Wellness & Beauty

An excellent boot for hiking and backpacking Asolo Tps 520gv for Men Brand: Asolo Shoe Type: Hiking Shoes Shoe Style: Athletic Gender and A...

I love this boot! Asolo Fugitive Gtx Brand: Asolo Shoe Type: Boots Gender and Age: Men 31131487 ...

Brand:
Asolo

Shoe Type:
Hiking Shoes

Shoe Style:
Athletic

Gender and Age:
Men

31105930

Details:
This year the classic Asolo 520 Gore-Tex received a facelift. The new upper is less patchwork and more unibodied 2.6 and 2.8mm full-grain leather and boot sports a new Vibram sole. The new outsole/midsole configuration is being called Triple Power Structure. TPS reduces shock on the foot with similar technology to what we have seen lately from popular athletic footwear companies. Three shock absorbing cylinders are strategically placed at points of high impact in the normal stride providing cushion and stability. One thing hasn’t changed in the 520 and that is the boot is still very geared toward rugged hikers and backpackers and it looks like it will do very well.

Impressions

This boot is a waterproof, heavy backpacking boot, with a Vibram sole and Gore-Tex liner. Off the shelf it is very handsome in appearance and would be a good street boot for anyone so inclined.

How I Chose This Boot

When I found the Asolo TPS 520gv I was looking for a boot to use for a trans-sierra backpack. It was April and my big trip is set for late August. I was predisposed toward getting a lightweight boot so the first time I went into the store I passed the Asolo TPS 520gv over.

I have done some mountaineering and found Asolo footwear tend to be narrow. I had chosen a couple of lightweight boots but couldn’t make up my mind so I left the store. When I returned I decided to give it a try. On donning the boot on I immediately noticed two things … the comfort of the fit, and the weight.

I am a fairly large person at 230# so I am generally a heavy load for any boot. I’ve tried both lightweight boots, and heavier boots. As examples I have tried both Merrill and Garmont in the lightweight boots category. I have usually found them comfortable on the street and they usually treat me well for hikes. The added weight of a backpack usually causes hot spots and blisters to form when I wear these same lightweight boots and often foot fatigue becomes a problem because the sole does not support the foot as well. A heavier boot often allows for better footing and support, which can leave you feeling better at the end of a long day on the trail even though the boot is heavier.

Performance In The Field

At this writing it is July and I have two backpacks and two other long day hikes under my belt. The boot has performed well. On day hikes the weight has not been a great impediment though I will point out that when I take the boots off, I definitely notice the loss of weight on my feet. For backpacking I have found the boots do pretty well. I did develop a small blister on my right foot, however I attribute it primarily to my right foot being slightly larger than my left.

One thing that is often overlooked is how easy it is to adjust the boot to be tighter at the instep vs tighter at the ankle. This can be important depending on the size of load and type of terrain being traversed. Many boots are more difficult to adjust but it doesn’t become apparent until you have to do so a few times.

Finally the ankle of the boot is high enough that I don’t collect much debris in my socks. This can be a problem on decomposed granite and sand. Debris gets kicked up and ends up between your ankle and the boot top. This debris often ends up in the foot bed.

Downsides

On the down side I would say these boots are pricey at $235 a pair. That said, the comfort is worth it.

When walking around on rough ground I often bang my foot against granite, and other sharp objects. The boot shows all of this so it quickly looses its good looks on hard use. The boot still functions well; it just doesn’t look so good.

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