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- Durable
- Comfortable
- Supportive
- Impeccable waterproofing
- Good traction
- Protects your foot
- Heavy
- Break-in period
- Sometimes slip on wet rock
In the 2009 Backpacker Gear Guide print issue, the editors of Backpacker magazine recommend the Asolo TPS 520 GV for off-trail use. Although users complain about the boots' 3.75-pound weight (for an average men's pair), they're usually very happy with their comfort, traction, durability, and protection for the foot and ankle. The waterproofing is beyond reproach, although hot weather can get your feet uncomfortably hot in these or any other leather boots. The break-in period appears to be typical of supportive leather boots, although a few users say theirs were comfortable straight out of the box. The biggest owner complaint about this boot is that it doesn't hold its traction on wet rock. Another well-reviewed Asolo boot that gets better reviews for traction is the Asolo Power Matic 200 GV (*Est. $290).
The 2009 Backpacker Gear Guide isn't available online, but you can order back issues by telephone. Hundreds of enthusiastic user reviews at REI.com are the most helpful online source, with Backcountry.com and a surprisingly high number of detailed reviews from Trailspace.com following close behind.
| Asolo TPS 520 GV Boot - Men's Chestnut, 11.0 | |
(21 reviews) In Stock. |
|
Our Sources
1. Backpacker MagazineDetails/Subscribe
This magazine reviews more hiking boots and shoes than any other, with testers logging thousands of miles. In the 2009 Gear Guide, the editors recommend the Asolo TPS 520 GV for off-trail hikes.
Review: 2009 Gear Guide, Editors of Backpacker magazine, 2009
2. REI.com
The men's version of this boot receives more than 200 reviews, and the women's version gets about 50, with an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5. Users praise this boot for its excellent traction, comfort and waterproofing. A majority of users feel that it's supportive and durable; a handful complain about the break-in period and poor traction, but the chief complaint is its weight.
Review: Asolo TPS 520 GV Hiking Boots, Contributors to REI.com
3. Amazon.com
The Asolo TPS 520 GV accumulates less than 20 reviews here, but they all give these boots 4 or 5 stars, praising their comfort, quality and durability. Many users note the necessary break-in period, but one man reports that his new boots felt comfortable straight out of the box.
Review: Men's Asolo TPS 520 GV, Contributors to Amazon.com
The Asolo TPS 520 GV garners more than 60 user reviews here and a near-perfect rating. Once again users praise the boots' comfort, especially around the eyelets; one reports that he's spent nine years in his 520 TPS GVs and thought they would last forever, but the midsole has finally begun to come apart.
Review: Asolo TPS 520 GV Boot -- Men's, Contributors to Backcountry.com
The TPS 520 GV receives more than 35 reviews here -- an impressive amount considering that most boot models receive only one or two, if any, reviews on this site. The average rating is almost perfect, and users cite the good foot and ankle protection, easy care, durability, lacing and warmth of these boots.
Review: Asolo TPS 520 GV, Contributors to Trailspace.com
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