I'd heard good things about these boots, and needed to replace my dead pair. The 535s were solid and comfortable on the foot, but something about them (I think the heel height) made my back hurt - and this was just in the time I was breaking them in. Thank goodness I never took them packing. Your mileage may vary, but for me, having a bit of a swayback, these were awful! I went back to vasques right after, and love those!

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I LOVE these boots!!! No break-in period/no blisters. Have worn them on several week long backpacking trips over various terrain with no problems. Also use around town. Very comfortable. Use snowseal periodically and my feet are dry. Will definately buy another pair when my soles wear out.

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I've had these boots for 5 years now and I've never had a blister in them. My insole just worn so i've replaced it with another and will count on these boots to cover many more miles. The sole has held up real well. The only negative aspect is the stitch at the front of the tounge came out about a year ago. After a few stitches it can be sewn back though. GREAT BOOTS.

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After several attemts to find an good all around boot, I lucked out and bought a pair of 535's. I only have about 150 back country miles on them, so it may be a little early to tell, but so far so good. No blisters or water leakage. My only complaint is their grip, or lack thereof, on wet rock.

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great product and comfy as hell, bottom wore little quickly (think i stepped in some acid though)

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The sole wear are incredible. I have these shoes for a couple years now, worn them everywhere, and the soles are barely worn. What I don't like is there is no skuff guard at the toes and my feet get soaked by my own sweat after long hikes(probably the limitations of Gore-Tex breathability).

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Rocky Stalker

This is basically a softer, more pliable version of the 520. This means: easier break in (virtually none) and shorter lifespan. Considering that Asolo's arent the most long lived boots on the market to begin with, I wouldn't expect these to last more than a couple of seasons. The suede style leather makes waterproofing and protection difficult. I does make for a slightly more stylish boot for those who just want to wear them around town. It also makes for a boot that is comfortable right out of the box.

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Damn, what a great boot. I got these for a college graduation gift and have worn them consistently for the last 16 months. Depite wearing them to work (gotta love that casual Alaska workplace) and around Anchorage just about every day, they still look like new and haven't lost much tread. The've survived 8 or 9 backpacking trips with minimal waterproofing and/or leather conditioning. The fit on the boots is phenomenal and they don't skuff easily (despite the last of a toe-guard). Comfortable temperature range for these guys is about 60 degrees to -15 degrees. Weight isn't bad and they breath nicely during heavy exercise (I even workout in these in the gym). Can't recommend these enough. One thing - darken very easily when waterproofer is applied. My tan boots are nearly black....

Customer Service

None needed. Boots are still in great shape.

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Vasque (also great boots), and Timberland (absolute crap).

These boots are quite stiff out of the box, so I'd suggest some leather softener to get them broken in faster. (Oh yeah, this review is for the gore-tex model)The gore tex really helps out especially when you have a lot of stream corssings, like on mt. washington, and some of the other green mountains or white mountains or whatever they're called. They are quite comfortable after you getthem broken in, and the first time using them i got a few blisters, but that stopped as soon as they loosened up.Also, i bought these a little big cuz i have growing feet and i don't want to spend another $180 on a different pair of boots when i grow outta them. I supect that the initail blisters were from a somewhat loose fit, bt maybe somewhat because of the stiffness. The vibram sole they put on these really is grippy on the loose stuff, and they're even grippy on wet rocks!I also would recommend some nikwax on these, not to protect your feet but to protect the leather. all and all i'd recommend this boot to any backpackers, but i think they're a bit heavy for light hiking. it wouldn't hurt if the price dropped a bit too either. 3 for the price, 5 for the boot

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i've used merrel approach boots, but these are much different

These boots are very comfortable and require minimal break-in. After Nikwax treatment they are quite waterproof, unless water spills in over the top. I'm using them for fellwalking in the UK, and for the most part they're holding up well. My only complaint is the sole, which could use more traction on slippery surfaces. They're probably not suitable for heavier-duty backpacking, but otherwise they're good boots. I'm giving them a 4 for value because one can get them on sale for less than the normal price of about $150.00.