. The rubber rand is still fully attached, no seams are even kind of coming apart, and there are so few signs of wear, one might think I barely even used them.
Annual Care- Zamberlan Adak Boot Review
The beauty of the Zamberlan Adak boots is that, because they are a synthetic boot, very little maintenance is needed. I pretty much just give them a good cleaning and make sure they are fully dry before storing, and you are good to go. No leather conditioning or care—pretty simple.
What I liked – Zamberlan Adak Boots
I ended up LOVING these boots (after the above-mentioned break-in issue). They offer a very unique blend of incredible durability, lightweight design, incredible traction, great support and cushion for long days of hiking, and excellent ankle support.
- Lightweight
- Insanely durable
- Ultra-comfortable
- Extremely supportive
- Excellent outsole with great traction (Vibram 3D outsole)
- Great rocker to aid in rolling through your steps more efficiently
- Extra mid-sole cushion for long days and lots of miles
- Great stability and ankle support
What I Disliked – Zamberlan Sawtooth Boots
The Zamberlan Adak boots didn’t start out as a great fit. In fact, I nearly gave up on them because I kept fighting that blister issue and didn’t want to risk a hunt. I’m sure glad I gave them “one more try” after fully letting the blister heal as these boots just needed extra break-in time for me. After that, they have been flat-out awesome. They just needed some rugged terrain to fully break in. It’s interesting that another team member testing these boots didn’t have the same issue as I did and experienced comfort right out of the gate. No blisters or issues other than them being quite stiff out of the box.
- They took FOREVER to break in for me
- Very stiff upper until they were fully broken in
Conclusion – Zamberlan Adak Boot Review
After a full year of testing this new Zamberlan Adak boot, I came away loving these boots. For those trips when I need a super rugged boot, the Adak is flat-out amazing. While I still love the Baltoro Lite as my go-to ultralight boot, the Adak is incredible and the one I grab when I head to rugged terrain. In fact, I could be convinced to make them my primary, all-around boot without much arm twisting because of their incredible durability, the way they felt during those long, heavy-load pack-outs, and the improved traction they offer with the 3D outsole. I just might be talking myself into a new favorite boot.
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