Customer Reviews Asolo TPS 520 GV

6 pairs later I'm still buying them - I have owned 6 pairs of TPS 520 GTX boots and am now looking for my 7th. I bought my first pair in Feb. 1994 and they have been my "daily drivers" almost exclusively every single day since, save for sneakers for sports and shoes for dress. I can count on one hand how many times I've taken them on any trail, they are day to day footwear for me. They are the most comfortable boots (or any piece of footwear for that matter) that I have ever owned. No "break in" time has ever been required. I take pretty terrible care of them, I've never treated them with anything and they have always stayed 100% waterproof thanks to the GoreTex lining. I get about 2 years out of them and I look for a replacement pair (which I'm doing now). The single weak point is the soles have worn through before the rest of the boot wears out, however I wear them every day and spend a lot of time on my feet on all sorts of manmade surfaces, I'll bet a trail would wear them slower. I wouldn't call it premature wear at all, I wouldn't buy 6 pairs if I wasn't happy. Buy this boot, you won't be dissapointed.

I chose a 1/2 size larger than my dress shoe size to allow for hiking socks and it is a perfect fit. Has enough room for toes to wiggle around. I have not had any heel rubbing or hot spots, but have only used them on several shorter hikes. My only concern is that there is no rubber cap to protect the toe, I'm sure the leather will be damaged before too long. I am quite happy with them. I searched for a brand made in the USA without any luck, but at least these are not made in China.

LOVE THESE BOOTS! I have very hard to fit feet: wide in the toe box, normal heel and custom orthodics take up a lot of volume. So, I needed to buy the men's 81/2 wide. I usually wear a lady’s 9 or 9 1/2 wide. From the first day I had them, they were the most comfortable ever. Furthermore, I need a very stiff, supportive boot since I carry a lot of weight, even on day hikes, and have very week ankles. After hundreds of miles, I cannot even count how many times these boots have saved me from a bad sprain. I have worn them in snow and very rough trails and the traction and support is just awesome. The waterproofing works, and after full days tramping on snowy trails or through streams, I am as dry and warm as could be. On hot days, they are no hotter than any other boot I have worn. I hope that Asolo never discontinues them so that, in a few years, when these wear out, I can get another pair. (I resole my boots at least three times before they go to recycling.) I saw another customer complain that they were stiff. To me, that is what I love about these boots. If you are looking for a "light hiker" these are NOT it. They are massive and heavy and supportive and make me feel like I could hike anyplace with any sized load on my back.

Awesome Boots! I bought these boots for my backpacking trip this past summer. I tried to wear them to break them in before the trip but it was hot out and the last thing I wanted to wear was boots. My trip came up fast and I had only worn the boots a handful of times and mainly only to the office where I sit all day. I Hiked the High Divide loop in the Olympic Mountains (very steep mts. lots of up & down). The boots were awesome!!!! I did not get a single blister from my virgin boots. They were very sturdy and sound. They helped me keep my footing on very steep trails. I am still baffled by the fact that these boots didn't hurt at all while hiking 40+ miles in three days with a 35lb pack on my back. Recommend these to anyone!

Hard Boot, Little Flex - I ordered these boots for a trek in Ladakh, India. I finally took them on a 4-hour hike near Truckee to break them in. First, I thought they fit when I tried them on, but from the hike going downhill, I realize I should've ordered a half size up. Too late for me---boots are all scuffed. Second, these boots are hard. In other words, little flex at the forefoot. Also, I don't feel that it is cushiony on the bottom. I'm thinking of adding an insert for more comfort. Third, I had no blisters on my left foot, but I had blisters in three places on my left foot. The back of my foot, at the inside of the ankle, and on top of my big toe, which is strange. I'm sticking with the boots in the hope that they will break-in and be good. I may use my light weight Montrails instead. Positives: Sturdy, good ankle support for my weak ankles, definitely waterproof, good-looking. Still, given a second chance, I would've bought different boots.

This is my second pair. I wore my first pair out after 3 years of hard wear nearly every day! This is often the only shoe I have that supports my foot with plantar fasciitis. Worth the money for happy feet.

My husband has worn Asolo boots for years and when I was looking for a good pair of leather boots for hiking he recommended these. I love them! They are very comfortable. Yes, they feel a little stiff at first but they soften up nicely. I love the fact that they are an all leather boot. I ordered the same size that I wear in my walking shoes. They fit perfect. I am extremely happy with my purchase from Zappos.

If you backpack with weight and need excellent support look no further. A light hiking boot they are not, a strong, supportive boot they are. You\'ll need to order 1\/2 size smaller -I have always found Asolo to be on the big size. My foot however is not wide, nor narrow but a regular true size. So for me 1\/2 size down was perfect. Happy trails!

Can't beat Asolo's - I purchased a pair of Asolo's 10-12 years ago. I found them to be the most stable and rugged hiking boot for bumpy, uneven terrain. Mine are getting tired and tried this pair on last winter. I figured I needed a new pair that would weather the winters better than my current pair. You don't have to break these in at all. They're comfortable to just put on and go. Asolo makes an excellent pair of hikers compared to all the other brands I've tried on.

LUV these boots! I am in the process of breaking these puppies in and have, for the first time in a while, NOT had toe cramps after a long hike...they are GREAT!!!!

Best Hiking Boot on the Planet! Vasque, step aside. The Asolo TPS 520 has taken the all time classic full leather hiking boot design to the next level. The overall construction of the boot is superb. No shortcuts were taken in the design and build of this boot. They are extremely comfortable and have broken in very easily. I tried on over 20 pair of boots including North Face, Vasque, Columbia, Cabelas, Hi Tek, etc...And I don't believe you can find a better pair of hiking boots at any price.

Tough and comfortable boots! Worth every penny. I bought these boots 3 years ago and they still fit, they're still waterproof and they're still intact---after much hiking, biking, walking and working! I live in central AK and have worn these boots to do almost everything since the day I bought them. I have very bad bunions and low arches and have a hard time finding shoes that can accommodate both. These boots are perfect for my feet and I plan to buy another pair when these are worn out.

We walked the Alps together - This pair of Asolo's and I just spent a week in the French Alps. There wasn't much snow for skiing but who cared! We walked up mountains and trekked the cross country trails. My new boots were so comfortable, immediately. I appreciated their sturdiness and the support around the ankles. They kept my feet dry and warm. A great purchase!

Excellent hiker! This shoe took one day of walking around to "break in". At first the heel feels really wide. But after a few days, you realize it starts to mold around your heel. Very comfortable and full of support. I liked that there's a little bit of room in the front for your toes on down hills.

I am ordering my second pair of Asolo hiking boots because they are undoubtedly the most comfortable boot with strong support that I have ever worn. As a matter of fact my pair I have on is 3 years old and I have been looking for a second pair for over a year and just happened to think of maybe Zappos would have an answer. You can believe me because my arthritic feet know when I am good to them. These boots are worn almost every afternoon after work for my daily treks around the fields and woods. What a shoe. Thanks, J. Napier from North Carolina.

Like Coming Home - The Size 9 fits my size 9M feet perfectly. No break-in time necessary. I need good arch support and stability. Also I must have lots of room in the toe box for my ingrown toenails. This boot works well for me for those needs. When hiking, I wear only plain Smartwool socks, no liner--nothing too thick. I can wear these to work right now as long as they're clean. But my feet will roast after awhile. My other Asolo boots fit exactly like these. They were used hiking in the Rocky Mountains in rain & snow without my feet getting soaked. They were great. I expect the same from these.

Pretty good - I purchased the TPS 520 for an backpacking trip. They performed wonderfully. I wore them without any break in period and only got two small blisters over 27 miles. My feet remained warm and dry even after tramping through streams and mud. These are great boots. I also appreciated the fact that I didn't have to stop to retie my shoelaces even once.

Fits like a glove and seem SOLID! This is my first pair of “official” hiking boots, although I wear some kind of boot 90% of the time. This particular boot (I have the AsoloTPS 535 V), fit like a glove from the start. They must run a little wide, these have no visible ratings for “width”, and I usually wear an EE width comfortably. This boot feels “solid”, seems as though they actually improve the “integrity of your stance”! Maybe that’s not the correct description, but I have not felt boots like this in years. I am spoiled, and typically wear Redwings. Which, also means I am accustomed to what “real” boots feel like. The Asolo has taken my feet to the next level (possibly two!). Thus far, have clocked about four hours in them, but intend to wear them to work for the next week. The plan is to really spend some time in them and helps foster a smooth break in. I am truly an amateur (photographer) that has only spent four hours in these boots so far, so my opinion holds little water. I have a very good “feeling” about these boots, and prophesies that these will hold up for years. It’s a pricey investment...worth the time to investigate. My whopping two unqualified cents! Peace all … JD

Great boots - My 1st pair of Asolo’s lasted through 15 years of consistent usage. This new pair is an attempt to replace the old, well-loved ones. They felt comfortable from the first moment I put them on: sturdy and substantial, but not unusually heavy. Hopefully these will last as long as their predecessors!

Bought my first pair 2001, now I'm looking for another pair. I've worn these boots every hunting season for eleven years in every climate from negative temps with four foot of snow to 85 degree hikes in sagebrush desert. I've had Vasque, Danner, Red Wings, and Schnees...when only the best will do...this is it!

I purchased these for my fiance. I personally wear these everyday and I now am on my sixth pair in the men's version. No other boot compares to these.

This is my second pair of Asolos. I had exactly the same style before--just wore them out, which isn't easy to do! I have narrowish feet and these work well for me. I normally have friction issues in the heels of any shoes I walk in, as my heel slides around. Not so much with these. First pair of hikers I ever put on and loved. As far as quality? Wow. They're permanently waterproof. I've walked in puddles that slurped up to the laces, I've trudged through snow piled high, and I've walked thousands of miles in my Asolos in the two years I've had them. I literally walked off the Vibram soles through to the under layer, but the uppers were still very much intact and even the laces held out in good shape. The pair I just purchased ran a little narrower than the last pair, but they're still better than any brand I've ever tried. Sure, they're not very girly, but when you wear these hikers, (mostly) men who know quality will occasionally stop you and compliment you on your hikers. Just a funny thing. The only downside to the style is the treads, as there are times when you don't have enough traction on wet leaves or ice or loose snow pack, but there aren't many others that fare better. I'd recommend these to anyone who wants to get super quality for her money--but they do run narrow, so they're not for the girls with wide feet. I add high quality insoles to the hikers, namely ProFeet, every two months.The insoles that come with the hikers aren't really spectacular, they're just basic. I wear out insoles like crazy with all my walking, so I have to replace them frequently. I had zero break-in time with these hikers, but they fit me like a glove out of the box. I would recommend tooling around the house and yard or staying local before you hike in these. Get used to them! One last note: they are heavy hikers. You'll need some time to adjust to the weight, and going up hills or stairs will be a new experience. However, once you're accustomed to them, you'll feel like you have no support when you wear other footwear. I can fly up hills with these hikers on, but put me in sneakers, and it feels like I'm waddling upwards. This is really the first pair of shoes that can keep up with me. I wear everything out, including breaking the last on hikers like Patagonias.

Bought these last winter and they still look and feel great. These boots are well worth the money. I have a very high arch and I don't even have to use my orthotic in them. I've worn them all day shopping...my feet were warm dry and comfy all day. Use them up north too. Look great with jeans or a dress. :)