Zamberlan Guide Max GTX Boot Review | Undeniable Quality, But Not For Everyone

Over the last year or more the Zamberlan Guide Max GTX RR boots have been the subject of many hikes, hunts, and outdoor adventures with my buddies. I was anxious to give them a try for this Zamberlan boots review and wanted to make sure I was able to use them in a variety of conditions and terrains to adequately test them out.

Starting with the summer months, they carried me around the farm, and once October rolled around, they were put to work during my deer hunting trips. In November and December, our annual late season elk hunting trips provided more excellent testing grounds to get a good feel for how these boots perform.  

I put these Zamberlan Guide Max boots to the test in hot temperatures with dry conditions, as well as in cold temperatures with mud and snow. They were under foot during heavy pack outs as well as lighter day trips, and they got a workout during training hikes up steep terrain in the backcountry of Idaho. 

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Through years in the field I have used a multitude of boots.  From inexpensive Merrell boots and Cabela’s guide gear boots, to boots like the Salomon Quest 4D GTX, and a more high end boot like the the Lowa Tibet GTX, and now these Zamberlan Guide Max GTX RR boots, I have worn quite a variety.  The Salomon was one of my favorite boots for a lightweight hiking boot, but they were absolutely horrid for me when packing heavy weight downhill or traversing across a steep side hill.  

My go-to for the past several years has been the Lowa Tibet GTX. During all seasons and in every condition, and they are my favorite boots I have ever worn.  That being said, I was eager to try out the Zamberlan as I had always heard great things about their hunting boots.  

The Specs: Zamberlan Guide Max GTX Boots

Because some guys want the detailed specifications for the Zamberlan Guide Max GTX RR boots from the manufacturer, here you go, straight from the Zamberlan website. 

Quality: Zamberlan Guide Max GTX Boots

The finish on these Zamberlan Guide Max boots is outstanding, and the attention to detail is off the charts. Inside the entire boot they use perforated calf leather laminated to Gor-Tex to provide a superior feel as well as great waterproofing. That calf leather is like wrapping your feet in silk, but also in leather.  I don’t think I have ever had a boot with that kind of inner lining. They really know how to do it right over there in Italy! 

I have not had any issues with my feet getting wet at all as the Gore-Tex lining has always kept me nice and dry. 

The outside of the boot features 2.8mm thick Hydrobloc Tuscan full grain leather with a full wrap around rubber rand to help prolong the life of the boot. The leather and rubber rand withstood all that the Idaho backcountry threw at it for the last year, and it’s still holding strong with no issues at all. 

Support: Zamberlan Guide Max GTX Boots

Personally, I have ankles like glass. I can role an ankle walking on flat concrete and actually have many times in the past.  This is from years and years of abuse, spraining both ankles, and also due to my own stupidity, never properly rehabbing before carrying on. All that to say, ankle support is a priority for me when looking for a good boot, and even then I can still roll an ankle.

While out testing these Zamberlan Guide Max GTX RR CF boots, I never felt as though I did not have proper support for my feet and ankles, even with a heavy load on steep downhills. The lacing system locked my feet/ankles into position, and they never felt like they moved at all. 

Insoles: Zamberlan Guide Max GTX Boots

I think we can all admit there are not many, if any, boots that include quality insoles. Because of this, I went with Sheep Feet insoles for these boots from the very start, so unfortunately I can’t give my opinion on the insoles the Zamberlan Guide boots come with. Even with high-quality boots, it seems better to use a different insole right away.

I have to say, after I started using Sheep Feet, I will never use another pair of insoles in my boots again.  I have used multiple brands throughout the years from over-the-counter ones, to Lathrop and Sons, and now Sheep Feet, and I can say without question that the custom insoles from Sheep Feet are well worth the cost.  

Sending and receiving my insoles took less than two weeks.  I have since sent them back in to have them rebuilt as I use them so much. I went as far as using them in my daily work shoes at the hospital (I wear Danskos daily), they are that good. They have been a game changer for me. 

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Outsole: Zamberlan Guide Max GTX Boots

According to the website, these boots offer Zamberlan Vibram® StarTrek II soles featuring PU construction with a TPU frame and a TPU stabilizer for the utmost in support and lightweight durability.  What does that all mean?  I don’t have a clue.   

All I know is the soles on the Zamberlan Guide GTX boots helped me hike and walk hundreds of miles without giving out.  I hiked in dry crusty summer weather, wet cool spring weather, and cold, snowy winter weather and have never had an issue with traction, up hill or down. The mud and snow never collected or built up on the boots like with some I have worn in the past.  These boots are able to be re-soled if needed, making them a great value for your budget. As we all know, once a good boot is broken in, you never want it to go away, so re-soling boots can be a great option.

Stiffness: Zamberlan Guide Max GTX Boots

These Zamberlan Guide Max GTX boots are rated at a 4mm class in stiffness meaning they are a pretty dang stiff boot, making them ideal for steep, rocky terrains like we find in the Idaho backcountry.  I prefer a stiffer boot with the type of hunting and packing we do. We are rarely on flat terrain and are usually side hilling or going up and down steep mountains with heavy packs.  These boots are perfect for that type of hiking. The stiffness these boots offer also helped me with my glasslike ankles as they are a great support and keep everything aligned well, preventing twisting.  

Fitment: Zamberlan Guide Max GTX Boots

I really, really wanted to like these boots. Thus, I tried them for over a year before writing any kind of review. The quality of the materials, the build, and for the most part, the comfort are all outstanding.  One major downfall of these boots for me, and it’s not even a fault of the boot, is that they weren’t the best fit for my foot.

I hiked in these boots with and without weight as well as on steep hill inclines and declines. The Zamberlan Guide Max GTX RR CF boots were fantastic on flat ground and on declines, but they failed my feet on any kind of steep incline.  The heel of the boots would rub hot spots on the heels of both feet in no time at all.  I tried different thickness of socks and wore them different times of year but to no avail. Sometimes boots just don’t like my feet. 

There are two pads on the sides of the heels of the boots, I am assuming to help lock in the heel for a good fit. Well, mine did not like that or the heel cup at all. Everyone’s feet are unique and sometimes feet just don’t like certain boots, and that, to my dismay, was the case here. 

The toe box had plenty of room as I never felt my toes were cramped and didn’t have any room to wiggle. I even wore these boots on a late November elk hunt with heated socks without issue. 

Conclusion: Zamberlan Guide Max GTX Boot Review

Most guys who have tried multiple styles and brands of boots will tell you, “You need to try on a boot for yourself; then buy the one that fits you.” These boots were a case where that was definitely true.  I wanted to like these boots so much as I had heard nothing but good things about Zamberlan boots.  

From the moment I got these boots to do this Zamberlan boots review, I was impressed with the quality and attention to detail inside and outside the boot. They were comfortable to wear, until I had to climb hills, which is what I do most in Idaho. While I would recommend you try these boots out for yourself, for me they just did not work. While most of my feet were perfectly comfortable, my heels took a beating.  

There were no hot spots on any other part of my foot or ankle besides my heel.  They would be on a short list I would recommend to guys to try out, but as we all know, every foot is different. What works or does not work for one guy may or may not work for another. Overall, however, I would recommend giving these Zamberlan Guide GTX boots a try. If you don’t have problems with hot spots on your heels like I do, they really would be perfect as they are high quality and provide exceptional support for your feet while pursuing the backwoods.

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