I am the owner of various hiking and mountaineering boots. I have been using Danner and Vasque Hiker II for over 20 years and have seriously sampled everything from Merrell to Timberline. I think it is important to understand that first and foremost I am a Norwegian Welt fan. I love the multi duty mountaineering boot that allows you to efficiently ‘edge’ on a small rock lip or crack without the boot sole giving away. The new group of hiking boots (molded soles) offer many benefits yet no longer incorporate many of the requirements needed to scamper around and on rocks. It seems like today’s hiking boot is more of an approach boot or strong high top tennis shoe rather than an ‘all’ mountain boot. The ASOLO almost bridges the gap between today’s hiking boot and a true mountain boot. In comparing the ASOLO to something like the Vasque Sundowner (Italian model not those made in China) I found the ASOLO to be as comfortable and easy to break in, yet I found it much sturdier. The ASOLO is a strong boot that gives you plenty of support. It’s one of the nicest boots made under $175 and will take a beating better than most. Its sole is still incapable of edging, but it seems to handle abuse and abrasion better than the rest. Nice product. I own it.

Similar Products Used:

I have used them all or at least 90% of the ones over 100 bucks.