Asolo Renegade

I picked up a pair of the new Asolo Renegades from a local speciaity retailer about two months ago. After a fair number of fairly long days in the hills I've come back to report.

I would have to give these boots full marks for fit, style, weight, and performance. A little background for you about me. I've been seaching for my next pair of "perfect" boots for about two years. I had finialy destroyed my "perfect" Montrial Moraines after years and years of abuse. Since then I have been disapointed with boots from Lowa and Garmont, for fit or durability problems. I went loking for a lighter weight boot that I could do the day hike / Fourteener thing as well as some lightweight backpacking, while still providing me the ankle stability I require. Well, I found that combination in the Asolo renegades.

I'll admit, the first thing that attracted me to the Renegades was the design. They are just pain good looking with that flashy yellow heel.
I think they call it the new "Energy" series. Designed with a new rubber compound that is quoted to reduce the shock and vibration that you body endures. I'd say that is somewhat true, the sole is non-vibrim, and the heel is this bright yellow compound that is somewhat squishy and hard at the same time. The tread design is well conceved and has provided consistant trail grabbing preformance. They do seem to be a bit more slippery on solid ice... but what is'int. I plan to keep an eye on this new compound to gauge it's durability. So far so good.

Fit was right on for me right away. The Renegades required little to no breakin in, but still provide excellent ankle stability for a mid weight boot. Lace system is standard, but the high toung tucks away easily without fuss. It has a small rocker sole, just enuf to encourage it to bend slightly in a normal stride. Underfoot protection is perfect, I can jump from boulder to boulder in the talas without problem. Although while climbing I can still "feel" around for nub to put my boot on.
Overall weight of the boots is very respectable. They seam very ballanced.

Overall I would give the Renegades a solid 5 stars. I'm so happy to have finially found another pair of boot that my feet like. I would recomend these boots to everyone looking for a midweight boots for extended hiking or lightweight trekking. Good stuff, Good stuff, I say...

- Starfoot