Asolo Hiking Boots

[thetrailboss]

Verdict: went to EMS. Tried on many boots. Walked out with the 520, which as you all know, is what I've owned since 1999. Just got a new boot that fits better Difference between the Powermatic and the 520: color, one more cushion (little or no difference), and those pulleys (which made no difference and I could foresee getting broken or clogged with dirt/debris).

They also did not have my size in the Powermatics. The 520 was my preferred boot as it was....simple, built well, and mine have served me very well. $12 cheaper. That money went toward another toy.

They fit the boots to me...had to do some minor alterations, but all included in the price. That price was $172.

I also tried on the Montrail model they had as well as the EMS store model. In terms of fit, the 520 and Powermatic were the same. The Montrails were second....a bit stiffer. EMS was a third place model. Still too boxy of a fit for me and too basic...not as comfy as the Asolos.

Now to get back on the trails!

[OldsnowboarderME]

They fit the boots to me...had to do some minor alterations, but all included in the price..

What was it they had to do fit them to you? Did the marked size feel true?

[thetrailboss]

My feet were too narrow for them. So they got me a size up to accommodate that and they then had to fill in the volume for me, so there is a shim in the bottom.

Oh...and hiked 12.5 miles in them last weekend. MUCH better fit and MUCH better time. My feet were in great shape after those miles.

[OldsnowboarderME]

Originally Posted by thetrailboss

My feet were too narrow for them. So they got me a size up to accommodate that and they then had to fill in the volume for me, so there is a shim in the bottom.

Oh...and hiked 12.5 miles in them last weekend. MUCH better fit and MUCH better time. My feet were in great shape after those miles.

Does the boot tend to run wide? I usually need a wide size but sometimes the D size works because the D is running a little big. I guess I will have to try some on down at the store.

[cbcbd]

Originally Posted by OldsnowboarderME

Does the boot tend to run wide? I usually need a wide size but sometimes the D size works because the D is running a little big. I guess I will have to try some on down at the store.

The Asolos tend to run narrow. If you're trying on boots I'd recommend you try the Vasque Breeze GTX in Wide or regular.

[thetrailboss]

Originally Posted by cbcbd

The Asolos tend to run narrow. If you're trying on boots I'd recommend you try the Vasque Breeze GTX in Wide or regular.

I had read that too...but the fitter at EMS said that Asolos "run wide" and I was but she fit me well...

Go figure.

[MichaelJ]

Asolos have a EE available, actually. Not sure if the particular boot you're looking for has them, but I've been hiking in the FSN 95 GTX for about 5 years now, and I get them in wide.

The only drawback is that with the amount of hiking I do, I can wear down the sole in a year, and sometimes even blow out the stitching on the side of the ball of my foot, but these boots make my feet so happy that I've always been content replacing them annually.