Scarpa SL M3 or Asolo TPS 520

which of these boots would be the better boot? i will be using them for hiking, with a load not over 20#, and also will be using them in the winter, in some rolling hills to pretty steep mountains, like for hunting, thanks for the input,

hey,

Both boots look great on paper. I've sold the 520 for a few years now and have had great feedback from a lot of customers - so long as the boot fits right. If you have a wide foot, definitely see if either come in wide sizes - I know the 520 has a narrower last, esp. in the toebox. the 520 does use goretex (the 525 is the same boot without - you would have to treat it yourself). The GoreTex option might give you a bit more protection, but make sure you use a GoreTex compatible leather treatment (I recommend Granger's G-Tec, but NOT Granger's G-Wax). G-Tec is for Goretex boots, G-Wax for non GoreTex boots, and the latter can clog leather and undermine breathability.

The most important thing is fit, though. Go to a good mountain shop to get them fit properly. REI does a decent job. Make sure you try them with the heaviest sock combination you'll be using. If it's too tight, the boot will cut off circulation and you'll be cold no matter what. When you're trying the boots, use this as a first step to make sure the size is right:

Before lacing the boots, or even tightening the laces, push your toes forward so they're touching the front of the boot. You should be able to slide your index finger down the back of your achilles into the heel of the boot with a little bit of wiggle room. Too tight = blisters, too loose = blisters. Do that for both feet and, remember, if one foot is larger than the other make sure that foot has enough room - it is easier to make up for extra space in your smaller foot than living with one boot that's too tight.

Once the boots are laced up snugly, walk around for a while. The store should have a test ramp. When going up, make sure your heel doesn't lift more than a quarter of an inch in the boot. When going down the ramp, make sure your toes don't touch at all. A good boot fitter should be able to give you some lacing tips on how to overcome some slight problems in both areas. If your toes touch the front, see if you can determine whether it's because your feet slide forward (too much space) or because the front of the boot is too close to your toes (not enough space). For the former, lacing can solve your problem (don't go down a size if the finger in the back test seems to work, it will probably put you in too small a boot). If the latter is the problem, try a half size up and ask for some help with the lacing if your heel starts to slip. I have found that locking the heel into place using a combination of insoles (like SuperFeet greens) and lacing is a very successful approach.

If you choose to get an insole, def. make sure they feel right and get enough info on their features so that you choose the right one. If you don't think you need one, don't bother.

Both brands are good, both boots like they'll treat you right. Remember that since you plan on using them in winter, the boots may feel loose when you use a thinner sock for summer/spring. That being said, neither are designed as winter boots and you might consider getting a winter specific boot, especially if you plan on stopping for any period (tree stand, lunch, etc.) when it's cold. Insulation in a boot is mandatory in such situations, though an uninsulated boot is often fine in the snow as long as you're moving all the time.

Hope that helps,

Jay

well Jay, thanks fer da information, greatly appreciated it,... still, checking dem out, tried some of da asolo's boots 520, n 525, but yet have not tried any of da scarpas,..see what happens, n thankls again,.. good day,..{:o)

Da Blu-
I got a pair of Scarpa SL M3 in 2002 and they still are not broken in yet despite putting a fair number of miles! Here is a link to the blisters those boots gave me on a trip in 2003:

http://www.alpenhound.com/needles/3.3.03.html

It got to the point that I stopped wearing them because they tore up my feet so much. The midsole is REALLY stiff and instead of flexing at the midsole my heel tends to come up. I tried a bunch of different lacing techniques but nothing has worked so far.

This past weekend (12/30/2006) I decided to give them another try. I bought a pair of Asolo Styngers for my girlfriend for christmas and she want to go try them out... so we did. On our 9 mile overnight route I had blisters after only 4 miles! Her brand new boots didn't give her any problems. Hopefully the new Scarpa line is a bit more flexible.

Seth

ouch!!! dat is 1 mean lookin' blister you got der,...{:o( well, dat helps to know, as i don't weigh dat much, n after all dat hiking n da boots still not broken in,.. i'll proably never break dem in,.. hmmmm,.. well appreciate da info,.. o yea nice lookin' pictures, dat was cool,...{:O) have a good day Seth,...

I to have been searching for a new pair of boots. I wanted a pair that would hold up well for backpacking. This year I am planning to try some long backpacking trips. Well, three days or more, that is long for me.  I wanted a boot that would fit well and hold up well to the all kinds of trail abuse.

I tried on six or eight different boots at three different stores.

I purchased the Asolo 520 GTX. I did not want to spend that much money, but they fit the best in the store.

I was skeptical to spend so much money. I bought them at JAX and they told me that I could wear them around inside my house for a day or two and if I did not like them, then I could take them back.

I did just that. Right out of the box I spent yesterday wearing them. The boots felt great. So today I thought I would try them again and see if I still liked them. However, I walked outside and began shoveling with them on and forgot. So now I am keeping them.

I wore them all day today indoors and out. I guess I had them on for about 8 hours straight. No problems at all. They fit me great. I had not hot spots. But then again, I did was not walking for 8 hours straight. Either way, they are sooooo comfortable that I am glad that I bought them.

The Scarpa were simply way too hard for me. They had no bend at all. I am not sure if I tried on the same model you mentioned or not. But I could not even bend the shoe with my hands. That was too stiff for me. They also were crampon ready. I did not think I needed a crampon ready boot for summer hiking.

My only concerns about the Asolo is whether or not they will be too hot in the summer.

Good luck,
John

I own one of these and, for the load you're describing, I'd say neither. I've had my Scarpa's for 9 months now and I really like them as a bruiser-of-a-hiking boot. However, they're way too much for the weight you'll be carrying. I'd suggest a lighter weight shoe, perhaps even down to a beefy trail runner; try it out, I think you'll see I'm right.

well, thanks fer da info Prelucir n rdavis, will see about da light hikers, which would you recommend?? good day,...{:O)

If you like the fit of the Asolo, you may want to consider Lowa. I have a pair of Lowas that I bought about five years ago and they fit great. I like them better than any other boot I have bought in the past. Of course, I have only purchased store brands in the past.

When I purchased my Asolos, I was stuck between them and Lowa for fit and comfort. I went with Asolo because of the steep terrain and wieght that I will be carrying in the Grand Canyon

Good luck,
John

cool,...{:O) what kind of lowa boots do you have or did have?? thanks fer all da input, i appreciate it,.... da blu,...{:O)

These look like the ones I currently own, but mine are about four or five years old. Many miles on them.

http://www.trailspace.com/gear/lowa/renegade-ii-gtx-mid/

I think this is the pair that I tried on and almost bought. I went with the stiffer boot for the steeper hiking.

http://www.trailspace.com/gear/lowa/tanark/

-John

ok,.. thanks,.. will look into them,... da blu,...{:O)

Da blu,

I had my first chance to try out my Asolos this past week. I have to say that they were comfortable for the entire hike save one thing.

I did a nine mile hike with little elevation gain. Mostly flat.

The only thing that I did not like about the boot was this: when I am walking up hill and not on my toes but flat footed the heel of the boot pulls down against the heel of my foot. More on the right than the left.

This was uncomfortable. I did not recieve a blister, but my heels hurt for a full day more. If I would have had more up hill in the same fashion, I am sure I would have received a blister.

When I went to REI and looked at more boots the salesman stated that he had a simular problem with his Vasquez boots until they broke in.

I am planning to take my Lowas with me and changing after few miles; when my feet start to hurt. This will be uncomfortable, carrying a second pair of boots, but I would rather save my heels.

The sales person told me to try two pair of socks. I do not believe that will be the answer to this problem as I don't feel my feet moving in the boots and will still have the large amount of pressure on my heels even with two pairs of socks. However, I am going to try it anyways just in case.

If you are not going to travel accross lots of scree or very steep ups and downs, then, these might not be the boots for you.

I have the feeling that I will purchase another pair of Lowas and keep these for high rocky hikes.

Over all, I like these boots and dearly hope they break in to the point that I do not have further heel problems.

-John

thanks fer da info,... i got a a pair of asolo stynger's right now, still just wearing them in da house,.. but fit good,.. light, n a pretty sturdy boot, still undecided if to keep them,... will see,... have a good day,... keep me inform,... thanks again,..da blu...{:O)

With those Asolos, your heelbox is slightly too tight, I used to fit boots for the largest store in Canada and another dealer as well. You "may" be able to modify these with a boot press, but, it is dammed difficult to do this in that part of a boot, REI "should" have a genuine bootfitter who would know.

What can work is to wax the area with Snoseal or other soft wax and then wear pieces of thin plastic "strapping" aka adhesive tape OR large plastic bandaids on your heels. I do this with all new boots and it saves a lot of misery from hotspots and blisters. Can't hurt to try.