User Review: Asolo Sasslong GV

I'm a traditionalist and like a heavy and stiff boot. I bought these for the good sale price to get me by till I'm ready to purchase a custom boot. (Getting hard to find a good traditional boot!)

These are my first pair of injection-molded sole boots. They are also my first Gore-tex-lined boot. I prefer a leather-lined boot for the better breathability. I'm typically hard to fit, as my foot is between a 12 and a 13 U.S. size. For example, Nike running shoes don't fit me at all as their 12 is too small and their 13 too large.

These boots in a size 13 fit well. When I put my foot as far forward as I can, there is a good finger width behind my heel. 

My first impression is that it's a good boot. So far, I've hiked 6 or so miles over two days through the woods in Northern Ohio in wet snow conditions. The terrain is variable: hilly, rocky, wet, muddy, deep snow. The boots had good support and were comfortable. The heel is tight and the boot is fairly high on the ankle.

The sole is stiff, so if you don't like that quality, maybe look at a lighter more flexible boot. Though the Sasslongs are stiff, the sole has a nice "rocker" to it, so that walking is easy and springy.

They are warm. I wear them with a heavy wool sock.

We'll see how they hold up. I don't expect they'll last 20 years like my old Goodyear-welted Vasques (not made anymore), but my cobbler can just sew a new sole on. (That's how he handles the injection-mold type of sole). I think they will stand up fine to daily short walks in the woods of Northern Ohio (average 3 miles) and to longer hikes on any terrain.