Asolo MTF 650

I wanted to get my review out even before wearing these boots much to pass on a few things that may impact your decision to purchase. First, these boots are referred to as "heavy duty" here, but "mid-duty" on other sites. "Mid-duty" is more accurate. This boot is very light weight & although it has a very durable, crampon-compatible sole, it doesn't have the rugged stiffness of other "heavy-duty" defined boots.

Secondly; pictures show the boot has a protective toe-rand. When I rec'd mine I was disappointed to see that they did not have this. (purchased at Sierra Trading). I'm picky about this & having this x-tra protection was a factor in my selecting these.

That said: These boots are unbelievably light & comfortable right out of the box! So light & comfortable that they may not meet my expectations for the kind of rugged hiking we do up here in the Adirondack High Peaks (lots of rocks and steep incline so you want a boot w/ good support & a rugged sole)I did purchase them for almost 1/2 off though so I will try them out and let you know if they meet my expectations.

Update: May 4, 2004

I posted the 1st review before wearing the boot and wanted to follow up. I really like everything about the boot: nice thick lugged sole, stiffness for about 3/4 of the sole, with flex in the toe area, waterproof, excellent inside comfort. My only gripe was I like a toe rand - just saves wear and tear on our boots - so I don't get why all manufacturers just don't put this on!

I wore the boots around quite a bit to test them out/ break them in a bit. Now keep in mind I have feet problems: high arches, small heels, narrow ankles, norton toe (2nd toe a little longer than big toe) & metasaraglia (sp? - pain & I mean PAIN on the ball of foot between 3rd-4th toe). As a result I am a tough fit! Well I decided it was time to give them the real test. We were going to climb Sawteeth in the Adirondacks. A fairly long hike: 13 miles round trip; varied terrain; flat, nice path uphill, snow spines, mud, water, steep descents etc. At first I was worried I had made a mistake wearing new boots on such a long hike. I felt some tenderness on the back of my heels so I stopped and stuck on some band-aids. I had some pain from my problems on the flat walk but once I hit the hills it went away. Let me tell you - I was EXTREMELY pleased! No blisters or problems and by 1/3 the way thru the hike I was one with my boots! They were Great!!!

Yes they are considered a "mountaineering" boot but man if you like great support, don't want to feel one pebble under your feet and a boot that can handle all terrain - this is it! And, it's on sale. I mean I got a $200+ boot for $80! Am I happy - you bet!

I agree with the other post. These are great boots, and having purchased them for only $100 through Sierra Trading Post I can't complain one bit. Luckily, my pair did come with the rubber toe guard on the outside of the boot. These boots offer excellent support and were relatively easy to break in. After having only worn them around the garden for several days I took them on a 4-day backpack along the rugged Olympic National Park coastline and they did excellent...no blisters whatsoever. It was pretty wet out on the coast but these boots held the water out nicely. Keep in mind these boots run a little small....Usually I'm a size 9-9.5 but the 10 fit me perfectly.