Asolo Echo

These boots are rugged and hold up the ankles almost like having a ankle brace. W/ the steel heal and toe almost feels like the feet are indestructible. W/ the rubber heel your able to have traction like a goat on the side of the mountain for support of the load. I recommend these boots for 3 seasons. Due to the fact it has GoreTex your feet will be soaking wet in the summer time.

You definitely need to make sure you try these boots on before ordering. Due to the fact they have a steel toe/heel you have no room for error.  Once you have your boot size, go ahead and get ready for comfort from day 0. With the steel toe/heel your ankle feels like it has a ankle brace holding it up.  

Now the boot has Gore-Tex in it, so if the boot gets wet plan on a switching out your boots and tie them on your pack to dry for the day. On the other hand if the weather is chilly plan warm dry toes.  W/ the rubber heel plan on grip under dry and wet conditions.  

Now the laces have a break in between the upper and lower part of the boot so it allows you to be able to have diff tension from the upper and lower part of the boot. Now w/ the well made construction of the boot you are able to wear and tear these bad boys pretty much till the day you feel like you can't walk anymore. Then after that you will be able to hand these down from generation to generation. 

I purchased the Echo for Arizona hiking and bouldering because they are non-GoreTex. My feet sweat A LOT but I found the Echo more tolerable than my recent "buy and return purchases" from Lowa, REI and several other major boot makers.

The Echo has a good sole (especially on downhill stuff) and the side to side foot and ankle stability is good if not great.

Also, under the footbed of this boot is a red rubberized material which has helped reduce the sensation of "foot bruising" which is common on hard Arizona trails.

I liked the boot so much that I bought a second pair and had them delivered to Alaska where I walked a damp 12-mile hike to Herbert Glacier with no discomfort or problems...and with no previous "breaking in" of the boot.

The boot is a little narrow but I use Wigwam light wicking socks to reduce the perspiration problem. A pair of "Superfeet" is a welcome addition.

Because I have had a lot of trouble finding acceptable boots the last few years, this 60-year-old hiker with not so wonderful feet is thrilled with the Echo.

I would have given them five stars but I need to evaluate them for more than the dozen trips I have used them.

I'm on my fifth pair in as many years. I wear them day in and day out and I'm on my feet about 6 hours a day mostly on hard surface. Not much of a hiker but they are best designed for that and primarily softer earth as the soles do not last otherwise, I would have rated 5 for 5.

If they could be re-soled OEM I'd have done so, but not possible and I don't like the big lug black Vibram from the folks that do that. I use custom orthodics and for ME the Echo IS the very best shoe/boot I've ever had. Instant feel of support and sturdiness without any breaking in.

I'm on line again trying to find the best price.

Rob,

Mt.Vernon, WA

I bought the Echo boot as a replacement of a worn out similar constructed boot by another company. The initial fit and feel of the boot was good (in the store). I used them for a three-day hike backpacking trip on the AT.

My feet have never sweat so bad in any other boot. I tried a wicking sock on day two. My feet and hiking socks were soaked with sweat and come day three my feet really began to hurt. The bottoms of my feet were now getting very tender. I then tried them on a 10-mile dayhike two weeks later, again my feet were sweaty above and beyond normal standards.

I returned the boots to REI the next day. I have since bought Raichle backpacking boots.

Hiking 70 miles on the AT in Massachussets, I've found my new Asolo Echo 5 comfortable, not waterproof and soles are very slippery.