How to Choose Hiking Boots

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A timeless backpacking boot, the Asolo 520 TPS GV women's boots feature burly full-grain leather uppers, Gore-Tex® waterproof protection and enhanced stability and support.
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View all Asolo Women's Backpacking BootsBest Use | Backpacking |
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Footwear Height | Over-the-ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Waterproof | Yes |
Upper | Full-grain leather |
Lining | Gore-Tex waterproof, breathable membrane/nylon |
Midsole | Polyurethane |
Support | Thermoplastic nylon |
Outsole | Vibram rubber |
Weight (Pair) | 3 lbs. 5 oz. |
Gender | Women's |
5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | |
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U.S. Women's | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 |
UK | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 |
EU | 36 (1/3) | 36 (2/3) | 37.5 | 38 | 38 (2/3) | 39 (1/3) | 40 | 40 (2/3) | 41 (1/3) | 42 | 42.5 | 43 (1/3) | 43 (2/3) |
Foot Length (in.) | 8.9 | 9.1 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 9.6 | 9.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.2 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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I bought these and broke them in for three months in Yosemite valley then spent three months with them in New Zealand, two of which were spent entirely in the mountains with them on my feet every single day. I used them in very steep and wet backpacking situations including many many river crossings. I also used them in the snow and on glaciers mountaineering for a full month and with thick socks they kept my feet warm enough and dry for the most part. They are heavy duty and hold up really well in extreme conditions for long periods of time. I didn't get a songle blister the entire 3 months in Yosemite or the 2 i used them in new Zealand. However that said I wouldn't use them for day hikes as they are a lot heavier than normal hiking boots.
I have had these Asolo boots for more than 5 years and thought it was time I wrote a review about them. They still are in great shape even though I am hard on my boots. I've climbed 14ers, backpacked, day hiked on easy to difficult trails, snowshoed in them, and even wear them on snowy days in Denver. There's no break-in time with them. They are easy to lace-up. I never get blisters in them and there's great support. My feet are average width and have an average arch. I know these are more expensive than other boots but they are worth it! If you plan to snowshoe in them I would suggest also wearing toe warmers because they do not stay super warm.
These boots are outstanding! I just came back from a 9 day backpacking trip in the Wind River Range where it rained 7 of those days. My feet stayed dry the whole time and the stiff, stable sole kept me from injury. I did not have one blister! I carried a 60 lbs. pack and my knees did not bother me a bit and there were no sprained ankles! They even performed well in a steep snowfield! I am serious when I say that I will never buy another boot but these!
Because the price of the boots initially scared me, I waited nearly to the last minute to buy before our hike in the Grand Canyon. That being said, I wore them a few days around home as much as possible. They fit like a glove from the get-go. While hiking the canyon I wore them for 8 hours one day and 10 the next and have no complaints what-so-ever. While heavier and hotter than the boots I usually wear on other hikes, I was prepared for that and it wasn't an issue. My only wee complaint is that the laces coming untied periodically were a slight nuisance. You can just tell these babies are meant and constructed to last. I look forward to many years of hiking together.
Bought these for extended hiking/backpacking (~5-6 weeks per year) on rugged, non-trail terrain. The all-leather exterior is very durable - it scratches, but does not lose water-resistance. Vibram sole is a necessity for good footing on loose material, but can be slightly slippery on wet rock. These are slightly heavy, but if you're using them for rugged terrain, the extra weight is worth it. The only thing that would make these better would be if Asolo extended the rubber at the tip of the toe up over the top of the toe of the boot, like they do in some of their canvas styles. If Asolo did that, these would be my pick as the best rugged-terrain hiker available.
Bought these at the REI Denver. Best hiking boots I've ever had. I hiked Mt. Lindsey the next day - they were super comfortable and no break-in was needed. I also hiked Mt of the Holy Cross two days later and through all of that, not one blister. They had awesome ankle support - I felt secure bouldering and in scree. Also, my toes never hit in the toe box during hiking. The toe-box is build really well. They didn't slip as I hiked, they stayed snug - I wore a liner and a light wool sock with it. Overall, I'd highly recommend these boots. They cost more than some others but are well worth it!!
I would like to give these boots 5 stars. Even 6. Except...I have a narrow heel and have never found a combination of insoles, socks, etc. to keep from getting blisters. Knowing this, I tape known hot spots before I've even left the departure point, but it still catches up with me after about Day 4 on the trail. However, if your foot fits this boot, I can't imagine being displeased with it. Mine have been steady companions in some unsteady trekking situations. If Asolo comes up with a "narrower heel" version, I'll be first in line to get a pair.
I am a park ranger and I needed something that I could wear in the snow that would keep my feet dry. I bought these 4 seasons ago and they are still the best boots I have ever owned. They were totally water proof for the first several years, I am sad to say they are starting to leak on the wettest days. They are still so comfortable, I have never had a blister with them. The tread is starting to wear down but they still have great traction hiking over snow, scree, even scrambling up steep rock. I wish I had a supply closet full of them so I never run out!
Fantastic boots! I needed a tough, waterproof boot for my fieldwork in the northern rockies - something that would withstand many many miles, severe abuse off trail and keep my feet dry. Had Gore-Tex mesh boots from Vasque before these, and although they were fantastic boots, the mesh (and Gore-Tex waterproofing) was destroyed by grass seeds in no time. The full-leather was a must. I was worried about the Asolos being to narrow for my pancake feet but they molded to my feet in no time and are so comfortable. I didn't have to break them in at all, wore them out bushwhacking through the montana mountains the day after I bought them, scrambling up and down rock slopes, blowdown and through marshes and they kept my feet snug, dry and happy. Haven't found anything I don't like about them - they are a little expensive but so worth it!
After reading these reviews I thought these boots would be perfect for my JMT hike. I wore them multiple times before the big trip to break them in. Our trip was 20 days and on day one I had a massive blister on one heel and another one starting on the other. I had to dress/wrap my heels everyday, which was a pain, also slowed the morning down (not to mention my pace). Also, I don't know if it was the weight and the thickness of the boot, but I twisted my ankle a couple times with these boots which never happened in my lightweight boots. I will say they kept my feet dry/warm but that's the only positive I can give.