How to Choose Hiking Boots

Heavy-duty and built for rugged terrain, the men's Asolo TPS 520 GV EVO hiking boots offer waterproof/breathable protection plus superior traction and stability over rugged terrain.
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Imported.
View all Asolo Men's Backpacking BootsBest Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Footwear Height | Over-the-ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Waterproof | Yes |
Type of Waterproofing | GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable lining |
Upper | Full-grain leather |
Lining | GORE-TEX |
Midsole | Dual-density molded polyurethane |
Support | Asoflex |
Outsole | Vibram rubber |
Can Be Resoled | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 4 lbs. 2 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Men's | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
U.S. Women's | |||||||||||||||||
UK | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12.5 | 13.5 | 14.5 | 15.5 |
EU | 38 (2/3) | 39 (1/3) | 40 | 40 (2/3) | 41 (1/3) | 42 | 42.5 | 43 (1/3) | 43 (2/3) | 44 (1/2) | 45 | 46 | 46 (1/3) | 47 (1/2) | 49 | 50 | 51 (1/2) |
Foot Length (in.) | 9.6 | 9.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.2 | 11.4 | 11.6 | 11.8 | 12 | 12.2 | 12.8 | 13.2 | 13.6 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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Confirming the 1-star ratings with another bad experience. I have owned Asolo's for 30 years, and the first 2 pairs lasted 10 years each. Unfortunately, I have recently owned 2 pairs of boots within the past 10 years and the soles have fallen apart with minimal use. Just returned from Patagonia and the boots fell apart after 15 miles, putting me in a terrible situation with a lot of hiking still planned. It's too bad since Asolo boots have always been comfortable and dependable, but they have lost another loyal customer -- especially since their customer service is nonresponsive.
The Asolo TPS (wide) is probably the most comfortable boots I’ve worn, however, it has a one major flaw. The midsole is made out of polyurethane that dry rots and seems to disintegrate in 5 years or so. This inherent breakdown of the material is further sped up if the footwear is sitting unused. No matter how new or unused the footwear is, its life is finite. I have learned this the hard way when I wore my brand new tps 520, which have been sitting in my closet for a few years, on a 10 mile hike. What started as a new boot at the beginning of the hike turned into a complete trash with bottom sole completely detached from the boot by the time I got back to the car. Asolo have never bothered to address this flaw despite the countless complaints from the consumer. I will not buy another pair of TPS or any shoes made of PU.
The sole rot described by others is real! I had a pair for years that I loved, the soles just wore down. So, I purchased a new pair which started out great for a few years. However, around year 5 the soles suddenly blew apart. It was extraordinary how quickly they self-destructed. The boots were not exposed to chemicals or any other harsh treatment. Amazily, my first and much older pair are still fine as far as the integrity of the sole material. Those who have not experienced this flaw are either lucky or have not hit the self-destruct point yet. Would not want it to happen on an extended trip. Will not purchase these a third time. Zero stars is a more appropriate rating.
These may be the most comfortable boots I've ever owned, but the sole has delaminated several times, usually at inconvenient times. I had them fixed (because they are so comfy and because they are quite pricey), but only one cobbler in the U.S. does this, and it costs $160. It must be a design problem because the delamination recurs. They've delaminated yet again, and I'm finally ditching them since the other reviews show how widespread the problem is. Stay away from these boots.
I wear these boots 365 days a year, all day (I keep a shiny pair for dinner events). About to order my ninth pair in 14 years. It takes about nine months to wear down the outside heel. I go back to REI, and send them out to be resoled, I put on a new pair the next day and always have spare boots available. About 50% of my walking is on concrete and asphalt. Walk the dog on gravel for three miles a day. My knees and back thank me for the good foot support. At 250 pounds with a heavy gait, tennis shoes might last two months. Yes they cost a lot, reason for only 4 stars, but in the long run, best value foot wear for my body. Hiked Mt Rainer and the Sierras and they go through TSA just fine ;) The boots don't sit in my closet for years and 33 were purchased this week :)
Had these for a couple of years; strong, sturdy, boot. then one day on a snowy hike the sole dissolved. Contacted the company and received no reply.
While very comfortable, as previous reviews the soles will disintegrate. These are the worst quality boots i ever had. Products now a days are made with a limited life functionality but the amount paid thai product is not worth it.
Four miles into a day hike on the Appalachain Trail, the tread on right boot decided it wanted a break. A mile laster, the left boot tread seperated. I bought the boots in 2017 for a hiking the Mt. Blanc Circuit and haven't done any heavy duty hikes with them since. Altogether, they have about 150 miles on them. That work out to paying about $2 per mile of trail.
Dang. I’ve been looking for a replacement boot for my 15 yo pair of TPS (soles detached from boot) and noticed REI still sold them. Considering the fit was the best boot fitment I’ve ever had, I figured I’d just get a new pair. Until I read the reviews and realized the sole detachment was obviously not just a “me” issue. That is definitely a bummer that Asolo hasn’t responded positively to remedy this common failure. That being said, the fit is pretty remarkable for a large volume wide foot and I still might rebuy them but I’m going to look around for other options first. I hope Asolo sites something about the issue though.
I have been using these boot for over 20 years and after trying several other brands these are the toughest long lasting boots on the market. For 30 years I hike at least 800 miles a year and mostly off trail for work carrying a 40 pound back. All my employees use these boot and hike nearly the same or more mileage a year. They do well in water and I always have two pairs incase I fully submerge the boots. Never once have I experienced delamination of the soles. Maybe the other reviewers heated up the boots or something that caused the binding material to fail.