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Asolo Fandango

rated 5.0 of 5 stars

The Fandango has been discontinued. If you're looking for something new, check out the best backpacking boots for 2024.

photo: Asolo Fandango backpacking boot

The Fandango is the nubuck leather and upgraded version of the suede Greenwood with a better pulley system (amazing) - in the picture I see the Greenwood (also perfect choice). It beats the famous and expensive German brands like Hanwag in everything. Strong recommendation. A multi-purpose thing: the swiss-army-knife of trekking/backpacking shoes. I have tested over a dozen boots, and finally opted for the Asolo Fandango and Scarpa Zodiac (for mainly rocky terrain).
I notice that the other reviews may be about an older version of this boot.

Pros

  • Super light for its capabilities (30% less weight than Hanwag)
  • Fantastic sole: grips on wet surfaces, resolable—with gaiters you can wear it in winter (not for heavy mountaineering)
  • 2.2-2.4 mm leather
  • Comfortable sole and inner
  • GTX lining
  • Does not feel hot in moderate warm weather
  • Customer service is superb; they respond within a few hours
  • I bought it extra cheap—180 USD—it is really worth much more

Cons

  • Shaft inner is light textile, probably wears out and needs repair at some point - but leather on my old Hanwag also wore out
  • Ankle support is OK, but I expected mildly better

The best trekking boot I have ever had—looks like similar Asolo shoes, but more robust. (After this boot, I have thrown away my Hanwag boots—company messed around, resoled my boots with extremely slippery soles, so I even had an accident; no warranty for their faulty work, just excuses, of course, and they demanded residency in Germany for help.)

Sole grips very well thanks to Vibram Megagrip rubber compound (designed for wet surfaces). Due to polyurethane midsole it will need resoling after about 8 years, like 90% of trekking shoes these days.

The boots are light—this is of extreme importance. One pound extra on your foot equals 5-7 times extra weight in your backpack!

Does not need breaking in really, comfy right out of box. I love the 2.2-2.4 mm leather, very solid and easy to maintain. Will probably last minimum 2,000 miles easily. The boots are very light while being robust and durable. In summer, I am confident up to 4000 meters, winter max. 2000 (with gaiters).

If you prefer the highest quality waterproof suede ever, you can opt for the Greenwood model (but shaft and pulley are less refined).

Customer service is superb. They are customer-oriented, respond within a few hours, unlike Hanwag, the "(in)famous" German boot maker (once 2 days,  once 18 days etc.).

Background

600 miles on mixed terrain—lots of gravel and snow and mud, all seasons, 600- 4000 meters. This boot is a true all-rounder - for very heavy terrain it may not be rigid enough, however - you need a bit tougher shaft in my view.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $180

Just bought these babies today and after one day of wearing them I can only say they rock.

The fact that the inside is entirely made of leather feels just so good on the feet, so soft and smooth, it's almost like walking on clouds.

Loved them from the moment I put my feet in them. Before purchasing them I've tried out many other models from different brands, but with these it was love at first ... touch. The way they hold your ankles makes you feel very stable and secure. 

The built quality is great and they weight around 750 grams each, which is quite good for hiking boots and is on par with boots made of GoreTex (which is a material that tries to imitate leather, but is (supposed to be) lighter).

Will still have to try them out there more and post back with some updates.

Price Paid: 170€

These boots are bliss on the feet.

Pros

  • Comfort
  • Stability

I have had many pairs of boots and have always had problems with my feet. These boots are fabulous for comfort. Just done the Great Ocean Walk - 8 day hike - and not one problem. They do not require hours of walking to break them in either.

I did purchase the men's sizing as I found the women's a bit narrow for my foot. Would definitely recommend.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $300

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Specs

Price Historic Range: $158.95
Reviewers Paid: $180.00-$300.00

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