Asolo Granite GV

I bought these as a replacement for a pair of Salomon X-Terra boots that my dog ate. I like a heavy duty boot with a stiff sole for heavy loaded packing (think quarter of an elk at 85#+). These boot really fit the bill.

I have had them about a year and a half now, and have a couple hundred loaded miles on them, and a lot more day to day outdoor miles on them. I still miss the X-Terra, but these are a more comfortable boot at the end of the day.

These are also a nice winter, and cold weather boot. They have a little more insulation than my other boots had, and I have worn them in -20F weather on a few occasions. I wouldn't want to stand around for very long in that kind of weather, but if you are moving, they work fine.

I am NOT a climber, so I can't speak to that use, but I do backpack, hike, and pack some very heavy loads. My boots are showing very little wear after more than a year, and are showing no separation or breakdown that I can tell.

I have a large (13) foot, but not very wide. I had a very easy break-in period on these boots. With the design, I could see how they could be BAD if they did not fit properly. I guess to sum it up, I LOVE the boots, but could see how they could be hard to live with if they did not fit your feet.

These boots replaced a pair of La Sportiva Nepals (which are still the best boots I've ever owned). I've walked over 2000 kilometres in the Asolos, and the only problems I've had are: the stitching down the double seam at the heal coming undone (easily repaired, but not the best design feature), and ripping a couple of the lacing points out).

No "wear in" was required for my feet, and although they are at the end of their useful life now with no tread on the sole, they are still going well.

Had a pair for less than six months an they blew up. The break in was long and painfull a lot like Nicks smoke jumper boots. Unlike Nicks these boots did not stop breaking in they just broke down. Soles seperated and the break down of the boot to the point of very little support for ankles. Poor lacing pattern caused thigh spots and excess leather to build up in the toe box area. There were a real disapointment when comparing them to my old Anapernias.