Details
- Water-resistant suede leather is paired with tough, high-tenacity nylon to ensure that the uppers are durable and flexible and offer good support and breathability
- Gusseted scree tongues and padded ankle cuffs add protective comfort at ankles; rubber toe bumpers protect against impact and abrasion
- GORE-TEX® waterproof liners let feet breathe while protecting them from the elements, keeping them dry and comfortable
- Wicking nylon linings quickly pull excess moisture away from feet for enhanced comfort
- Thermoplastic urethane plates provide torsional stability while protecting feet from stone bruising
- Vibram® rubber outsoles on the Asolo Drifter GV hiking boots feature a tread pattern optimized for grip on descents and good forefoot protection and grip
- Boots can be resoled
Imported.
Specs
| Best 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 |
| Average Footwear Weight (Pair) | 2 lbs. 11 oz. |
| Gender | Men's |
Size chart
| 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 Wide | 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) |
Rated 5 out of
5
by
hikester1 from
Really happy with this Boot
I purchased these and found they required NO break-in period. Though they're not the lightest boots on the market, I really appreciate the torsional stiffness they provide. 'Used them for a 4-day trip through the Grand Canyon, and always felt they were secure on my feet.
The only thing that would be great on these boots would be a built-in heel lock, which a very few other boots have. Still, there's an excellent lacing movie on youtube which shows how to do a heal lock, and it was quite easy to do with these boots. On YouTube, check out "REI Hiking Boot Laces"
Finally, the quality is very good, and the lacing hardware quite sturdy.
Date published: 2013-09-05
Rated 5 out of
5
by
MontanaMan from
4th Pair and Happy as a I can be
Well it is another pair of the Asolo Drifter GV boot for me and this will be my 4th pair. Love this boot and so happy that Asolo still has not changed anything about this boot. I had Asolo Fugitive and the sole just didn't hold up to even a year of everyday use. The Drifter on the other hand with the Vibram sole lasts about a year and a half. I am really hard on any boot sole and these boots are used on asphalt 95% of the time. I will keep buying this boot as long as Asolo keep making them and REI keeps selling them. I always buy a pair after I get my REI dividend and use my member 20% off cupon so it is a win win deal for me. Money well spent.
Date published: 2016-03-28
Rated 5 out of
5
by
BCSinAZ from
Great Boot
Bought these to a 2 week trek in the Himalayas and they did not disappoint. They had an easy break in period (~30 miles) and held up well on the trail in Nepal. We went late Nov/early Dec to Kala Patthar and then over Cho La pass so the weather was a little chillier than other times of the year but coupled with thick smart wool socks and you should have no problem. The traction was good, they had a solid fit and performed very well hiking on average for 6-7hrs/day for 2 weeks straight. No hot spots at all and feet felt great every day. The upper support did very well for not spraining an ankle on the rough trail.
Date published: 2015-12-21
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Bob Berta from
Very nice back packing boot.
Quite comfortable. Will be used for backpacking as well as fishing. The construction is very good quality with reinvorcements at key spots like toe and arches. i chose this over another model solely because of the vibram lug sole. The other one didn't seem as agressive and I always prefer a Vibram from past experience. The water proof membrane is a must here in Michigan. I didn't give it the 5th star only because I need a lot more miles before I can judge the durability and life span. But it looks like it will hold up well from preliminary hikes. At first the tongue pushed into my foot at the top of the boot. After fiddling with the gussset and giving it some wear in time it is now fine.
Date published: 2016-01-10
Rated 3 out of
5
by
S in PA from
Mixed bag
My feet sweat a lot so I figured I'd give these boots a try as a backpacking boot for shorter trips. The break in period was pretty minimal, very comfortable out of the box. I did notice that traction was a bit of a problem on my first hikes though.
Now I've worn these several times (included a 4 day backpacking trip) and put about 100 miles on them. They're going back to REI when I get home. They are just too slippery. On wet rocks they are super slick (although all boots might slip some). The clincher is that hiking in areas with moist to muddy soil and rocky conditions (i.e. Pennsylvania) leads to frequent slipping.
Date published: 2012-05-28
Rated 5 out of
5
by
surfnsd from
Awesome boot
I bought these as a birthday gift to myself and Im very glad I did. I used them all through the catskills of New York this last December and they more then exceeded my expectations. My feet were kept warm and dry through the rain and the snow. The weather ranged from 34 degrees with rain all the way to 9 degrees with lots of snow. Great traction getting through the different terrains as well. I wasnt able to wear these in before I left and had no problem just putting them on right out of the box and taking off on my hikes. No pains in my feet or pressure points and very comfortable from day one. I asked for the best boot and I certainly received it. VERY happy with these and look forward to future adventures with them.
Date published: 2013-01-10
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Delphinian from
Great boots
I bought these shortly before a trip to Ecuador, trying to find a boot I could use for both hiking in the Andes mountains and in the Amazon jungle. I also needed a boot that would break in quickly since I only had 5 days before the trip. These were very stiff initially but they hugged my foot very well which is why I tried them. I would have preferred more breakin time but they were comfortable enough on first wear to use. The only hot spot was around the top of the ankle. The foot bed is also designed in an interesting shape so I found myself having to adjust my gait when I initially put these on.
After about 50 miles of wear these felt great and broke in nicely. They breathe well but provide just enough insulation that my feet weren't cold in the mountains. They kept both rain and puddle water out. And they seems to shed dirt very well since I was in some fairly muddy places and the boots still look like they're out of the box.
I would recommend this as a great all-season, all-purpose boot.
Date published: 2013-04-20
Rated 4 out of
5
by
goler176 from
great boot, but...
I really, really liked these until the side seams ripped on one of my boots. These seams add a nice pattern to the boot and save the manufacturer from having to use one piece of leather. The seams are way too importatn to leave unprotected on the low side of the boot. Two of the seams ripped and subsequently unraveled after only 2 weeks of wear. If the manufacturer ever reads this, please protect these seams. When these seam go the layers begin to peel back and the top half of the boots gradually detachs. I wish I would have covered the seams in shoe-goo or liquid rubber to protect them. I thought Asolo would have created a great lightweight boot that I could abuse with off-trail hiking in cactus and sharp limestone in mountainous terrain. I am spoiled now with these boots so it will be difficult to want to wear my heavy hiking boots (LaSportiva Makula), but I know they will not fall apart after a rock rubs against the side.
Date published: 2012-12-28
Does this model come in a wide width?
These boots are not available in wide sizes.
Date published: 2017-01-19
The product page indicates these boots can be resoled, does REI do this or will I have to find a local boot repair shop?
For footwear repair, we recommend Dave Page, Cobbler in Seattle.
https://www.rei.com/stores/repairs/non-fabric-repair.html
Date published: 2017-06-17
When they say these are "lightweight," does that also mean they're not well-insulated? Just wondering how well they keep the feet warm in cold weather, always assuming the proper socks (meaning warm ones) are worn.
The Drifter GV Hiking Boots do not have any insulation. Heavier hiking socks would be required to keep your feet warm on colder days.
Date published: 2017-05-28
I have narrow feet. 11B. Do these run on the narrow side?
​These shoes are a D width and fit true to size.
Date published: 2017-01-05
Is this boot appropriate for a 10 day hike carrying a 45 to 55 pound back?
These boots are a great choice for a multi-day backpacking with a heavier load on your back.
Date published: 2017-06-05
I am looking for a 3 Season Boot (Fall, Winter, Spring) boot that is lightweight, durable, and supportive enough to withstand sprinting, sudden/cutting turns, and agile enough to complete obstacle courses. Would you recommend this boot for this?
These are 3-season boots that fit your description of lightweight, durable and supportive. They are not designed for sprinting, running or cutting though. While they could certainly be used on an obstacle course, you may want to consider something like a trail-running shoe which are designed to strike a balance between support and agility.
https://www.rei.com/c/mens-trail-running-shoes​
Date published: 2016-11-14
I just bought a pair of these boots. The sales person said that they are strap on crampon compatible. On your site they don't say anything about being crampon compilable like other boots do. So can I use crampons with them or not?
It is possible to use crampons with Drifter GVs. There are however a couple of challenges to keep in mind. The Drifters have a little more flex in them compared to most mountaineering boots and heavier duty hiking boots. You would want to make sure that the center bar of the crampon is compatible with the flex of your boot. The Grivel Air Tech Light Crampon with Antibott Device & Flex Bars would be a good choice.
http://www.rei.com/product/716229/grivel-air-tech-light-crampon-with-antibott-device-flex-bars
The toe of the boot has to be considered as well. If you find yourself in very cold conditions and you pull the straps of your crampon tight against the boot, this can reduce the amount of circulation going to your feet and could cause frost bite.
Date published: 2017-03-08
Size chart
| 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 Wide | 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) |
Reviews
Rated 5 out of
5
by
hikester1 from
Really happy with this Boot
I purchased these and found they required NO break-in period. Though they're not the lightest boots on the market, I really appreciate the torsional stiffness they provide. 'Used them for a 4-day trip through the Grand Canyon, and always felt they were secure on my feet.
The only thing that would be great on these boots would be a built-in heel lock, which a very few other boots have. Still, there's an excellent lacing movie on youtube which shows how to do a heal lock, and it was quite easy to do with these boots. On YouTube, check out "REI Hiking Boot Laces"
Finally, the quality is very good, and the lacing hardware quite sturdy.
Date published: 2013-09-05
Rated 5 out of
5
by
MontanaMan from
4th Pair and Happy as a I can be
Well it is another pair of the Asolo Drifter GV boot for me and this will be my 4th pair. Love this boot and so happy that Asolo still has not changed anything about this boot. I had Asolo Fugitive and the sole just didn't hold up to even a year of everyday use. The Drifter on the other hand with the Vibram sole lasts about a year and a half. I am really hard on any boot sole and these boots are used on asphalt 95% of the time. I will keep buying this boot as long as Asolo keep making them and REI keeps selling them. I always buy a pair after I get my REI dividend and use my member 20% off cupon so it is a win win deal for me. Money well spent.
Date published: 2016-03-28
Rated 5 out of
5
by
BCSinAZ from
Great Boot
Bought these to a 2 week trek in the Himalayas and they did not disappoint. They had an easy break in period (~30 miles) and held up well on the trail in Nepal. We went late Nov/early Dec to Kala Patthar and then over Cho La pass so the weather was a little chillier than other times of the year but coupled with thick smart wool socks and you should have no problem. The traction was good, they had a solid fit and performed very well hiking on average for 6-7hrs/day for 2 weeks straight. No hot spots at all and feet felt great every day. The upper support did very well for not spraining an ankle on the rough trail.
Date published: 2015-12-21
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Bob Berta from
Very nice back packing boot.
Quite comfortable. Will be used for backpacking as well as fishing. The construction is very good quality with reinvorcements at key spots like toe and arches. i chose this over another model solely because of the vibram lug sole. The other one didn't seem as agressive and I always prefer a Vibram from past experience. The water proof membrane is a must here in Michigan. I didn't give it the 5th star only because I need a lot more miles before I can judge the durability and life span. But it looks like it will hold up well from preliminary hikes. At first the tongue pushed into my foot at the top of the boot. After fiddling with the gussset and giving it some wear in time it is now fine.
Date published: 2016-01-10
Rated 3 out of
5
by
S in PA from
Mixed bag
My feet sweat a lot so I figured I'd give these boots a try as a backpacking boot for shorter trips. The break in period was pretty minimal, very comfortable out of the box. I did notice that traction was a bit of a problem on my first hikes though.
Now I've worn these several times (included a 4 day backpacking trip) and put about 100 miles on them. They're going back to REI when I get home. They are just too slippery. On wet rocks they are super slick (although all boots might slip some). The clincher is that hiking in areas with moist to muddy soil and rocky conditions (i.e. Pennsylvania) leads to frequent slipping.
Date published: 2012-05-28
Rated 5 out of
5
by
surfnsd from
Awesome boot
I bought these as a birthday gift to myself and Im very glad I did. I used them all through the catskills of New York this last December and they more then exceeded my expectations. My feet were kept warm and dry through the rain and the snow. The weather ranged from 34 degrees with rain all the way to 9 degrees with lots of snow. Great traction getting through the different terrains as well. I wasnt able to wear these in before I left and had no problem just putting them on right out of the box and taking off on my hikes. No pains in my feet or pressure points and very comfortable from day one. I asked for the best boot and I certainly received it. VERY happy with these and look forward to future adventures with them.
Date published: 2013-01-10
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Delphinian from
Great boots
I bought these shortly before a trip to Ecuador, trying to find a boot I could use for both hiking in the Andes mountains and in the Amazon jungle. I also needed a boot that would break in quickly since I only had 5 days before the trip. These were very stiff initially but they hugged my foot very well which is why I tried them. I would have preferred more breakin time but they were comfortable enough on first wear to use. The only hot spot was around the top of the ankle. The foot bed is also designed in an interesting shape so I found myself having to adjust my gait when I initially put these on.
After about 50 miles of wear these felt great and broke in nicely. They breathe well but provide just enough insulation that my feet weren't cold in the mountains. They kept both rain and puddle water out. And they seems to shed dirt very well since I was in some fairly muddy places and the boots still look like they're out of the box.
I would recommend this as a great all-season, all-purpose boot.
Date published: 2013-04-20
Rated 4 out of
5
by
goler176 from
great boot, but...
I really, really liked these until the side seams ripped on one of my boots. These seams add a nice pattern to the boot and save the manufacturer from having to use one piece of leather. The seams are way too importatn to leave unprotected on the low side of the boot. Two of the seams ripped and subsequently unraveled after only 2 weeks of wear. If the manufacturer ever reads this, please protect these seams. When these seam go the layers begin to peel back and the top half of the boots gradually detachs. I wish I would have covered the seams in shoe-goo or liquid rubber to protect them. I thought Asolo would have created a great lightweight boot that I could abuse with off-trail hiking in cactus and sharp limestone in mountainous terrain. I am spoiled now with these boots so it will be difficult to want to wear my heavy hiking boots (LaSportiva Makula), but I know they will not fall apart after a rock rubs against the side.
Date published: 2012-12-28
Questions & Answers
Does this model come in a wide width?
These boots are not available in wide sizes.
Date published: 2017-01-19
The product page indicates these boots can be resoled, does REI do this or will I have to find a local boot repair shop?
For footwear repair, we recommend Dave Page, Cobbler in Seattle.
https://www.rei.com/stores/repairs/non-fabric-repair.html
Date published: 2017-06-17
When they say these are "lightweight," does that also mean they're not well-insulated? Just wondering how well they keep the feet warm in cold weather, always assuming the proper socks (meaning warm ones) are worn.
The Drifter GV Hiking Boots do not have any insulation. Heavier hiking socks would be required to keep your feet warm on colder days.
Date published: 2017-05-28
I have narrow feet. 11B. Do these run on the narrow side?
​These shoes are a D width and fit true to size.
Date published: 2017-01-05
Is this boot appropriate for a 10 day hike carrying a 45 to 55 pound back?
These boots are a great choice for a multi-day backpacking with a heavier load on your back.
Date published: 2017-06-05
I am looking for a 3 Season Boot (Fall, Winter, Spring) boot that is lightweight, durable, and supportive enough to withstand sprinting, sudden/cutting turns, and agile enough to complete obstacle courses. Would you recommend this boot for this?
These are 3-season boots that fit your description of lightweight, durable and supportive. They are not designed for sprinting, running or cutting though. While they could certainly be used on an obstacle course, you may want to consider something like a trail-running shoe which are designed to strike a balance between support and agility.
https://www.rei.com/c/mens-trail-running-shoes​
Date published: 2016-11-14
I just bought a pair of these boots. The sales person said that they are strap on crampon compatible. On your site they don't say anything about being crampon compilable like other boots do. So can I use crampons with them or not?
It is possible to use crampons with Drifter GVs. There are however a couple of challenges to keep in mind. The Drifters have a little more flex in them compared to most mountaineering boots and heavier duty hiking boots. You would want to make sure that the center bar of the crampon is compatible with the flex of your boot. The Grivel Air Tech Light Crampon with Antibott Device & Flex Bars would be a good choice.
http://www.rei.com/product/716229/grivel-air-tech-light-crampon-with-antibott-device-flex-bars
The toe of the boot has to be considered as well. If you find yourself in very cold conditions and you pull the straps of your crampon tight against the boot, this can reduce the amount of circulation going to your feet and could cause frost bite.
Date published: 2017-03-08
