Asolo TPS 520 GV Hiking Boots - Men's

Comments about Asolo TPS 520 GV Hiking Boots - Men's:

The most comfortable HD Boots I have used, no break-in needed. The only problem I had was one of the lacing eyelets broke off but REI replaced the boots with no problem. Also you might want to go up a half size for a better fit.

Comments about Asolo TPS 520 GV Hiking Boots - Men's:

These are not Hiking Boots! They are backpacking boots PERIOD. The differnce is in weight and ankle support. If you are prone to day hiking carrying little to no weight get something lighter and more manueverable. These things are tanks and are meant for people that need tank type footwear. They are not breathable they aren't light and are all leather making them a little stiff which is exactly what you want when carrying a full pack for multi-day excursions. They have great ankle support and solid thick vibram sole with good traction and arch support. There are more expensive boots out there but I'm not sure what more a Backpacking Boot could offer.

I do not recommend for cold weather as some others do but I also consider cold below 20F for daytime temps. If it is cold you may want boots with higher support(deep snow is rough),thicker soles to isolate you from the ground and some thinsulate. Two pairs of socks is not going to save you in this situation and if you can wear that many pairs of socks the boots probably don't fit you right in the first place.

Size runs true but as always get a half size larger than what you normally wear in shoes cause hiking with more than your body weight for an extended time makes your feet swell.

I hate when people say a CON of these boots is weight. That's like saying a dump truck doesn't get good gas mileage. No it doesn't but it's not designed to and try to use your prius to deliver 20 tons of gravel.

Right tool for the right job.

Comments about Asolo TPS 520 GV Hiking Boots - Men's:

True craftsmanship in these old school hiking boots. Reminds me of the Meindle boots, indestructible.

Comments about Asolo TPS 520 GV Hiking Boots - Men's:

I have had these boots for about 3 years. After the initial break-in period I found the boots to very comfortable, good support, good traction and no blisters. However after my hike this weekend I see that the heel is separating from the midsole of my boot. I would estimate that I might have 200 miles on this boot and do not feel that this is an excessive amount of wear given the price of the boot.

Comments about Asolo TPS 520 GV Hiking Boots - Men's:

I am writting a new review for these after one year of use. I have climbed a few peaks with them and done 100+ backpacking miles with them. They are still in great shape even after the thrashing of volcanic rock. However for some reason at the end of last year after a great summer they started to pinch at my fore foot behind my toes causing cramps in my foot. I tried inserts, lacing, tension etc and no go. Luckily REI will take them back even after such hard use. I will be trying another brand but these are great boots. For some reason they just did not wear in well with my feet. I climbed in snow on day hikes to mud on the coast and all over rock country, rivers and streams. Still would recommend them. Have fun!

Comments about Asolo TPS 520 GV Hiking Boots - Men's:

I use my Asolo 520's for everything from Urban Trekking to extreme mountain hiking....they have been the best boots I've bought, hands down!!! I bought a pair in early 2007. I replaced them today, May 24, 2013, with another pair of 520's from REI!! I can't believe they lasted this long. I did regularly clean and condition them which helped the life of the boots, but most of the credit goes to the build quality. I've killed similar priced boots in less than a year.

Bottom line.......well worth the cost.

My motto: "Take care of gear.....gear will take care of you!!"

Comments about Asolo TPS 520 GV Hiking Boots - Men's:

These boots are awesome. Had them now 5 years or so. I have problems with plantar fasciitis when I where some shoes and boots. But I can hike for days pain-free in these Asolo boots. Super warm for shoveling snow or winter camping. Look cool too. Can wear to work or out on the town as well.

Comments about Asolo TPS 520 GV Hiking Boots - Men's:

I like the shoes. They have good support both in the arch and around the ankle. I really like the lace eyes. They let you cynch it up tight without the risk of breaking a lace. The tred holds a lot of mud in it but it falls out easily. Better than some shoes I have had with nice tred. They never let go of the mud.

I have a really narrow foot with a high arch. I usually wear an A width. Don't be surprised if you have never heard of it. Not many people make boots in A width, or even B width for that matter. I thought I would give Asolo a try to see if I can make them work. These shoes fit fine in the heel up to the arch but then the toe feels like it splays out and there is nothing there. I had to put a small in-sole in them to make them fit. They are still a little large in the toe area but I think they will work for me.

Comments about Asolo TPS 520 GV Hiking Boots - Men's:

I have bought cheaper boots in the past, but they do NOT Hold-up. So in the long run - you end up paying more money because of having to frequently replace the cheaper boots, it also is a waste of your time and aggravation! You are better off just to spend more money "up front" for something that will last! These Asolo boots have been "a good friend to me and my feet"!

People complain that these boots are Heavy. Well they are a sturdy all leather boots - what do you expect? I would rather have a sturdy all leather boot than a lighter boot (maybe people are wanting to run in them), they are boots - Not shoes. Personally, I would rather have a solid sturdy leather boot that is durable and last for a long time. I have used other boots that were lighter and they do NOT hold-up.

Pros:
Comfortable Boots
Good ankle support
Several Lacing hooks to tighten up the boot around your ankle.
Easy on and off
Sturdy/Durable
Water Resistant

Yes, they might Scuff (mark-up) easy - but like someone else said - that just gives them character.

I also ordered my boots 1 size bigger to compensate for swelling/thick socks/Possible Boot Shrinkage/Boot "curvature" of the toes/etc. When they would measure my feet in the store - they would swear that I should Not get a boot bigger than 12, but everytime I conceeded to get 12 - I was sorry; with size 13 - I gives my feet a little extra room so my toes were NOT cramped.

I have had a lot of problems with different boots having "boot shrinkage" (from wet boots ), I haven't seem to have this happen (much, if any) with the Asolo boots.

2 people (at outdoor stores) have told me NOT to use Mink oil - because it actually deteriates the leather.

I have had my Asolo boot Since March 2006, wearing them in all kinds of weather, warm days, rainy days, through the snow, mountain hiking, desert hiking - they have been great!

However lately, the right boot is cracking and starting to let water enter the boot (when I cross creeks, etc).

Besides, this fact, the rest of the right boot and also the left boot is still in good condition - even after all this time (and I haven't been very good about putting the leather protectant on them every year).

These boots have been very good to me and I have been so pleased with them that it is sad to think about retiring them! I think I will keep them as a Workboot (they are still good if you don't wade through water), they are still comfortable, sturdy and they would still get used (as a workboot).

It is getting time to get some new boots, I am going to buy the same "Asolo boots".

Comments about Asolo TPS 520 GV Hiking Boots - Men's:

I have bought cheaper boots in the past, but they do NOT Hold-up. So in the long run - you end up paying more money because of having to frequently replace the cheaper boots, it also is a waste of your time and aggravation! You are better off just to spend more money "up front" for something that will last! These Asolo boots have been "a good friend to me and my feet"!

People complain that these boots are Heavy. Well they are a sturdy all leather boots - what do you expect? I would rather have a sturdy all leather boot than a lighter boot (maybe people are wanting to run in them), they are boots - Not shoes. Personally, I would rather have a solid sturdy leather boot that is durable and last for a long time. I have used other boots that were lighter and they do NOT hold-up.

Pros:
Comfortable Boots
Good ankle support
Several Lacing hooks to tighten up the boot around your ankle.
Easy on and off
Sturdy/Durable
Water Resistant

Yes, they might Scuff (mark-up) easy - but like someone else said - that just gives them character.

I also ordered my boots 1 size bigger to compensate for swelling/thick socks/Possible Boot Shrinkage/Boot "curvature"

of the toes/etc. When they would measure my feet in the store - they would swear that I should Not get a boot bigger

than 12, but everytime I conceeded to get 12 - I was sorry; with size 13 - I gives my feet a little extra room so my toes were NOT cramped.

I have had a lot of problems with other boots having "boot shrinkage" (from wet boots ), I haven't seem to have this happen (much, if any) with the Asolo boots.

2 people (at outdoor stores) have told me NOT to use Mink oil - because it actually deteriates the leather.

I have had my Asolo boot Since March 2006, wearing them in all kinds of weather, warm days, rainy days, through the snow, mountain hiking, desert hiking - they have been great!

However lately, the right boot is cracking and starting to let water enter the boot (when I cross creeks, etc).

Besides, this fact, they rest of the right boot and also the left boot is still in good condition - even after all this time (and I haven't been very good about putting the leather protectant on it every year).

These boots have been very good to me and I have been so pleased with them that it is sad to think about retiring them! I think I will keep them as a Workboot (they are still good if you don't wade through water), they are still comfortable, sturdy and they would still get used (as a workboot).

It is getting time to get some new boots, I am going to buy the same "Asolo boots".