User Review: Asolo Men's TPS 520 GV

I use these boots for day hiking and backpacking. My previous boots were the Merrell Wilderness, to give my frame of reference. I had the Merrells for more than 20 years, and I've had these Asolos for about 3 months/roughly 60 miles on trail.

I love almost everything about these boots. They fit my feet extremely well, they took essentially no break-in time at all, they feel quite light compared to the Merrels, and not to sound corny, but they put a spring in my step. My feet seem eager to go up and forward with these boots on. I haven't had them long enough to comment on durability, but no warning signs yet.

The one thing I really dislike about them is how soft the tongue is. There are two heavy leather pads on top of the tongue, but a large space between them where the laces cross over the instep in two places. To me, this is the most important place to have the laces tight, to ensure the heel stays in the heel cup. The tongue in this area is very soft, thin leather with very light padding. When I tie the laces tight like I prefer, the laces feel like they are cutting into my instep.

I would recommend these to someone who does not like to tie his or her boots tight, but I really see this as a big weakness. Sometimes you need to really cinch them down, like on a steep, prolonged downhill, or if your socks are wet. I had to do this on about a 5-mile steep descent, and it was a very uncomfortable walk.

I miss the heavy tongue on my old Merrells, and I may be returning the Asolos because of this weakness.