Asolo Power Matic 400 GV

Rigid backpacking boots with excellent support and cushion for heavy weights carries. But with a big flaw, the Vibram soles have disassembled after less than a year, and it's impossible to glue them back. I love them for their toughness and structure. Still I would not recommend them for anyone.

Four years ago, while preparing for a six months backpacking trip to New-Zealand and Nepal, I came across this boots. I hesitated first because of their high price tag and heavy weight, but the firm's reputation and this model's qualities tip the scales. They served me ever since on more backpacking trip world-wide, and during everyday works. Unfortunately once the soles detached, it could not be glued back properly, no matter how many times I tried.

Fit: I got the wide version although my feet are narrow, but I added the Superfeet insole and that did the trick. The fit is perfect. When I want I can tie it really tight to my feet and still have space in front of my toes.

Support: The support is superb, During my travels more than several time I did a bad step that could end in a twisted\broken ankle. The only thing that prevented it from happening was the excellent support of these boots.

Water Resistance and temp control: Goretex did its job, and the Cordura outsole kept my feet ventilated.

Traction: Outstanding traction on wet, dry, sandy, rocky terrain, like 4X4 wheels under my feet.

Durability: The Achilles heel of this boots. The bottom part of the soles detached on both shoes after 6 months of travel, I repaired them 3 times, and still they keep on detaching, making them completely useless. More than that every friend I know who had this boots encountered the same problem. Unless this major flaw, I would give them 5 stars easily.  

This is a top quality crafted boot with great balance, so they don't feel heavy at all. You can run in these babies. 45lb pack, no problem. The toe is shipped with a bit of curl. They make you want to walk forward, with a rolling action. This is nice.

Wearing them with Smartwool (med thick) I experienced no parts of the heel or tongue pressing on my foot. I broke them in with a 9 mile hike through root infested muddy creek crossings and hard packed terrain. At 95 degrees in the sun with Smartwool my feet were not sweaty. Thank you Gore-tex.

The Vibram outsole is very rugged and forgiving to small sharp rocks. Although I don't recommend them for creek hopping as they will slip on slimey or mossy rocks.

I would give them 5 but I had to purchase Superfeet and Montrail five irons for the volume fit. This raised the price to $230 US. They don't have the built-in arch support from my previous packers (Garmont Vegan) and they weigh a tiny bit more. Though I have a narrow foot and the Garmont has a more narrow fit and smaller toe box (European style).

All this was fixed with the previous upgrade. And the Superfeet inserts will most likely help me in ways I will never know.

Awesome boots!!! I bought a pair of these to replace my favorite Merrell boots. I was used to lighter boots but started getting sore heel bones with a 47 pound pack. These boots require a longer break in period and you should wear a good quality liner sock and mid to heavy hiking sock.

I just completed a hike from Front Royal, Va. to the Pennsylvania border in 5 days (100 miles) and had two small blisters that caused no issues. One was on the heel and one on the toe. These boots are fantastic!!!! I had no other discomfort at all!!!!!! Great support in the rocks, too! If you need to haul a big pack these are the boots to do it... I really like the one pull lacing with the pulley system.