A Review Of The Vans MTE Crestline Waterproof Shoes

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I've been spoiled for comfort over the last few months with my New Balance 530s which have been unexpectedly dominating my sneaker rotation since the beginning of summer. But if there's one area where these ultra breathable mesh running shoes fall short, it's in the inclement weather department. With the extended rainy season here in the Pacific Northwest arriving imminently, I've already been searching intently for my next hiking boot that can withstand the perpetual damp and sometimes snowy conditions that this area of the world is known for.

While I enjoyed my time with the tried-and-true Blundstone boots a few seasons ago, I've been looking for something more comfortable, stylish (I concede that this is deeply subjective), and equally uncompromising on quality. What I didn't expect however, was to find these qualities in a hybrid sneaker boot from Vans.

Now, it should go without saying that Vans has always been on top of their game when it comes to heritage skateboarding inspired footwear, but the realization that they've recently branched out into the outdoor and hiking lifestyle segment came somewhat out of left field; at least it did for me. The Made For The Elements (MTE) collection appears to perfectly marry their classic skate shoes with the kind of all-weather versatility that's normally reserved only for dedicated hiking boots from well established outdoor adventure brands. Specifically, the Vans MTE Crestline appeared to check all of my aforementioned boxes on paper, but I was eager to find out how it performs in real life.

Materials & Construction

The Vans MTE Crestline is a handsome sneaker boot that vaguely reminds me of the Rowley Classic I skated in during my younger years, as the iconic silhouette is familiar without being overly conspicuous. Its elegant shape is adorned with the brand's trademark sidestripe and "Off The Wall" skateboard logo on the heel so there's no mistaking that this is a Vans motif.

The boot is composed of a combination of suede leather, rubber, and synthetic materials; all of which are premium to the touch. The quality of the stitching is second to none and adds lovely patterned details to an already well-formed design. With leather reinforced high flex zones including the toe and heal caps, this high-top hybrid exudes a well-built construction with no signs of weak points anywhere.

The included laces are more durable than what you'll find on a standard pair of Vans sneakers, while the heel straps make slipping your feet in and out a frictionless process. Despite its rugged build, the Vans MTE Crestline is fairly lightweight for a hiking boot. And while I wouldn't hesitate to wear the standard model seen here in any adverse weather conditions, it's also offered in a Gore-Tex edition for even more dryness protection.

Comfort & Performance

The Vans MTE Crestline fits more or less true to size, however you can easily go half a size up if you wish. I went with my standard size ten and although my toes brush up against the edge of the toecap slightly, it isn't uncomfortable by any means. I also found the break in period to be almost non-existent on the first day of testing.

It has a snug fit, and you can get away with tying the laces loosely while still feel confidently strapped in. The internal padding throughout is more than sufficient, with excellent heel and forefoot cushioning for a boot. The UltraCush midsole allows the arch of my foot to feel cradled for a roomy yet supportive experience.

In terms of overall comfort, the Vans MTE Crestline handily bests the Blundstone 1308 Dress Boots, and while perhaps not quite as cushy as the Timberland 6 inch waterproof boot, it earns extra points for being more supportive overall. Being a high-top sneaker boot hybrid, the collar offers full ankle support with robust cushioning in all directions. The tongue has some of the best padding I've ever seen, and is even connected to the sides of the boot in order to prevent water leaks.

Speaking of liquids, the Crestline is well insulated from rainy and damp conditions thanks to the included HydroGuard 360° waterproof protection. While I wouldn't necessarily suggest submerging your feet underwater like you can with the Arc'teryx Kopec Mid GTX, this level of water resistance is going to be perfect for most people.

When hiking up steep hills, great slip protection is essential to avoid falling on muddy surfaces. Thankfully, this boot doesn't disappoint in this area either. The All-Trac outsole features protruding underfoot lugs that offer supper grippy traction on everything from wet grass to icy terrain.

Pros

• Rugged construction with high quality materials
• Classic Vans styling
• Grippy outsole is ideal for slippery conditions
• Keeps feet warm
• Excellent waterproof protection
• Offered in Gore-Tex for those who need the utmost protection from the elements
• Exceptional comfort and support

Cons

• Size may run small for some
• A little bulky despite being lightweight

Verdict

You may have noticed that there are far more Pros than there are Cons in the list above, and that's because I've found very little to complain about with the Vans MTE Crestline. This is a boot that was designed for those who value utilitarian function but also place particular importance on the aesthetic qualities of a shoe. With the Crestline, Vans has elegantly combined what makes their footwear so beloved and unmistakable with upgraded quality of life features that we all look for in a hiking boot.

If there's anything to nitpick, it would be that the sizing may be a bit tricky to get right depending on the shape of your foot. It wasn't a problem for me going true to size, but I've seen a couple reports from others who felt it was too small. And while it's remarkably lightweight, it can feel somewhat bulky at times.

But overall, they did an outstanding job with the Vans MTE Crestline. Without a doubt, this will be my daily go-to for this winter season and beyond. If you have a soft spot for Vans footwear, I can't recommend it enough.