How to Choose Hiking Boots

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Exclusive to REI in the US, the Asolo Fission GV women's hiking boots deliver Gore-Tex® protection in a lightweight platform that excels on day hikes and weekend backpacking jaunts.
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View all Asolo Women's Day Hiking BootsBest Use | Hiking |
---|---|
Footwear Height | Over-the-ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Waterproof | Yes |
Upper | Suede leather/high tenacity nylon |
Lining | Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane/nylon |
Midsole | EVA |
Support | Thermoplastic urethane plate |
Outsole | Vibram rubber |
Can Be Resoled | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lbs. 15 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 first part of June 2016, they fit my slightly wide front foot/narrow heel combo super well. Toe box is super strong, mine has taken a lot of rock hits. I do all kinds of climbing and hiking in these boots on Hood, the Gorge, the Coast Range, Central Oregon. Break-in on my heels was rough because I didn't keep the laces snugged well toward the end of a 24 mile loop around Three Fingered Jack. Stiff and protective soles, great dry and wet rock traction. Waterproof, too. I did buy other insoles for mine, which is pretty much all my boots (ski, tele, etc) get better insoles. I've hiked scree to mud and everything in between with these and I love them. Really great boots!
I love these boots!! I had the old leather version and bought these hoping they would be a bit lighter and more comfortable. I loved them so much I did a 10 mile hike when breaking them in and I could have gone even longer! You barely feel the rocks and feel very secure. I had no rubs or sore spots. Most importantly, when I finished- I didn't feel like ripping them off and getting Into more comfortable shoes. I cannot say enough good things about these boots.
I've been wanting a good backpacking/hiking boot that will last a while and be comfortable for a long time. I went into my REI and tried on several boots, but ended up trying this one on a few times. I wanted there to be something wrong with them. It was just too good to be true. It had to be. But, after reading so many awesome reviews, I decided to give them a go. This boot is incredible. Broke in great, saved my ankles a couple times, and not a single sore or blister after 28 miles in the wet, slippery, rocky Smoky Mountains. They dried quickly when they got wet (never wet on the inside) and I never had a point where I was ready to tear off my boots at the end of a long day. I'm so happy I found my boot.
Bottom line: if you'll use these for mostly on-trail backpacking and hiking, they're great! A nice balance between lightweight, comfy, and sturdy. But for me they didn't stand up to a lot of off-trail work. I've used these boots for two summers of backcountry fieldwork (about 6 weeks each summer of hiking all day, almost every day). When I first got them they were great - no break-in period, waterproof, solid grip, and they kept my ankles very secure (I'm clumsy and tend to roll my ankles a lot). They do come with absurdly long laces, which is annoying but pretty easy to fix. However, I spend a lot of time hiking off-trail on steep, rocky scree slopes, and I think this is what did these boots in. The green suede part has separated from the mesh part on the sides of both my boots, meaning they are very vulnerable to getting soaked by water and collecting dirt in the resulting space. The tread has worn down to almost nothing, and one of the synthetic eyelets broke when I was tying my boots this past season. Although I was pretty tough on these boots, I wish they had lasted longer. If you'll be doing off-trail work on variable terrain, I'd suggest getting a tougher leather boot. BUT, if you'll use these boots mostly on-trail, I would recommend them! As I said, they're really comfy right out of the box and provide great ankle support. I can't complain too much considering what I put them through.
THESE ASOLO BOOTS WERE THE ANSWER TO MY PRAYERS! I can hike again finally! I have a foot injury I will have to consider every time I buy a pair of shoes from now on. I have plantar fasciitis and I needed a stiff sole. I didn't realize the break in time these would require and my body had to get used to them too. I do have fairly flat feet and these boots do not have a very high arch which is great. I feel supported by them when I lift heavy loads and I am comfortable during and after the hike. I do not use them for everyday use as I find them uncomfortable on pavement (but then again I don't believe they were made for pavement). I just love these boots!!
Purchased these for a 120 mile hike from Denver to Breckenridge, hiked about 5 miles total to break them in a week before the trip. We averaged 15-20 miles a day, easy to rough, dusty to mucky muddy terrain and they were AMAZING! I wore thin socks (the double layer blister socks) also-- even in 90 degree heat my feet did NOT sweat. After the 120 miles they still look and fit like new.. just had to hose them off! I normally wear an 8 but had to go with an 8.5. I highly recommend!!
I bought this boot last summer to do the John Muir Trial hike in the fall. I broke them in prior to going - about 3 miles a day for a bunch of days of walking on country roads- never a blister(I used a single sock layer when I broke them in and double socks-one thick and one thin- both wool) for the hike- only blisters I had were late in the hike and they were minor. These were one of my most favorite items on the trail- I really liked the way they feel on my feet- lighter than most of the all leather boots, but with great support. They held up very well, kept my feet relatively cool when it was hot and comfortable and dry when it snowed - 12" over Mt Whitney - all in all a really good boot.
I wore these for a short 3 mile walk and no matter how I tied them, I was getting rubbed on my heel from the seam. However, I did spray them with the hose and I can tell you they are waterproof! I am a size 7 and wore a size 6.5. The shoe does run wide (which is great for people with wide feet like me). It's a shame that seam rubbed because other than that they were very comfortable. However, I purchased them at a garage sale on a buy one get one free deal with a pair of Lowa Renegades (which I highly recommend if these boots didn't work for you!), so I'm not heartbroken and am thoroughly happy with the other half of my purchase :)
I wish I could've kept this boot because it is perfect for my plantar fasciitis and it is sturdy. I experienced strain at my achilles while hiking. And after the hike I would have pain at the ligaments at my ankle that I sprained 8 years ago and stiffness/pain at my ankles the next morning. I think it's a great boot, but unfortunately not for me. I've never owned a boot like this before so maybe I don't understand what it takes to break it in. But I wasn't willing to risk injuring myself to find out. I hike average 5 miles a few times a week. I just got back into hiking after 3 years of healing from plantar fasciitis. I do think it's a great boot, just not for me. So today I returned them and I'm trying another pair of Asolos.
I think most people who hike a lot know that if you're going to spend a lot of money on something, it should be on your boots. On my first hike, my little toe was getting rubbed raw on the sides of these boots. I thought I had made a bad purchase, but I went into REI and talked to a sales person who convinced me to trying buying some new insoles with a little better arch support. And just like that, no more sore toes! I've hiked the Catskills, the Badlands, Mr. Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, the Grand Canyon, and climbed to the top of Mt. St. Helens in these boots. They are the most comfortable shoes I own.