ASOLOMen'sTPS 535 LTH V EVO Long Distance, Backpacking, Trekking, Technical Terrian Hiking Boots

As my last pair are now looking like they'll need replacement soon, I picked up another pair. I've worn these nearly every day for 5 years. I'm normally hard on footwear as an avid backpacker and contractor. Asolo's are the first boots I've found that can do it all, shrug it off and ask for more.The last pair were 520GV's. Just now the goretex liner is separating from the boot so I went with the 535's. I don't suffer from cold feet - ever - so I'd rather have boots that breathe better. If Asolo made an UNLINED full leather boot, I'd buy 5 pair but, alas, this is as close as I'll get.A few people are fretting about soles separating. After 5 years, numerous Search and Rescue missions, training, 3-5 day backpacking trips and 50 hour work weeks on my feet, I'm not seeing any of this. Be warned, however... these boots are STIFF. They're designed that way on purpose. If you're used to ultralight, comfy sneaker-type boots, you're in for a steep learning curve. These are BOOTS in the structure and intent. They're meant to carry heavy loads over long distance in rough terrain. Heck, I've even stepped into my ice climbing crampons and didn't have any issues with flex. The best way I can describe these is "Technical mountaineering meets comfort". Snowflakes with tender feet need not buy these. Real men wear real boots.I've worn these working technical rope rescue on granite, ice climbed, worn them roofing (metal and asphalt up to 10/12 pitch), spent all day standing on concrete, worked the gun range, dealt with 10 hour days on a ladder, tromped everything from Red Rock Canyon to Mount Mitchell under a 40+lb pack, spent long days in my deer stand in December and fly fished all weekend. All with these boots and never - NEVER - did I wish I wore anything else.

I bought my first pair of Asolos in 2007. A month before, I was visiting a friend and we wanted to do a day hike but I didn't have adequate shoes. We wear the same size so he lent me his Asolos. I was amazed with the fit so I bought my own pair. I spent some time breaking them in and three months later I wore them hiking up to Everest Base Camp. Not a single blister then or since. But last month they finally gave out and the heel on both boots separated from the body while hiking in Dolly Sods, WV. (This is when a length of duct tape wrapped around your water bottle can really come in handy).So I ordered new ones, tried them on and, once again, I'm amazed at how well they fit, these feel like they used a mold of my feet to build these boots. I'm 6'4", 190 lbs and wear a 10.5. I have moderately high arches and medium to narrow feet.I thought about the gore tex version but decided it wasn't necessary. I buffed my old ones with a wax boot sealant and never once had wet feet when hiking in rain or walking through mud.

I have had these boots now for over 5 years with barely any noticable damage. I can't say I am a frequent hiker, but they have been throgh many mountains as well as a two week hiking trip in Colorado. They've seen plenty of daily use and are one of the more comfortable boots I've worn. The stuff sole is a must for me when backpacking and the Vibram soles are the absolute best. Even after all the use I've given them, the boots are my go to when I need waterproof foot wear. The insulation is warm enough, when wool socks are used, to be worn on winter days.I have been using a leather conditioner which slightly darkened the leather, but definitely prevented the leather from drying out and helped maintain waterproof. (I used Orbenauf's LP. Awesome stuff)

Great boots. I would wear them to bed if they wouldn't rip the sheets.I had to give up mountain climbing when I was sixty, they were great then too.

My gripe is with the company and the resole process. Yes these boots are well known for being stylish and waterproof i give them that credit. Unfortunately even if you are putting light wear and tear on them like me, the soles will eventually just give up on you. When I say light i mean light as in I literally wore these to work a few weeks tops, (just walking up and down a loading dock) and i also wore these camping ONCE. I have kept these in the box for most of the time i have owned them and yet they fell apart like an overstuffed sandwich with cheap bread. Asolo does provide a resole service (if you feel like paying an arm and a leg). 100 Euros to resole your boots you already paid good money for, that’s about $120… oh yeah also you have to pay the shipping and handling on top of that, an additional 30-60 Euros give or take an additional arm and a leg..

I bought these boots last year and they started falling apart after moderate use – the soles delaminating and eyelets popping out (see pics for shots of a missing eyelet and delaminating toes). I contacted the company under the warranty program and the rep replied that they considered this "normal wear and tear." Really? Hiking boots that fall apart after just a little use is "normal wear and tear"? I can't imagine getting the same response from Vasque or Salomon or Arc'teryx. Avoid this brand. They're not what they used to be and they don't live up to their commitments.

These boots have impressed me, as a land surveyor i am bush crashing almost everyday, traversing along rocky shores, as well as steep cliffs and thus far no issues. The Asolo TPS 535 provide a sturdy shank, great lace hook ups that keep a tight hold on my ankle, not to mention an incredible ground traction. When I first read they fit a little narrow I was worried as I have a triple E wide foot, but after the first couple days the leather has shaped to my me I'm 200lbs, 5'10, average to staulky build and these boots keep me comfortable all day.Good luck.Ps. As a former tree planter, no hiking boots will last much more than a season, buy caulked timber cruisering boots or cheap hikers, don't spend your money friverously on these boots as a tree planter.