Asolo AFX 520 V - AFX 520 GV

Review Date
November 10, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
2.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: CampfireKing(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $0.00 at REI

Summary:
I've had these boots for a couple of years now and they've held up great. They fit my feet well right out of the box - no blisters, even when I was still breaking them in. I've used them for everything from hot summer hiking in Yosemite to slogging through the rain along California's northern coast to kicking steps in the snow while climbing Mt. Shasta (side note: if you plan do do this often, get some real mountaineering boots). I've never had any problems with the support or durability of the boots, though at times I wish that I had bought the Gore-tex version - I've often gotten mine waterlogged (my own fault) and they take a while to dry out.

Customer Service:
N/A

Similar Products Used:
old Salomon hiking boots - comfy as hell, lightweight, but not nearly as durable as these Asolos. I don't think Salomon makes true backpacking boots any more.

Review Date
June 11, 2002

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Eric Jackson(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Ames, Ia

Price Paid:  $200.00 at Local Outdoors Store

Summary:
When trying several different boots on, these were by far the best fit right out of the box. Much better than the Vasques. Since buying them about a year ago, I've taken them on 2 healthy backpacking trips and a few day hikes. I spent about 2 weeks breaking them in beforehand.

Good boot, definitely waterproof (goretex version). No blisters at all, even after a few very long days. I usually chew through soles pretty fast, but these have held up fairly well.

The main problem I have with these boots is the poor ankle support. After a few slips in snowy/icy terrain, the leather uppers of my boots were creased from bending.

Overall: nice boots, but for $200, I'm hoping to find better next time.

Customer Service:
NA

Similar Products Used:
NA

Review Date
October 7, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Jon Edwards(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Kentucky

Price Paid:  $190.00 at local store

Summary:
These are treating my pretty well. When I bought them the fit was perfect, but with lots of use (2 years and id guess over 600 miles) the leather has streched enough in the toe area that my narrow feet move from side to side causing some discomfort. I plan on getting some new insoles to remedy this. They are waterproof from the outside, but keep them clean or you will soak them from the inside, that is to say that the breathability is par/sub par. Since I bought them, I have substantially lightened my packweight and these +4 pound whoppers are overkill. With that said, I would definately buy another asolo product, just a lighter one.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
May 7, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: esm(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from GA USA

Price Paid:  $195.00 at REI

Summary:
Originally bought Vasque MX2's. On 1st hike (an easy 2 mile hike without packs), the foot lining slipped forward during downhills descents - very painful for my toes.

So, I returned the Vasque's and bought thr Asolo 520 G-Tex full-grain leathers. Only 1 hike so far, but they felt great. Very good Vibram sole traction, no comfort problems, etc. Everyone's foot may have different success with different boots, but at least try this one out. Note: I normally wear size 10 shoes and 10.5 boots - but had to get these in size 11 to avoid a crunched toe. Hiked with traditional wool sock in these on an 80 degree day and did not feel too hot (albeit a short hike w/o packs).

Gice them a try. They are also $15-20 cheaper than Vasque's MX2's and have the added benefit of Vibram soles.

Customer Service:
N/A

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
February 14, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
2.33 of 5, 3 votes

Reviewed by: A.Law(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from Perth, WA, Australia

Price Paid:  $65.00 at Hong Kong

Summary:
I've purchase a 6" tall Hi-Tec Magnum since 5 years ago. I'm still pleased with the boots. I've got serious hurt of my left ankle before, but still no worries for long walk or chase bus with them. It's amazing that I wear them for hike or even shopping for whole day long never sit. But my feet still not feel so tired compare with other basketball shoes.

Similar Products Used:
None