EMS Ascent Boot

Review Date
January 3, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Unknown (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from New jersey

Price Paid:  $129.00 at EMS

Summary:
The EMS Cristallo boot I found to be an excellent all around boot. I use them for everything, from backpacking in the the Whites & Green Mountains, hunting, working & recently I was at a football game where it was freezing & my feet stayed warm during the entire game, yet they stayed comfortable during my summer backpacking trips. I found them to be excellent boots.

Customer Service:
The EMS guys were a little pretenious with these boots, making me feel that I was getting too much boot for the amount of backpacking that I do, which is about 1 to 3 trips a year, if I''m lucky. I''v

Similar Products Used:
I hold on to boots forever, I always look for a multipurpose boot that can take a real beating, I can't remember the name of my last boot but I bought them from Sears eleven years ago.

Review Date
September 18, 2000

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Graves(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Rochester, NY, USA

Price Paid:  $70.00 at EMS Online

Summary:
I -loved- these boots, until I hit the trail with 40+ lbs. On the street, or even out day-hiking, these boots were perfect. They fit my feet well, they were sturdy, attractive boots...

However, when I hit the trail wearing them, they tore my heels to SHREDS. We're talking about blisters the size of a quarter in under half an hour of hiking. Now, maybe the shank just couldn't take the weight, or maybe my foot is shaped oddly enough that a stiff boot rips me to shreds, but having to finish a multi-mile hike in a pair of Teva sandals is -not- fun.

Customer Service:
The salesman in the store when I tried to return the boots gave me a LOT of attitude, like he was going out of his way to help me. I've never had this problem before at an EMS, however, and hope it was just the temperment of the individual.

Similar Products Used:
Asolo 535

Review Date
February 18, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Dave(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Canton, NY, USA

Summary:
I love these boots and they have served my very well. They fit my foot perfectly and have amazing support. Everytime I step I have a sure hold. they are very durable. These boots weigh slightly more then most day hikers but a lot less than standard backpacking boots. They have served me well on many long trips. I have even worn them in the winter with strap crampons and my feet felt GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!! I recommend these boots!
Happy Trails!!!
aka Azure

Customer Service:
No need

Similar Products Used:
LL Bean day hikers, motrail AT

Review Date
February 14, 2000

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Phil Rainwater(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Bakersfield,Ca

Summary:
I bought these boots from EMS on sale for $99. They have turned out to be an excellant purchase for me. I have low to mid volume feet, making fitting tricky. They are supportive for rough and off trail use. They are not quite as light as advertised, but that is true of all boot makers/suppliers. My size 10 1/2's weigh 3lb.4oz. They are actually made by Alico Sport in Italy. Overall construction and materials are very nice. If they fit you well, I would highly recommend them.

Customer Service:
N/A

Similar Products Used:
Merrell, Vasque, New Balance,Galibier, Brixia

Review Date
November 8, 1999

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Tom L(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Chicago IL

Summary:
I have owned many different mountaineering boots over the years and my EMS boots match up favorably to any that I have owned. The price listed is an underestimate, EMS in chicago sells their mountain boots for about $180-190. Comparable to a middle weight Vasque or Merrill. The above review stated that he was unhappy with the weather-proofness, I must state that I have owned these boots for 2 years now and spent 3 weeks in the backcountry in Colorado, many weekends in the midwest and several other excurtsions and I have never had a single leak in these boots. Overall a solid moderate-heavy weight backpacking boot.

Customer Service:
none

Similar Products Used:
asolo, vasque, merrill