Happy B-Day Sundowner

Man, it seems like these boots have been around forever. Well, they sort of have.

This year is the Vasque Sundowner’s 25th anniversary. Over the years it has become one of the most popular hiking boots on the market — and for good reason. When it was introduced in 1984, the Sundowner was the first boot with a one-piece, full-grain leather upper, which greatly eliminates seams (fewer seams mean fewer places for stitching to come apart and less chance for water to seep in).

These 3 lbs. 3 oz. boots are lined with Gore-Tex for waterproofness and breathability and receive very good reviews for durability. The style is decidedly old-school. And we dig it. We think you will too. ($160; www.vasque.com)