Asolo Latitude, Meridian, Longitude

Review Date
November 2, 2001

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: chinobambino(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from beaverton

Price Paid:  $120.00 at rei

Summary:
At initial purchase point, these were the most comfy shoes in the store. They seemed plush, and fit my feet extremely well. However, once on the trail, and after a lengthy break in period, they still have not really broken in and that is based on the plastic cuff found on the intial year offering of the Meridians. (They did correct this the next year.) The ankle pain really cuts in and is fairly painful to downright excruciating. When you have to cut up a pair of socks for the tube to place on your shin, in addition to moleskin, that's an obvious design flaw (that they have now corrected.) Once you read my customer service exerpt, you'll see why i'm sort of venting.

Anyways, ankle down they were great. Great fit for my foot, excellent waterproofness and abrasion resistance. Never had to use moleskin once (ankle down). Excellent thermal insulation on snow, collar height good for heavy packs. Love the pulley lacing system, and inner boot concept.

Cons - stinking plastic cuff. High rand at forefoot flex area separated and I cut V notches to alleviate this. Also heel footprint could be a little larger..found my self sinking to much in muck.

Comfort is paramount in any boot you buy. This one wasn't, due to plastic cuff. I did not try the next years offering, but have heard that it is a vast improvement. If the Meridians fit you biomechanically, they could be one of the best boots in the category.

Customer Service:
In reading other experience on this site and others about the original Meridians, decided to finally do something, as they have been sitting in my closet gathering dust due to discomfort. I sent 4-5

Similar Products Used:
Vasque Trekkers, Vasque Sundowner, Asolo ?, Raichle, Nike Ascent Summit

Review Date
May 4, 2000

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Robert Erickson(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Dallas, TX USA

Summary:
Longitudes fit my narrow feet perfectly with a liner sock and a regular hiking sock. I haven't had problem with traction thus far, but the tread seems a little light. These boots were on sale for $75 at my local outdoor store and are entering their third season.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
March 21, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Steve(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from St. Louis, MO

Summary:
I have owned my Longitudes for about two years now and am quite satisfied with how they have performed thus far. Thank goodness there is a boot that fits my narrow foot as well as these do. The pulleys make cinching them up easier. My only concern is the weight which does accumlate after a long hike. On the other side of the coin, these babies are bomb proof and extremely water proof. I got a great deal on these at REI-Outlet.com for $60.

Customer Service:
I emailed Asolo to find which water proofer they recommended and it took them quite a long time to respond.

Review Date
February 5, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Paul Unangst(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Canmore, Alberta

Summary:
Finally someone has brought out a boot for people with BIG feet! My Latitudes have served me for at least 800 kms. and still look brand new. Warm in the winter, relatively cool in the summer, dry in ther rain, and loads of padding from top to bottom. My record day in these boots was 42kms with about 70lbs on my back. I couldn't believe how good my feet felt at the end of the walk. The lacing system is the best I've seen as far as durability and ease of use, other than a small problem with the tongue loosening over time. Awesome ankle support on any surface, as well as grippy yet stiff soles that really spread the weight out evenly. Great overall performance and durability.

Review Date
December 1, 1999

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Erik(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from WA

Summary:
Best boot I've owned so far. I have very narrow feet and these boots adapted perfectly. Had major problems with ankle bite on the original version of this boot. Sent them back to Asolo a year after purchase and they sent me the latest model (integrated bioframe) free no questions asked. The new model (shown in pic) are flawless. They didn't just fix the bioframe problem they also redesigned the the way the boot is stitched for better flexibility and comfort. The soles were narrowed slightly too. First company I know of to use the pully type eyelets. A very inovative boot overall with the latest model having all the glitches worked out. As far as temperature goes they are very accomidating. Good insulation on colder days, nice wicking characteristics on hot days. If any boot out there is waterproof it is the Globaline. I use nikwax's waterbase protectant (applied while boot is wet) and could stand in a stream all day long if I wanted to. I tried to time its waterproofness one day by standing in a river but as it reached the 8min. mark I got bored and gave it up. Trust me, they are VERY waterproof (at least when treated). There is no break-in time with this boot. I have talked 2 people into buying this boot just prior to seperate trips and neither had any problems (35+miles 75lb loads). This is one characteristic of the Globalines that really impresses me.

Customer Service:
A major key to any boot is how it fits you. We all have different shaped feet so what is good for one person might not be good for another. That's one reason I really liked the different volume choices in the Globaline series. Sometimes it's hard to tell if a boot will cause you problems just by trying them on in the store. Choosing a reliable company who will work with you and your problems or refund your money is important.

Similar Products Used:
Vasque
Danner
Raichle
Timberland