Asolo Power Matic 200 GV Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's

Comments about Asolo Power Matic 200 GV Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:

I wore out my first pair in one year. I hike over 500 miles a year with lots of it off trail. The leather scuffs easily but it is durable. The laces wore out on my first pair in about 8 monhts. The biggest concern was the sole. I had several chunks of the rubber sole missing on both boots along the edges. I thought it must have been from some sharp rocks, so I bought a second pair. The same thing happened to the sole. They are about wore out after another 500 miles, so I will try another brand this time.

Comments about Asolo Power Matic 200 GV Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:

I bought these for an upcoming trek through the Alaskan range, so I needed something: waterproof, quick to break-in, and use in steep terrain. When I first tried them on, my average size fit like a glove; I immediately knew these were the boots for me.
I used these boots in addition to the SuperFeet soles found @ REI, along with medium wool socks and a liner. I hiked up steep (65-80 degree),uneven, grassy terrain and found these boots kept my feet in place; no rubbing at all! Going downhill was NO different, as my feet remained in-place and my toes didnt rub.

I never once needed to remove these boots during my 25+ mile, 2 day hike. My feet stayed dry the entire time (it was so foggy and wet we couldn't see more than 20 ft. ahead). When negotiation a steep, rocky climb (with trekking poles), I found these boots didn't grip the flat, wet rocks as well as they should have (but I never once fell). Also, when carrying my 75 pound pack (I'm a cinematographer) heading downhill over rocks, I found it difficult to dig my feet in to keep from gaining momentum (but that could just be my knees weakening from the steep climbing plus my pack weight). There were several times where I could have twisted my ankle while down-hilling steep, uneven, loose rocks; but, these boots saved my life and prevented my ankle from reaching the point of rolling over (also, trekking poles are worth the [$])

I tested these(on accident) through several shin high water-streams, and got water in the boot only once (from the top). Even then, the boots felt dry and normal after only 5 minutes. However, learning my lesson, I tied them tighter, and never had the problem again.

One of the only things that depressed me was a deep frontal scratch my righty picked up while stepping up onto sharp rocks; but, this is to be expected with all boots if you don't watch where you plant them. In retrospect, these boots are amazingly scuff and scratch resistant (or they would have more than just one).

It's the day after our return, and everyone is surprised I have ZERO blisters or sores. Not once during the trip were my feet ever achy or tired, but always full of energy and wanting to go further.
I would recommend these boots to ANYONE carrying a heavy load through steep, un-even, and wet terrain. Actually, I would recommend these Asolo's to ANYONE looking for a great pair of boots.

Comments about Asolo Power Matic 200 GV Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:

Think hard before you chose this boot. I just returned it after a year. Here's why; Out of the box this boot is very comfy and feels great on day hikes. However during several backpacking trips (Sierras & San Gabriels)with moderate loads (30-40 lbs.) I experienced horrible blisters on my heels. Each trip I would regroup and try moleskin, foot powder to keep feet dry, changing out socks on trail, and even a sock liner. To no avail. These boots are VERY hot and do not breathe, my feet were on fire after a few miles on the trail. Also very stiff. This is an old school backpacking boot made for long hauls and heavy loads in bad weather. But if your doing short trips (several days- weeek) with moderate loads (30-45 lbs.) then this boot isn't for you. I would even seriously consider getting a boot without gore tex. Asolo IS however a great boot maker so I traded them in for the Asolo Fugitive, a lighter cloth boot. If your a three season trekker get something cooler and lighter.

Comments about Asolo Power Matic 200 GV Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:

Very good boot. I bought these for my Kilimanjaro climb. I used a heal lock method for tieing the boots and never got blisters. they got great traction in a varity of conditions. Wet was not a problem on the mountain.
I tried compared sizes to miltary boots. Bad move on my part. my boots ended up a 1/2 size too small and I paid for it going down hill. (ordered and broken in while deployed)The width was accuate for me. The toes did get scuffed up but I attribute that to my being tired and sore, with 1/2 size too small boots. I did trade them back for the correct size.

Comments about Asolo Power Matic 200 GV Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:

I am very tough on equipment, and usually with a pair of boots or shoes i am lucky to get a year out of. I just punish them so badly. If i wear them they better be able to do it all. I have had these over a year, and they have two extreme hikes on them and countless day an all around adventures on them, and they feel like they are just getting broken in. Now these were a bit pricey. But with the pulley design on the lace supports they kept my foot bed in check and in place without binding me anywhere! all the pressure was evenly displaced and handled the pounding i could dished it, without wearing on top of my arch, or heels for that matter. I liked the way they are built so heavy duty and light wieght for how tough they are was another selling factor for me. I need a boot that will make it there and back and then some. We back packed in for a week and two days. all we had was on our backs, our packs weight almost eighty pounds. and the trail was rated out of easy to most difficult , you got it most diff. This hike in WA. State, up to Jerry's lakes and Jerry's glacier, and Crater lake. It is a very gruling ! but well rewarding once you get there. You need good boots, with that kind of weight on your back, and with that tough of a trail. Plus you never know what kind of weather you will get in the mountains, rain sleet snow. and if you loose your feet, your done period ! I had some brand "D" last year, and my feet hurt and got blisters, within the first three miles. Even with heel pads and liners. Last summer and last week we did this trip twice, with the Asolo's , and let me tell you it don't get no better than this, as the ole saying goes. Thanks so much Asolo and [...] for suggesting them, well worth the buck when your feet are involved.

Comments about Asolo Power Matic 200 GV Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:

Great boot that provides a lot of support where you need it. The mix of leather and goretex clogs the breathe-ability but not as much as almost any other boot with the same combo. I use these for search and rescue and backpacking and they have never failed me, even when carrying 50 lbs. for 70 miles of backcountry in only two days. This is one of the best boots I've ever worn and I will continue to buy this boot, once the first pair wears out that is.p.s.[...]

Comments about Asolo Power Matic 200 GV Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:

I bought this boot primarily to provide ankle support as well as firm fit to avoid foot moving around in boot while backpacking with 50-plus pound pack. I hike both on and off trail so there is a lot of twisting and turning and I needed a boot that conforms to my foot. This boot fit the criteria very well but after two long hikes I found the boot length was a half size too small. The toe of boot also was prone to getting scuffed and nicked. Both drawbacks did not prevent me from exhanging my size 9 for a 9.5. I would definitely recommend this boot to a friend.

Comments about Asolo Power Matic 200 GV Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:

I needed 20 miles for initial break in. Swapping factory insoles for Ed Viesturs SOLES from REI made this good boot great. After 400 miles the toes are scuffed and cut but they are still waterproof and that is all that matters. The outsoles have excellent traction and the boots, when laced up tight, have the great lateral ankle support. At this point they are very comfortable and fit like a glove - for the foot! I expect to get at least another 400 miles from the best boots I have owned so far.

Comments about Asolo Power Matic 200 GV Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:

These boots are possibly the best I've ever owned. The fit me very well and I've never gotten blisters using them. My feet don't get hot in them, even on 85 degree days. They are really stable and supportive, but may be a little too heavy for people doing day hikes.

The lacing system is great, the rollers allow you to just tug on the laces and get and even snugness around your lower foot.

My only complaint about these is that there isn't much protection for the leather in the front of the boot. I've used mine since May (8+ mile hikes almost every weekend and a couple longer, multiday trips) and the toes are pretty scuffed up. I've heard people recommend putting shoe-goo on the toe to give some extra protection.

Comments about Asolo Power Matic 200 GV Gore-Tex Hiking Boots - Men's:

I wasn't looking for a boot in this price range, but when I put it on, nothing else compared. I decided to splurge, and buy an expensive pair of boots while wondering if I would regret it.

That weekend we went on a backpacking trip in the RMNP, and this boot was incredible. My feet didn't hurt at all, which is normally the case when we go on multi-day trips. I also have a chronically-weak ankle, and the boot supported my ankle very well.

There are two things I don't care for about this boot. First, the weight. It is a heavy boot, but if it's that comfortable, then I will find a way to lug around this boot. It's fantastic!!! Second, it's tough to treat these with waterproofing products. I think this is a bigger problem when you first get them because they are really smooth and slick.

I highly recommend the extra money on these particular boots. I don't often say that about the higher priced products, but this one is definitely worth it. I will be buying another pair of these when my old ones wear out.

Service and delivery comments:

Once again, REI Denver did a great job in their advice to help me pick these boots out. Keep up the good work.