Review: Vasque Inhaler Low

The Vasque Inhaler Low hiking shoes are in many ways representative of the modern hiking shoe: stiff and supportive enough to tackle rocky trails, yet light and breathable. They’re a quiver-of-one shoe for a fast-moving hiker or ultralight backpacker that doesn't need waterproofing. In trimming weight from the shoe, Vasque avoided the common pitfalls that sometimes plague lightweight hiking footwear. They retained the all-important protection and kept the construction tough, with leather mixed in with surprisingly durable mesh. To see how the Inhaler stacks up, check out our article on the best lightweight hiking shoes. For more ankle support, we've also tested and written about hiking boots.
 

Performance

Traction and Support

If we were to single out one reason for choosing the Vasque Inhalers over your run-of-the-mill hiking shoes, it’s the traction. For the weight, there just isn’t a better all-around outsole. The Megagrip Vibram rubber is sticky on rocks and performs well in mud. The wider base feels very secure underfoot, making the Inhalers a reliable partner for fast hikers. And if you’re the kind that likes to break into a mid-hike run, you won’t be let down by the confidence inspiring platform.

Ankle support is understandably lacking for a low-top shoe, but the construction is stiff enough underfoot and below the ankles to give a stable feel. It’s a notable upgrade from the looser collars that you find in trail runners, but is still lacking when compared with stiffer hiking shoes, like the La Sportiva FC Eco 2.0. Part of the blame lies with the looser fitting tongue (we discuss this below), which doesn’t hold the top of the foot as well as we prefer.
 

Breathability

As the name indicates, the Inhalers are excellent ventilators on the trail (it exhales as well as it inhales, if you were wondering). With open mesh in nearly all areas—even creatively incorporated into the sides of the toecaps—hot air from your foot escapes easily. We took the shoes out in the heat of Moab, UT, as well as day hikes in Central Washington where it can get quite hot, and came away impressed with the breathability. This is a testament not only to the distribution of mesh panels but also to the decision to offer a non-waterproof model, despite the industry’s emphasis on those airflow-restricting Gore-Tex designs.

Pair the Inhalers with some ultralight hiking socks—we recommend at least a quarter height, if not full crew socks—and you’ll have a great combination for hot summer adventuring. Stepping through creek beds proved to be no issue with the fast drying socks and ventilating shoes.
 

Weight

Hiking footwear continues to drop in weight and the Vasque Inhalers are no different, weighing 1 pound 12 ounces for the pair. With this low weight comes the inherent benefit of a nimble feel that lasts even after hours on the trail. But what’s even more impressive is what you don’t sacrifice by choosing such a light shoe. These remain a performance hiking shoe, complete with real support and excellent traction. Sure, competition like the Moab Ventilator might be a few ounces lighter, but they also lack the nimble feel as well as the underfoot support of the Inhalers. And stepping up to the more substantial La Sportiva FC Eco means adding precious weight, with those exceeding 2 pounds a pair. In the middle are the Inahlers, and for performance relative to the weight, they are clear standouts. 

Fit and Comfort

We categorize the fit of the Inhaler Low as slightly big, but not enough to warrant a change of size. We had a men’s size 9 for our test and the shoe felt a bit roomy around the sides and ran a bit long. With that extra room you do get enough space to avoid jamming your toes on a descent or maxing out the shoes when your feet swell up during a hot day on the trail.

Underfoot comfort is of the firm but supportive variety. Not overly cushy, it’s the kind of feel you want in a trail shoe: comfort that lasts for miles when you’re carrying decent weight in a daypack. What’s impressive about this level of comfort is that you’re getting it with the stock insoles. Not only are they supportive, but they also are decently breathable thanks to holes cut out of the foam. Those that have a higher arch may unfortunately want to switch it out for custom insoles, but we were perfectly happy with the included set.
 

Drawbacks

While the Inhaler checks off most of our hiking footwear boxes, we did feel letdown by the lacing system and fit over the top of the foot. With all of the excellent tech and performance packed into this lightweight shoe, we were hoping that the lacing system would back it up. Not so. And the problem may not have been the actual lacing eyelets and design, although it is a rather simple set up that you will find on an everyday pair of cross trainers. Part of the blame falls on the shoe’s tongue. The fit is too wide and loose over the top of the foot and doesn’t hold you in a sock-like way that is fast becoming the new standard in hiking footwear. Fix that, and we’re totally in love.
 

Conclusion: How the Vasque Inhaler Stacks Up

The Vasque Inhalers are a solid hiking shoes thanks to their ability to balance so many great attributes: they’re nimble yet stable, tough but lightweight, and a leader in traction and breathability. The decision to offer a non-waterproof version is a major win, in our view, because it’s what the everyday hiker really needs. There’s no reason you should be extracting pasty, wrinkled feet from your shoes at the end of a hike because your Gore-Tex liners don’t breathe well. For light and fast summer adventuring, the Vasque Inhaler deserves a spot on your short list.