User Review: Asolo Cliff

Reviewed September 14, 1998 by an anonymous hiker

Rating: rated 4 of 5 stars
Materials: Leather
Use: Heavy Backpacking/Mountaineering
Break-in Period: Variable; 6 to 8 weeks of steady use - on and off the trail
Weight: 4.5 pounds
Price Paid: $149 (REI Wholesale Price); Usually any where over $225

Before buying these shoes I did read some of the other reviews on the Cliff (a mixed bunch). So I guess it is important to try on the shoe yourself, but here is my review.

In very short: It is a good heavy trail one piece full grain leather boot with some nice extra features for those that need something for work (foresters; geologist etc.) or for the medium to long distance backpacker.

Personal Experience: After 3 months of wearing these boots on and off the trail I found the Asolo Cliffs to be comfortable and durable for its size and weight. These boots are not for the weekend, beginner,or occasional hiker. These are for people who are active hikers who want a boot that will last. I am a forestry grad student who is in the woods a lot and these boots have been great. These boots are heavy, but are not as heavy or clumsy as others in this catagory (Montrail Moraine/Coloir;Vasque Super Hiker).

The Cliff is a great looking and durable one piece full grain leather boot. It also has a leather over flap that keeps water and debris out and a quality Vibram Sole. Another great feature is the pully lacing system (similar to the Asolo Meridian). For a stiff boot it allows for better fitting.

Fit: For fit the boot is stiff (like all boots in this category). I would recommend an extra insole for fit, so order your shoe size appropriately (maybe a half size bigger). I also noticed a little up and down heel movement (also common in stiff boots). I added some padding near my above and behind the heel to solve that.

Other Choices: I owned a pair of One Sport (Montrail) Moraines and a pair of Montrail Coloirs before this pair. Both of these are comparible (the Coloir is much closer in weight). The Montrails are very comfortable boots, but the leather was always to soft. They looked like they had been through a war after a month of wear. The 3/4 shank cracked on the Coloir and I had to go through a lot to replace them at REI. Montrail (One Sport) was not very helpful and made the process worse. The newer versions have toe guard, but be cautious with the leather (Nubuck is not very durable and requires a lot of attention). Vasques are also good, but I don't have too much experience with them. Some of my friends own Merrel Quatro and they are very good as well, but they seem to be a little bulky.

In Summary:

I would give the Asolo Cliffs a 8.5 to a 9 on a 1 to 10 scale.

Good Luck in Finding a Boot.

SR

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