Fugitive GTX Boot - Men's

Comments about Fugitive GTX Boot - Men's:

I've used a wide variety of hiking shoes and boots over the years. I got the wide version of this boot, and this is the first time I've owned an Asolo shoe or boot of any kind. I'm impressed. I like the extra width that gives the extra room, particularly in the toe box. On some other wide shoes, the heel was a little too roomy and would allow slippage. The heel stays nicely snug in these boots however. This is a little heavier than the shoes I used on the AT, but they seem much more secure and stable, something I was looking forward to trying after years of following the trail shoe philosophy of "The Ray Way." The weight is situated comfortably between that of the trail shoes and the old leather mountain boots I used to wear. The support however is very good.

I got them for backpacking in cold, wet weather like late fall/early spring. They broke in quickly, after two hikes of several miles in parks around my home. Then I took them backpacking on a 12-14 mile loop in a national forest near us. They were great. Despite snow on the ground and the temps hovering around 30, my feet were warm and dry. I also like the tread on the boots which gave me good, firm footing...except during a stream crossing that had some really slick rocks...but I haven't found a boot or hiking shoe yet that is able to grip on rocks like that.

They are a little heavier than the trail running shoes I've been using, but that's to be expected in a boot of this type. It will just take a little getting used to, I think. Something that I also noticed was the firmness of the heel. There is some cushioning in the heel of the outsole, but it is really firm. Again though, my reference point is the trail runners I've been using, which have running shoe padding. I was walking in the same way I did with the trail shoes at first, and my heels were a little sore the first night. It's something I will need to adjust for in the way I walk. I think the trail runners sometimes have TOO much padding, allowing you to become sloppy in your hiking form. Short light steps are more efficient in the long run, and I think this boot would be good for this type of gait.

I don't know about durability yet, but even after about 50 miles, the boots look like almost brand new. I'm looking forward to trying them on more hikes and possibly on a section hike of the AT again in the spring. Right now though, they are looking like they might be one of my favorite hiking boots of all time.

Comments about Asolo Fugitive GTX Boot - Men's:

Love these for hiking. They fit more like shoes, which makes them comfortable to wear for everyday use too! You won't be disappointed.

Comments about Fugitive GTX Boot - Men's:

My fugitives just fell apart...but they gave me 6 good years! I'm writing this review as I prepare to replace this boot after it carried me over 1000 miles. I have used these on just about every terrain you might expect to wear them and then some. Standing water was no issue as long as it wasn't over the top of the boot and same goes for mud and snow. The GoreTex liner keeps feet dry. My problem, as is the same no matter what boot i wear, is that my feet are always hot and sweat. I do think that this boot allows some of that moisture to escape as compared to some others I have worn.

The support was great all around. I felt nimble enough to move quick with a heavy load yet supported enough to tackle rugged terrain. I used the insoles that they came with for a few years but then opted for an after market to give a boost back to the support.

Only issue I ever had was I busted a few stitches through wear and tear on the seam where the upper and lower meet but a little shoo goo kept it going a long time.

Overall I think this is a fantastic boot and I'm about to get another pair.

(Full disclosure: although I purchased these boots I have been a part of the Gore MountainTech testing initiative in which I occasionally receive Gore-Tex products in exchange for participation.)