
Imported.
Item 667406
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Feels full size too small | ||
Feels half size too small | ||
Feels true to size | 92% (76 reviews) | |
Feels half size too big | ||
Feels full size too big |
Feels too narrow | ||
Feels true to width | 85% (53 reviews) | |
Feels too wide |
Reviewed by 119 customers
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Asolo FSN 95 GTX Hiking Boots - Men's:
This is a well constructed boot with an extremely comfortable footbed and durable upper. I wore these boots for three years in all conditions. I started to wonder to myself sometimes, though, are my feet wet or are they just sweaty? Several times in the snow I asked myself the same question, but thought my feet were just cold. After wondering this to myself for nearly two years I decided to dunk my boots in a bucket of water and sure enough, they filled up and soaked through. The problem seems to be in the tongue. Somewhere in there, due to friction no doubt, a leak developed. In both boots! This is not acceptable to me so I upgraded to the TPS 520 boots for their full grain leather upper that is re-waterproofable in the event the goretex fails again.
I soon discovered that I missed my FSN 95 GTXs. They were way more comfortable. I could wear the 95s for all kinds of hiking from day hikes to backpacking with up to 45 lbs on my back. They both have superb traction, but the 95s are a little more flexible. That little bit of flex in the sole made all the difference and kept me from rubbing and getting blisters.
These are great boots for all types of hikers. Please note though, DO NOT WEAR ON CONCRETE. I can not state that enough. Asolo uses a very soft, grippy rubber and it will give unparalleled traction on the trail, but it wears quickly on concrete. I am confident that with other boots I may have slipped off of granite ledges that are so common here in the Sierras and I felt confident that I was going nowhere I didn't want to with these boots.
I highly recommend these boots to all hikers, just keep an eye on the waterproofing and if they leak, remember that the goretex comes with a lifetime guarantee you might just have to utilize.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Asolo FSN 95 GTX Hiking Boots - Men's:
I've owned 5 pairs of the FSN 95, as well as a couple pairs of the FSN 85, Echo and Powermatic 400 (also several different Lowas, Zamberlain and REI Monarch IV). All are good, but Asolo and Lowa boots are top notch for quality of construction. You'll wear the soles off before you split a seam or do other damage to the boot. I hike 5-8 miles daily on rocky Arizona trails and wear boots out quite quickly, so I usually have several pairs going at once and rotate among them. If you have a wide foot, buy the wide size - all Asolos seem to run a little narrow in the standard width. I have a D-E width foot, and always need the wide size. My only complaint is that the soles stick so well, they wear down quickly. The price you pay for good grip. I could probably get them re-soled, but it is easier to pick up another pair or two when they go on sale and stash them for future use.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Asolo FSN 95 GTX Hiking Boots - Men's:
I've been using these boots for over 5 years, ever since I saw that they were the editor's choice in Backpacker mag. They are an unbeatable all-around shoe.
They have plenty of support, are fully waterproof, they're durable, long-lasting, and the rubber is sticky yet durable. I've only resoled once in 5 years (and I do a *lot* outdoors.) I put these boots through the wringer - from the swamplands of the everglades to the hardwoods of the southeast, through to hiking all over the mountains of Spain. These boots will take any condition, period.
Break-in period is about a week to two weeks, depending on how often you wear them (it took me about a week, wearing them every day). Once broken in, they become nearly invisible.
At a couple of pounds, they're the lightest boot I've ever owned, yet they support as well (or better) than much heavier 'sturdier' boots. They've got the agility of an approach shoe with the strength of a through-hiker.
If you're only going to buy one pair of boots, these boots will provide a high-performance platform for any activity. They are a little on the expensive side, but worth it. I don't hesitate for a moment to recommend these to anybody.
Pros
Cons
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Comments about Asolo FSN 95 GTX Hiking Boots - Men's:
Have had these boots for over three seasons which includes three hikes up Mt. Whitney and all the training to get there. I have EE width feet with high insteps and use orthotics. The "wide" size fits great. These are probably the best boots I've had in 40 years of hiking and backpacking.[...] I'll buy another pair for Kilimanjaro this summer.
Pros
Cons
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Comments about Asolo FSN 95 GTX Hiking Boots - Men's:
I wish I could like these boots. They're durable and relatively lightweight. They keep the moisture out (and also keep it in - as do most waterproof boots). These boots, though, are killing my feet. Since breaking them in, I've been on several week-long backpacking trips and by the third day, every step hurts. And it's not just blisters (though I do get some each time and use my share of moleskin). The whole length of my sole hurts. I don't know what the problem is (I've checked and the sizing is fine). I've tried Smartfeet insoles and they don't help. Judging by the other reviews, it appears that I'm the odd man out. I don't know why my experience has been different than others'. Maybe I need a boot with better cushioning (I'm 6'3", 200lbs) - on other sites, people do comment on how hard the insoles are. I'm not sure.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Asolo FSN 95 GTX Hiking Boots - Men's:
I love these boots in almost every way (good looks, great grip, good waterproofing, stiff sole) except for steep ascents. Downhill and on flat ground they are fine, but when going up a steep or even medium slope, they rub my heel badly even after using them for a year. One hike I went on up in Vancouver Island was primarily straight up all the way and I was duct-taping the skin back onto my heels within 1 mile. I always layer with quality socks too. I really wanted to like these, and do, aside from the bloody heels part.
I recommend them to a friend ONLY if they fit you right, or you aren't going up any hills.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Asolo FSN 95 GTX Hiking Boots - Men's:
This is my second pair. The only gripe I have is that the eyelet hooks smash easily when going through heavy brush. This makes it difficult to unlace them without prying the hook open. When you do that too often, the hook breaks off. The first pair I had broke withing the first couple of months and REI gave me a new pair for free. My current pair has lasted several years and been completely resoled. My right shoe is now missing two hooks on the right foot. . . Other than that, I absolutely love the shoes.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Asolo FSN 95 GTX Hiking Boots - Men's:
These boots are pretty decent, and until recently I was very happy with them. I've had them for about 6 years now and it's got to the point where the soles are getting pretty worn out. There is still grip there, but on loose downhill slopes with a backpack it's not good at all.
I feel the soles have worn down too quickly, as I haven't used these boots too often over the years.
I would not recommend these boots for backpacking, because of the soles and not the support (which is fine). But for day hiking I think they are excellent boots that are durable and would last a long time. So overall, I would recommend these boots, but if you're thinking about going backpacking at some point in the near future, get some better boots and don't get these.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Asolo FSN 95 GTX Hiking Boots - Men's:
Bought these boots right before an extended stay in Afghanistan. Wore theme every single day, and even though they did take a bit longer to break in, they were tough as nails once they did. Hiked constantly, including a 32 day extended trip up and down (and up and down) a 50 mile portion of the Pakistani border with 60 pounds worth of gear, terrain from high alpine, to desert, and never had a problem. Temperature ranges from 110 in the summer, to snow covered ground in the winter, and lots of mud/ water in between. Boots did get a bit warm in the summer. Finally ended up wearing them down after 6 years of abuse. Not quite sure why other people had issues with the soles, but I got about 3 years more out of em than I would have any other boot. Just don't dry them too closely to a fire. ;-)
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Asolo FSN 95 GTX Hiking Boots - Men's:
I bought these boot after much research and test drives of other models. Some of the qualities that attracted me to this boot right off the bat were weight, comfort and support.
Once I started to rack up some miles with them, I noticed the break in time was practically non existant. The one minor hot spot I had rear it's ugly head was gone next trip. Having narrow feet, I didn't get any of the "swimming" usually associated with my other boots. The GoreTex has held fine with no leaking or pooling.
The lugs, despite being a bit shallow in appearance gripped excellently on everything I threw at them including wet rock, mud, and polished concrete. Think race tires vs. knobbys...
The only complaint I have is that you have to use these sparingly on concrete or paved surfaces, as the sicky material wears quicker than normal. As long as you go in knowing this and care for your equipment, you will be happy with these boots for years.
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