User Review: Asolo Fugitive GTX

Asolo Fugitive GTX
Above: The current Fugitive GTX, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Rating: rated 2 of 5 stars
Break-in Period: 2 weeks
Price Paid: $170

Nothing but problems with multiple pairs. I started with a pair of these boots from REI. The first time on they were very comfortable and I was excited to get such a high quality boot. After purchasing and with a bit more inspection I found that the Gore-tex lining on the heal had a large amount of extra material that caused a crease. This crease dug into my heal and caused blisters on the first day (break-in at the office, no hiking). Obvious flaw.

I took that pair back to REI and they ordered another pair. 10 days later I received the new boots and they too had the same issue. Extra Gore-tex causing large creases in the lining. This time on the other boot. Again I traded them in and ordered another pair.

10+ days later a 3rd pair. (Yes, I am getting very frustrated by this point). The 3rd pair had an even larger crease in them near the toe. I figured that maybe I should just wear them for a few weeks to see if this crease would go away. No such luck. With all the extra Gore-tex material in the lining, it creates large friction points in the boot. I took that pair back to REI again and got a refund.

I visited another outdoor store thinking that REI maybe had a bad batch. I purchased the same boot in a different color. The newest pair was very comfortable and didn't seem to have the lining issue. After wearing the latest pair for about two weeks the Gore-tex lining is now releasing from the bottom of the boot. This is actually the second pair that has had this same issue. The lining pulls up and you can feel it "squishing" each step. This is just on one boot.

To say the least I have been very disappointed in this boot and in Asolo. I wish they would go back to making their boots in Italy and leave the Bangladesh/China manufacturing to things like computer parts and toys. For what it's worth, I have heard several people praise these boots...I guess that is why I was willing to give them so many attempts. This latest attempt has frustrated me to the point where I will no longer purchase Asolo boots. This is after wearing Asolo's for over 10 years. If you decide to purchase these boots, make sure to inspect the Gore-tex lining closely before leaving the store.

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Where to Buy

Buy Online We found the Fugitive GTX at 7 online stores:

StoreProduct DescriptionPrice

Moosejaw
Men's Fugitive GTX Boot (Spring 2008)$185.00Buy Now

Backcountry.com
Fugitive GTX Hiking Boot - Men's$184.95Buy Now

RockCreek
Fugitive GTX Boots (Men's)$184.95Buy Now

Oregon Mountain Community
2 purchase options:
Fugitive GTX (Tundra/Black) - Men's$169.95Buy Now
Fugitive GTX (Wool/Black) - Men's$169.95Buy Now

Massey's
Mens Asolo Fugitive GoreTex$169.49Buy Now

EMS
2 purchase options:
Fugitive GTX Boots, Tundra/Black, Men's$185.00Buy Now
Fugitive GTX Boots, Wool/Black, Men's$185.00Buy Now

Sierra Trading Post
2 purchase options:
Fugitive Ml Hiking Boots - Waterproof Gore-tex (r) - For Women$108.85Buy Now
Fugitive Hiking Boots - Waterproof Gore-tex (r) - For Men$119.95Buy Now

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