Customer Reviews

Asolo Hiking Boots: Men's TPS 520 GV Waterproof Hiking Boots OM2066 635

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I just bought a pair of these boots after looking around, reading reviews and then trying on five different brands. Here's what I discovered: as you might imagine, different companies create their shoes using different "lasts" or generic foot shapes. These differ quite a bit, which is somewhat surprising. So, I strongly recommend that you try on many different boots before you buy. For example, I've always bought Vasque boots in the past, because they fit my narrow (B-width) foot pretty well. This time, I tried on some Vasque boots, Montrails, Merrills, Lowas and Asolos. The Asolos fit my foot incredibly well right out of the box. They were/are the most comfortable boot I've ever owned. They are also, evidently, very durable. A friend who used to be a backpacking guide and now works in an outdoor outfitting store told me that she had other friends who had had this particular boot re-soled three times from heavy use and were continuing to use and enjoy them. So, the essence of my review is this: stick with boot companies that have a reputation for high quality, try on several brands of boots and different models of the same brand (I tried on some Cordura and nylon Asolos, too, but wanted a full-leather upper so I got the 520s) to see which brand's foot last mirrors your own foot shape best, and then spend a little more than you had planned to get a boot that will ultimately last longer and save you money, as a result.

I purchased a pair of these boots about 3 years ago. I have experienced several other boots aswell (Vasque, Saloman, Scarpa, and others. This boot has far surpased my expectations of what confort should be. They were comfotable from the day I pulled them out of the box. I did not need to break them in at all. Most of the use I have put on these boots have been trecking through snow and wet slush around construction sites. The water proof layer has not failed me once. They keep my feet warm when I am moving cassualy in about 20 degree F. Below that I go to my Sorel boots the Conquest. I have also put some major wear and tear on these boots doing some canyoneering. I wish I had taped the outer leather areas with gorilla tape first but after the trips they have been on they still feel smooth on the leather and look ok. In comparison to the Vasque sundowners these were 100%more comfortable. The sundowners never felt like they actually got broken in. The leather on the sundowners in comparison to the asolos (in about a third of the use I put the asolos through) looked so worn and abused you would assume they would leak straight through. I have a feeling the sole will wear out before the leather wears out on the asolo boot. Just the oposite for the Sundowner. I have never received any blisters with the asolo boots and I wear them days at a time. The longest treck I made with the asolos was about 30 miles in a day.
Over all; these have been the best boot I have ever spent any money on. When I find a deal on these i will buy two pair. By the way the Saslong by Asolo was not as comfortable.
Hope this helps,
Eric
Highly recommended, worth every pennie, would pay more if required.

I am replacing my old Vasque Sundowner boots that I have used for at least my last 4 pairs. The first thing I notice about these ASOLO's is they are more comfortable than my Vasque's. I have owned these ASOLO 520's for about 6 months now and use them as general purpose boots just like the Vasque. Both are great boots, I believe these are even better. Better durability wise and more comfortable. I also like the traction. The Vasque seem to be better in terms of waterproof qualities. Even when the Vasque are worn out they are waterproof... The ASOLO's are good for waterproof qualities, the Vasque are excellent. I now insist on goretex in my boots.

These boots are great. I bought them midsummer, wore them to work for 3 weeks to break them in a bit (though they were very comfortable out of the box), and then took them on a tour of the parks in the southwest. They endured water, sand, mud, grass, and rock equally well. First day I took them on a 12 mile backpack into Zion and didn't get any blisters or hot spots. These boots are sturdy and comfortable.

I'll finish off with one small issue - I broke one of the half eyelets tightening my shoelaces the day of the first hike! The eyelet pulled loose of the rivet holding it. This turned out not to be a big issue because it was a middle eyelet I could skip over.

I got my ASOLO 520 GTX boots in the summer of 2001. I've put at least 1000 miles on them, and yes, the sole is more worn than the leather. Easily the most comfortable boots I've ever owned. I've climbed 5 14ers in CO with them, taken them through about 40 miles of the grand canyon, and even took them up the river hike in Zion. I've replaced the laces twice, changed the inserts and they are still completely water proof(my feet did get wet on the Zion hike, but that was in four feet of water). They were the editor's choice in backpacker magazine when i got them in 2001 and they will definitely be my next boot. My guess is in another two years, because I over-pronate.

This is the third pair of ASOLO boots I've bought. While the price is high, thr product is fantastic. I am an electrical contractor. I've used these boots every day when working. I also live in the mountains of North Carolina and take my canine dogs (as well)for walks every day. I am always in ASOLO boots when doing this. Below freezing or on roofs is August, these ASOLO boots are comfortable. Each pair has lasted well over three years in this environment.

I love these boots. I have had them for two years and every time i put them on i wonder why i don't just use them as my every day shoes. They are so comfortable and they also look really good. These boots make hiking a thrill and they hold to the trail extremely well.

Top notch hiking boot with almost no break in period what so ever. Highly recommended!

I am a UPS driver I buy 2 pairs of these shoes ever year.
I put a lot of hard miles on them.

I had a pair of the previous model for 10-12 years. They finally bit the dust and I needed a replacement. I wasn't sure about this new TPS system, but they fit well when I tried them on.

I've hiked over 300 miles in them so far, some of it very rocky and definitely off-trail, and I'm happy. The TPS system does seem to make a difference. It's hard to pinpoint, but the impact is reduced, more noticeable over longer hikes. This is a good improvement over the previous model.

I like a stiff shank to protect my feet from sharp rocks. When I switch to lighter-weight books, the difference is night and day. It's easy to forget the luxury of good protection until you lose it. Compared to the previous model, I couldn't tell much difference.

One of the trade-offs with stiffer soles is traction. The previous model would be really bad on wet rocks. It was like wearing street shoes on ice. This new model is an improvement. You still have to be careful, but it's noticeably better. We'll see if it results in a shorter life, but it looks good so far.

I'm happy with this new model and recommend it to my fellow hikers.