Heel Problem Going Uphill with Asolo TPS 535

My wife and I just got a pair of Asolo TPS 535 each. Both of us have this problem, but I have it particularly bad. When we go uphill it seems to hurt the end of the heel, the heelbone. It feels like it wants to push up a little, but cant so hurts. I've got a couple of blister so far, and I'm wondering whether this is a boot fit issue, or whether it's just a breaking in issue. We've hiked just under 10 miles so far. If its really a boot issue, I may have to consider returning it, and hope to get a chance to try the Scarpa SL M3 some time, don't live in an area where anyone sells them. I can't stand Gore-tex for full-leather boots which dont really need them anyway, because my feet are hot enough as it is.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Yi-Jien

I have the Asolo Fugitive GTX and they have problems of their own. On one foot in particular, they rub against where the ankle bone sticks out - bruising it badly on long hikes. They also hurt under the ball of each foot - like they (the boots) don't flex in the right spot or something. If I tighten the boots enough to provide good ankle support, then they hurt badly in the upper part of my foot (so I've taken to skipping some loops on the upper lacing to mitigate this problem). Lastly, they make my feet feel very tired overall on long hikes.

Personally, though I like the sturdy build of the Asolo boots, I won't buy another pair. Unfortunately I haven't found a replacement yet which I can feel sure I'll like.

I don't know whether it might help you, but I started using a pair of New Balance Performance Sport Cushion insole (try aperfectdealer.com), and it helped a lot. I still feel something when I'm doing a lot of uphill, but most of the time it's ok. My first real test thus far, was when my wife and I hiked 10 miles in one day all uphill in the Smokies (from 27 to Silers Bald). Had to put on some tape on my heel, but managed it without blisters. It seems that the insole prevents slippage well, and also gives good support. As a bonus, it also makes my feet feel cooler and seem less stinky. I've walked about 30 miles or so with the insoles so far, but we'll have to see. Am planning on trying Mauna Loa with them in a few weeks, so if my feet survive that, I'll say it's an unqualified success.

Thanks, I'll check out the New Balance Performance Sport Cushion insoles. I did try another brand insole (forget the name), a gel type, and it was a horrible mistake. While somewhat more comfortable, they made my feet sweat like crazy. The stock insoles are designed to be breathable.

I'll check out your recommendation. Thanks!

sorry i cant help with the heel problem but i can help you get your hands on the Scarpa SL M3. Go to www.zappos.com. they have the boots there and they will pay for shipping bith ways. this is a great way to try stuff you cant find in your area without paying for the shipping.

I'm a big fan of "Superfeet" insoles, despite obscene price. I doubt they are uniquely helpful. Any insole that comes in various (small, medium and large) volume sizes may potentially work wonders for micro-fitting.

A professional boot fitter (I hear these people exist) might charge much more and this type of service, along with custom orthotics, would be the ideal solution.

The other alternative is to just abuse your feet piteously until they learn their lesson. Younger feet may or may not learn faster. But all feet quickly forget.

Just picked up some superfeet insoles for my Asolo GTX Titans today. I have purchased boots in the past that cost the same or less than those insoles!