Best Trekking Boots
Sizing Trekking Boots
- The common rule for choosing trekking/backpacking boots: Take one extra size larger than your normal size. The reason is during a long trekking or backpacking, foot is increasing (swells up). First day it will be free enough, but already the next and followings days it gets close to foot. Basically, before first trekking/backpacking the boots are to be worn in city if possible.
- La Sportiva and Lowa makes boots with narrower forefoot than other manufacturer's.
- All trekking boots (but not mountaineering boots) are NOT heat-inslulated - not for serious winter conditions. Internal temperature ajusted wearing socks or multiple pairs of socks.
Buying Trekking Boots
- High-quality footwear will generally fit better and last longer. It's worth spending more for a quality product.
- If you plan multi-day,long distance hiking trips through rugged terrain with with a 50 pound pack - trekking boots are the best choice.
- Trekking boots- this is a stiff boot, lacking lateral flexibility but providing superior stability and comfort walking on uneven terrain under a heavily loaded pack. They will feel chunky and unwieldy on short day hikes, but their construction and heft shines when out bushwhacking on a week-long hike.
- Their main distinction from the other types of oudoor boots is that they all feature high tech, stiff and strong soles with good cushioning power to ensure great underfoot comfort and protection. It is painless for your footsteps to walk in such boots for a long time on scree with a heavy backpack.
- Good quality trekking boots often made of nubuck leather or combination of nubuck-cordura.
- The common rule for choosing trekking boots: Take one extra size youre wearing. The reason is during a long trekking, foot is increasing (swells up).
- Brands like Asolo, Vasque, La Sportiva, Raichle, Lowa and Meindl - have good trekking boots.
Cordura material in trekking boots
Inserts (mainly cordura) serve for the purpose of additional ventilation (to make feet as dry as possible (sweat). As a whole, the general rule can be as follows: if you travel in places where humidity are minimal, and also temperatures are high, then you will feel better with inserts. In wet and rainy conditions, "full leather" boots (without inserts) will be optimal.
Nubuck leather vs full grain leather in trekking boots
Smooth leather perfectly repels water, beautifully shines and is resistant against damages. Nubuck repels water worse. Nevertheless, it is very resistant against damages, it retains good appearance for a long time, and does not have requirements to special care. Relatively bad water resistance can be compensated by impregnations. Actually, in cases of hiking tours I would advise nubuck , rather than smooth leather. It is not by chance that major manufacturing lines of footwear for outdoors are presented by models out of nubuck . nubuck is far more resistant to unfavorable weather conditions: constant wetting, drying, and temperature changes as compared to smooth leather, and it cracks considerably less. This is one of the main reasons for its use when manufacturing outdoor footwear.
Vibram soles in hiking boots
- For starters, Vibram is a brand name, its not a material. Granted, Vibram were the first to manufacture rubber soles for boots.
- The company was founded by VIttori BRAMaini, whence the name of the company. Bramani decided to create a sole material that would work well on both hard and soft surfaces. He came up with a lugged sole (for soft terrain) made from a durable rubber compound that gripped rock well, and called it Vibram in a contraction of his name.
- Vibram are the leading outsole producers, but they have some competitors. Today the Vibram company makes all sorts of different soles for hikers and climbers, varying the composition of the sole for better wear or better grip, and designing different lug patterns to accommodate everything from day hikes to vertical rock and ice. Although some boot companies, such as Salomon, make their own soles that are very good, Vibram is sort of the gold standard, and its soles are widely used today.
- Not all Vibram soles are the same, they have many different compounds so your experience with a type of sole is not often applicable to another. As an example Scarpa SL2 have a very stiff hard wearing compound but are also very slippery (they have almost no grip at all) but I do have some very grippy Vibram sole on some of my other shoes.
— Almost every good manufacturer of mountain and trekking boots produces soles in cooperation with Vibram. So, almost every good manufacturer inserts Vibram sole even if there is no typical yellow sign on the sole. Mindel, for example, uses colored insertion with huge title Mindel and one of ad slogans pretty often.
By the way, it is indeed possible that Vibram does manufacture and sell outsoles without their brand on them, however it does not mean that they use exactly the same compounds as they do for their own.
Gore-tex membranes in backpacking/trekking boots (explanation)
Boots with membrane are worth buying when you plan use them in high humidity, wet conditions. At this case Gore-tex membrane will perform as it was intended, only when there is much temperature difference inside and outside the boot. So boots with membrane work perfect in cold and especially wet conditions. In hot climate conditions boots with membrane will works against you..
Gore-tex is unnecessary in
- the climate is hot or just very warm weather
- there is no heavy rain or no need to hike while contant raining
- there is no need to walk in high wet grass
- not mossy or wetty grass
- there is no snow etc
Gore-Tex proc and cons (opinions from www.backpackinglight.com forum )
I only agree to a point about Goretex not keeping your feet dry. If the shoes or boots are made correctly the Goretex membrane will indeed keep your feet drier, until the membrane begins to wear and get holes in it, at the flex points.
I wore a pair of relatively new Montail Torre GTX boots on a 5 day trip in the Adirondaks and it rained everyday, most of the day too, and we also hiked up flowing creek-beds to summit some of the high peaks. I walked through A LOT of water, My feet stayed dry for the most part, maybe slighly dampened from sweat, but in no way were my socks ever wringing wet. I've had good luck with Gortex in many of my trail runners too, until I'd get about 200 miles on them, then they begin to leak somewhat. I'd say Goretex footwear is probably a little warmer too, which is bad when its hot, but good when its cold.Thanks everyone for all your input. For a recap, the input I have received from your posts and from other BPL staff is that the new GTX XCR shoes are in fact quite waterproof. The downside is that they are not all that breathable, so you feet sweat in them quite a bit and your feet get damp from the inside.
I haven't tried XCR but have not had a real problem with Gore-Tex being waterproof except for one well worn pair of hiking boots that I think developed a leak somewhere. I've had more of a problem with Gore-tex keeping moisture in than out. It's the breathable aspect rather than the waterproof that has not worked for me.
Goretex boots are OK, up until the time that they get soaked. Once they are wet on the inside, it will take at least a full day open in warm sun to dry them out. They are fine as long as the stream water level is below midway on the boot. I found they worked OK in wet grass in Alaska.
Now, since you also wish for the boot to be waterproof and breathable, I'd again recommend against a gore-tex liner...
Gore-tex hates your body oils. Most gore-tex boot liners are not removable, which makes effective cleaning difficult at best. The oils will, eventually, render the goretex ineffective at either waterproofing or breathing. Also, like many report, your feet may end up soaked from sweat due to the not-so-breathable nature of even a brand new gore-tex liner.
Gortex running shoes are great in the desert, they keep dust and fine dirt out. At the end of the day your feet are clean, but stinky. But they are are not so good if it is hot.
I have always thought that waterproof liners in boots were a solution rather desperately looking for a problem...
My feet get wet from water coming from above the boot, not through the boot outer. Waterproof liners just make the boot hotter and take far longer to dry.
In addition, the life span of membranes in boots is very short.
A better solution, if you really need a waterproof barrier, is a seperate wterproof sock. Only worn when needed and a lot cheaper to replace when it fails.The boots were waterproof for the first 100 miles or so, but they have not been nearly as good afterward (even after a couple of retreatments). High wet grass or much rain will wet them out. They then take a long time to dry out. This really started to annoy me so that is a big reason for my switch to non-waterproof trail runners. I wear these for most conditions.
How waterproof are your Gore-Tex boots/shoes?
Trekking Boots sizing
The main trekking boots buyer's typical mistake is that they don't keep in mind foot increasing while multi-day or long hiking and trekking (usual until blood blister and feet injury)
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Best Trekking boots Brands
Brands like Asolo, La Sportiva, Raichle, Lowa and Scarpa - have good trekking boots.
Meind and Lowa are the most popular boot brands in Europe for its material quality and long very lasting.
Best Trekking/Backpacking Boots — reviews based selection
Lowa Trekker II Boots — $279.95
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Great support, Durable, Stability, Reliable none Gore-Tex $280.00 3.60 pounds per pair Trekking, Backpacking 3 wide sizes
Best price at: Handcrafted in Germany. Our lighter duty Backpacking/Trekking boots are more flexible underfoot, designed for hikers who cover a lot of ground while staying mostly on-trail, carrying a medium weight pack. Ultimate comfort and custom fit thanks to our buttery-soft glove leather lining. Considered to be the best fitting boot ever made. Lowa Trekker II boot reviewThe Trekker boot by LOWA feels better on your feet than in your hands. Pluck it from a display rack, and the bulk might be off-putting. LOWA lists the Trekker as a mid-weight boot, designed for trips using lighter packs and covering more miles. But at 3.6 pounds, the pair is only a few ounces lighter than the company's more substantial mountaineering footwear. The dark-brown coloring and Vibram lug soles evoke an earlier time, before nano-technology and materials like Kevlar and Gore-Tex became all the rage. Trekkers could have been the boots that David Naughton wore to the ski lodge in the 1980s teen camp classic "Hot Dog....The Movie," or that a wardrobe designer would hand to you if you were cast in the next Ricola cough drop commercial. Indeed, "the fundamental shoe is 30 years old," said Peter Sachs, general manager for Stamford, Connecticut-based LOWA USA. "It's kind of the shoe that put the brand on the map." But lace up a pair, and the benefits of the Trekker instantly become apparent. Within a few steps, you'll be ready to log all the miles you want, over a wide variety of terrains and conditions. The interior of the boot is lined with enticingly soft glove leather that caresses and shapes to your foot, and gives every indication that it will be a friend over time. Man does it breathe. The effective climate control system continues with perforations on the flexible ankle collar, allowing ventilation with every step. The sturdy outer leather provides just enough flex, and the solid rubber strip between the sole and uppers protects from obstacles. Adding to the comfort-producing features is the metal stud in the middle of the tongue, which prevents the tongue from sliding side to side. What a simple but effective addition. The bulk and heft you felt when you held the Trekker in your hands becomes an asset on the trail, where limbs, rocks, crevasses and elevation become eminently surmountable. http://www.outdoorinformer.com/index.php/Hiking/lowa-trekker-hiking-boots-review.html |
La Sportiva Makalu - Real Strong and long lasting mountain boots — $244.00
Crampon-compatible boots like La Sportiva's |
Strong, Long lasting, Bulletproof support, Stability, Good Grip on any surface, Reliable, Crampon compatible A little heavy, requires breaking in period $270.00 4 lbs 5 oz (1.952 kg) per pair Trekking, Mountaineering Not for a wide forefoot
Best price at: Heavy-duty leather mountain boots are kind of like the SUVs of footwear. They can perform amazing feats of traction and toughness, but they're more than most people need. Also like SUVs, they're madly fashionable these days despite ravenous energy consumption. But if your favorite activity is truly getting away from it all in the mountains, so much so that you leave trails behind, you may really need a pair of terrain-busters like the La Sportiva Makalu. Automatic crampon compatible boot for general purpose mountaineering, alpine ice and heavyweight backpacking. The perfect choice for NOLS and Outward Bounds courses.
Owned these for about five years now and they are easily the best boot I've ever owned. They do everything - I've taken them to the deserts of New Mexico, all over the White Mountains of NH, into Nepal for trekking/mountaineering in the Khumbu region.... they've handled everything. They're a heavy duty boot and they fit me wonderfully - but I have wide, flat fleet. With a many coats of mink oil, they are 100% waterproof. They aren't insulated, but can still handle snow and even vertical ice if you've got a nice warm sock. Buy these boots - you won't regret it. Highly Recommended!I have taken these boots all over the North Cascades and they have spent a little time on Mount Rainier. They held up great in every situation. Stiff enough to handle kicking endless steps, but comfortable enough for a stroll through the woods. Don't waste your time with boots with all the new technology. Take a boot that has the features that have proven themselves over years of abuse. This is the only boot that has lasted as long and strong.
I purchased the Makalu in the mid '90s and I still wear them. My Asolo boots blew out and I had to use these on a duck hunting trip last month (over 10 years later). I've had many different brand of boots and I have not found a single brand that can stand up to the beating I throw them. This is the only boot that has lasted as long and strong. The only drawback is the break-in time. If you can't tough it out for the first month of use, you're not going to like this boot. All that tough leather takes time to conform to your foot. A very, very good boot.
Reviews you read on the Makalu are either love or hate affairs. I love my Makalus. Basically La Sportiva uses lasts that fit my foot (which is long narrow and 'low volume' boot speak for flat feet I think!!). I took my time getting the right size and tried on three pairs from a 46.5 to a 47.5 before selecting a pair of 47's. I chucked out the supplied insoles and use a pair of sorbothane insoles which seem to do the job. A bit of wall kicking was in order (simulating front pointing with crampons and decending downhill) to see if my toes hit the end of the boot. A weekend of tenative walking around the house and they felt fine. The lacing locks work really well and the boots are well made and lovingly crafted. Way better than my Garmont boots which these have now replaced. Their first outing in the mountains was the Tongariro Crossing a 17km hike over an alpine trail in the Mountains of New Zealand's North Island. No blisters and comfort straight from the box. Subsequent forays have been equally impressive. They kick steps in hard snow with ease hike up or down hill with superb sure footedness and take my Charlet S12 newmatic crampons with ease. Can there be a finer boot for general mountaineering? At some point I'm going to have to reproof them but not for a while yet. Combined with a decent gaiter they have kept my feet toasty warm and dry as a bone in: snow, bogs and stream and river crossings. A very, very good boot. You just need the feet to fit them. Hopefully La Sportiva never stops making them. BEST BOOT OUT THERE"SUPERB!!! best boots in its category. hi quality materials, immaculate construction, uncomparable comfort - Thats what Scarpa SL M3 means to me. Love them Had mine now for 5 years and they have been all around the word. Done quite a bit of mountain climbin in New Zealand in these boots, Climbed Mt Cook in them. Even on the rough shrap rock in NZ they held up and still look great. Can be worn as a bush boot as well and even keep my feet warm at -20 temps in Canada. They do take awhile to break in about 3 months wearing them every 3rd day or so, but if you can get through that then there worth it. 10/10 I'm on my second pair.I'm on my second pair... i hope they never quit making em'...Probably the only boot i have ever had twice in a row and there will be more... i think the first pair lasted three years of daily wear and went down fighting... |
Scarpa SL M3 - serious long-lasting Full-grain leather boots — $268.95
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Great build quality, laterally stiff sole, ankle cuff works well. Expensive and relatively heavy. $268.95 3.7lb (1,656 kilograms) Backpacking, Trekking
Best price at: Features 3/4 season boot with full grain Sherpa HS12 uppers, Performance Flex mid-sole, Vibram M3 outsole, Cambrelle lining, new 360-degree ankle flex cuff, available in standard and wide fit, B1 graded for crampon compatibility.
What's It For? Scarpa SL M3 boots is an evolution of a classic mountain walking boot aimed at users who want a stiff sole for use in rocky terrain and with heavy packs. It's been brought into the 21st century with the addition of the 360-degree flex ankle cuff originally specced on Scarpa's technical mountaineering boots but also used on last year's updated Manta M3. Thankfully Scarpa has resisted the urge to add a Gore-Tex liner, sticking with traditional leather uppers lined with high-wicking Cambrelle fabric. The Techy BitsThe most significant change from last year's SL M3 is the 360-degree flex ankle cuff which you can see in the pics - it's the oval-shaped bit at around ankle bone cuff. It's there to make the ankle area more flexible, particularly laterally - that's good with crampons, but also more comfortable. You also get the mini-speed lacing system used on the Manta which saves some weight and a Performance Flex mid-sole unit for lateral stability. Nowt else particularly radical. How It WorksWe're big fans of the Fugitive - it's a nice-looking, comfortable, light-ish and effective boot - so we were wondering if the new boot would be noticeably different. The footwear industry's been moving in a lightweight direction recently and initially the heavier SL was a bit of a shock to the foot. It's a 21st Century take on a traditional, full-on mountain boot. That means you get tough leather uppers and a sole which gives reasonable lengthways flex combined with great lateral stability and enough thickness to cushion your feet from rough ground. It all makes no sense whatsoever on typical moorland trails, but hit rocky mountain terrain like the Lakes, Snowdonia or Scotland, particularly with a heavy pack, and the SL starts to work. You can stand on pointy bits of rock without feeling them and without the sole folding or flexing and throwing you off balance. The pay-off is increased weight compared to a lighter weight boot and a certain clumsiness. To put that in perspective, the new boots are around 300 grammes a pair lighter than their predecessors, but still significantly heavier than the lightweight end of the market. Comfort's instantly good though and the flex ankle cuff gubbinses genuinely work making for good comfort without losing support around the ankle despite the high ankle cuff. Thankfully Scarpa has steered clear of waterproof linings and the Cambrelle inner and leather outer give enough water resistance and wicking comfort for genuine all-year use. The proven M3 Vibram sole works well on both rock and softer ground and the lacing system is slick and easy to use though a locking cleat at ankle level might have been nice. What else? Fit is classic Scarpa, which means medium volume well suited to the UK foot, but there's also a wider version available for those who need it. And come winter you can strap on C1-graded crampons with the sole feeling stiff enough to cope with a proper winter mountain walking day, though not technical climbing or front-pointing. Initial Verdict The Scarpa SL's been dragged into the 21st Century with the addition of the nifty 360-degree flex ankle cuff. Bear in mind though, that while it's significantly lighter than its predecessor, it's still appreciably heavier and clumsier on the foot than the latest lightweight boots. We reckon it's ideal for those walkers looking for a traditional stiff supportive sole unit for rocky mountain trails and backpacking but without sacrificing comfort thanks largely to the cuff. Build quality is classic Scarpa and the Lorica - artificial leather - cuff on the Manta has been replaced with soft leather, we think. We're also pleased to see that Scarpa has stuck with its proven leather / Cambrelle combination giving good water resistance and decent breathability and wicking for hot weather conditions. All in all, it's a very successful update of a classic mountain boot, very comfortable for the level of support it offers and a great buy if that's what you're looking for and, of course, you have Scarpa-shaped feet. One of the best boots available today,One of the best boots available today, in a world where good boots are hard to find anymore. In the old days '80s and '90s, good hand made Italian boots where not that hard to find. Raichle, Vasque, Lowa, Zamberlan, La Sportiva, and Scarpa all had boot models made in Italy, at least some of their models. Now days the pickings are real thin and Scarpa is one of the only boot companies still making a good well made boot. These SL M3's remind me of the the good old REI Spirit boot (which used to be made in Italy for Raichle, who in turn distributed them to REI), but not anymore. It is very similar, but a bit more heavy duty . But it is still a real good boot. What I really want Scarpa to make is a boot identical to this one, but about 15% to 20% lighter. But not compromise quality, I want it made in Italy and one piece leather, no Gore-tex. But yeah this boot rocks, I would say this boot is halfway between a mid- weight hiker and a heavy duty hiker. For me it is too heavy just for day hiking. But it would be ideal for multi day, rough terrain hiking with a pack. Good work boot for what I do, I am a tree trimmer/climber. SUPERB!"SUPERB!!! best boots in its category. hi quality materials, immaculate construction, uncomparable comfort - Thats what Scarpa SL M3 means to me. Using for last 2 years, for everything but high alpine backpacking. although I may try in my next trip to the Hymalayes. Pros:
Cons:
Last CONS: this boot is too durable. after two years it is still in a great shape, almost new, so I can not justify buying another boot. Good for my pocket, but bummer for my irrational gear-happy inner person. get a SL M3 and go ANYWHERE. best investment in a outdoors gear." the best deal i made ever !I'm a explorer in south america and i bought my scarpa sl m3 boots in peru ( year 2002 ). I paid 350 bucks! I got shocked with the price. Well, I crossed peruvian rivers and mountains, brazilian jungles (amazonas), the atacama desert in chile and since then... still in very shape conditions. The leather looks PERFECT, no smell( because the goretex),the sole is half life now; but... 5 year of abuse ?. Let me tell you guys, is the best deal i made ever ! (and i paid $350..!!!!!) I'm on my second pair.I'm on my second pair... i hope they never quit making em'...Probably the only boot i have ever had twice in a row and there will be more... i think the first pair lasted three years of daily wear and went down fighting... |
Lowa Tibet Pro GTX — Reliable all seasons trekking boots — $349.95
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Completely Waterproof, Durability, Quality None $349.95 4.0 lbs per pair Trekking
Best price at: Backpacker Magazine: "LOWA Tibet GTX is ideal for long-haul hikers who need solid support and protection." "The Lowa Tibet GTX is handcrafted in Germany and is considered the ultimate backpacker for long haul trips, off trail. Lowa has lined the boot with Gore-Tex in order to ensure dry feet in wet weather and use in all seasons of the year. Breathable, comfy and incredibly supportive with tall ankle shafts for extra knee and back support when carrying heavy packs (30+ pounds)."
Backpacker Magazine: "LOWA Tibet GTX is ideal for long-haul hikers who need solid support and protection." 1."I've been wearing the Tibet GTX through the slop of late winter/early spring and my feet have been dry and warm. If you are into heavy duty outdoor activities, check these out. They are all-day-long comfortable." - Gun Week Magazine 2."Durability... flawless contruction... top choice for extreme mountain hunting.." - Bowhunter Magazine 3."Comfort, look, durability - 5 STARS!" Fell in love with this boot the first time I saw it. Wearing them is even better. Minimal break-in period. Excellent in the snow, mud, anything! This is the ultimate boot for any season. No other boot needed." - Bud F. from Canton, Ohio 4.(A year update) One of the most excellent boots I've had in a while, which I bought as a tougher replacement to my Scarpa ZG20. Fit and Stiffness: These are supposed to be backpacking books, so they are pretty stiff - just a notch softer than mountaineering boots. They are nevertheless even sufficiently comfortable for brief runs if necessary. The lacing system is superb, allowing you to tune the tightness of the upper and lower parts separately. The upper part feels comfortable when you let it loose. The width of the toebox is average. Temperatures: I wore them in temperatures up to 30C with no major discomfort - the boot really breathes well. They feel warm in temperatures down to around freezing - I haven't used them in lower temperatures. Terrain: The boots feel secure in trails, on rocks, on scree, on snow (ankle-deep), on via ferrata and grassy slopes. Haven't really tested their waterproof capacity. Durability: I have only had them for a year, but they still look great. Outsole is holding up. |
Lowa Baffin Pro — non-Gore-Tex version of the ever popular Tibet GTX — $339.95
Durability, Quality None $339.95 n/a Heavy load Backpacking, Trekking in dry climate
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The Baffin is a non-Gore-Tex version of the ever popular Tibet GTX. This boot works well in dry climates where there is no need for waterproof liners.
The Baffin Pro boot from Lowa is ideal for demanding backpacking adventures with a heavy pack. Lug your pack over uneven terrain for long distances in blister-free comfort, thanks to an all-leather lining and moisture-wicking insole. Featuring deep lugs for traction on roots and logs, and increased surface area at the heel for additional support, the torsionally-stiff Vibramฎ outsole provides support and traction for long-distance backpacking and off-trail adventures. "An all-leather boot still made in Germany! Such a thing is rare these days. We were happy to see these dark brown beauties - even happier when we slipped them on. The all-leather liner is a special touch... instantly comfortable. Beefy alloy lace loops won't rust and a full rubber rand. These boots should last a long time, if cared for." -Vermont Sports "Are you a serious hiker who lugs a heavy pack over rocky, uneven terrain? If so, this is your boot. Inside, a firm insole and supersoft leather liner offer significant blister protection." - Field & Stream Magazine |
Asolo Flame GTX — Light and comfortable waterproof boots — $235.00
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Lightweight, Comfortable n/a $235.00 3 lbs. 4 oz (1.47 kilograms) per pair Hiking
Best price at: The Asolo Men's Flame GTX Hiking Boot uses a blend of water-resistant suede and high-tenacity nylon to withstand all the abuses of a season in the backcountry. If any moisture manages to get through the tough exterior, it's stopped cold by the waterproof breathable Gore-Tex insert. Asolo used a Matrix sole with Active Heel Support to make the Flame GTX Hiking Boot a solid choice when you have to carry a lot of gear or travel on rough terrain.
Features Lightweight three-season walking boot using Asolo's new Matrix sole construction. Water-resistant suede and hi-tenacity Nylon upper, Active Heel Support, Gore-Tex waterproof insert, Micro Pulley lacing system. Vibram outer sole. What's It For?Asolo's Fugitive was a bit of a surprise package in last year's three-season boot stakes, selling well despite very un-British styling, now Asolo has upped its game further with the new Flame GTX. Like the Fugitive it's a lightweight suede and fabric-uppered three-season walking boot with a Gore-Tex waterproof liner, but it uses new technology to produce a boot around 50 grammes per pair lighter, with better shock absorption and a grippier sole using softer rubber. The Fugitive is still available from some retailers though, so while it's in the same niche, it's an addition rather than a replacement. The Techy BitsAsolo is owned by the company behind Lowe Alpine, which means lots of resource going into R and D. The big story with the Flame is what Asolo calls the Matrix sole unit. See the chopped pic below. There's an EVA midsole for cushioning which is encapsulated to protect it from abrasion, backed up with a cunning heel unit made from dual-density TPU which is soft in the middle, but stiff at the edges to cup the heel. There's also an external heel counter to up stability and a lightweight Vibram sole unit made from grippier rubber with wider-spaced lightweight cleats. Also present and correct are Asolo's Micro Pulley lace cleats which allow the lace to slide easily both for precise initial adjustment and to allow the laces to adjust to the changing shape of your foot as you walk. How It WorksWe're big fans of the Fugitive - it's a nice-looking, comfortable, light-ish and effective boot - so we were wondering if the new boot would be noticeably different. To get a better idea we wore the boots back to back then finally with a Flame on one foot and a Fugitive on the other. First off, the Flame laces up nicely and neatly. Fit is medium volume and quite Brit' friendly, but for some reason the forefoot felt slightly narrower than the Fugitive's. The older boot was obviously more broken in, but we immediately noticed that the sole unit on the Flame is definitely slightly stiffer and more protective. You feel pointy rocks less through the forefoot for example. They also felt a little more stable and supportive, possibly due to the new heel unit and the external heel counter. In normal walking use, we couldn't feel any real difference in cushioning, but slamming the heel of the boot down on the road, the Flame was noticeably less jarring. It's certainly not cushioned in the way that, say, a running shoe is, but over the course of a day on the hills, we suspect that it would add up to an easier ride for your feet in cumulative terms. We couldn't detect any difference in grip between the two outsoles, both were dependable on both rocky and soft ground and overall the Flames were a comfortable experience underfoot. Initial Verdict Slightly stiffer, slightly lighter and with slightly better shock absorption on the big hits, the new Flame is, well, slightly better than the Fugitive. It's also slightly more expensive by a tenner. Like the Fugitive, we think it's an excellent, all-round, lightweight three-season boot with neat European styling making it stand out a bit in the shop. What we can't tell you now is whether the new construction will outlast the older version and whether the forefoot really is narrower than the Fugitive's or if it'll give a little with more use. Definitely worth trying on and we'd stress that as with all boots, it's crucial to try carfefully before buying and find the brand that fits your particular foot shape best. Best boots i've ever bought!!I usually take days hikes every to every other weekend and take often multi day trips into the backcountry. I was looking for an excellent all around boot for my needs, one that could be used for light hikes and extended trips with more rigorous terrain. These seemed to fit the bill. After extensive research on my part. they seemed like the perfect buy. Indeed they were, they are so resilient they can even be used for backpacking! Yet they are listed for light hiking. The Gore-tex lining was the icing on the cake for me. They fit amazingly well, have unbelievable traction and even look good. I had to buy the green Superfeet to take up some extra volume, which only added my being impressed. Overall these were an awesome buy. Price was well worth it considering what they can be used for. I will never by anything but an Asolo boot. Great BootGreat boot, comfortible, great support, great traction and waterproof. I have had two pairs and both of them have soles that have started to come apart after about 7 months and the tread wears off quickly. I have about 250 miles on these over rough terrain and some paved paths, but very comfortible over any surface. Used my pair 6 times for about 100 miles.My previous pair was a Columbia Frontier. Asolo is more comfortable. Used my pair 6 times for about 100 miles. Twice in a heavy rainy trip, water remain outside, no blisters, feel good and foot is very stable. I am ready to repeat next time. |
Asolo Power Matic — universal trekking boots, ground breaking sole re-defines support, durability and comfort. New lacing system — $300
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Durability , Reliability, Waterproof, Power Matic Sole none $300.00
Best price at:
This is my fifth pair of Asolo boots and, like their predecessors, they're great. My past pairs have lasted about 2 years on average with heavy mileage. I'm always amazed at their comfort and durability. I'm also very glad I discovered these boots years ago. I wear them whenever I can, whether it be working, hiking,camping, socially. The way they're designed, sometimes it's as though they do the walking for you. I've tried on other comparable boots and they just don't stack up to Asolo's. They are my brand and I will continue to purchase them in the future. |
