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Michael Bennett | profile | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gear tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Gear

Backpacking Boots
Backpacking Boots 		Snowshoes
Snowshoes 		Rides
Rides
Nikon D2Xs
Nikon D2Xs 		Seven Ti SS CX
Seven Ti SS CX 		Nikon D3 Err
Nikon D3 Err

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Michael Bennett21-Jun-2009 00:10
Hi Jason,

Thanks for the comments!

I actually bought a pair of Asolo Power Matic 250s and have been very happy with them! I'll try and get some pics up soon. They just fit my foot right and better than any of the other boots I tried, all of which were much more money. The heel cup holds my heel snug like no other boot I tried and the toe box has plenty of space for my toes to wiggle. My feet have never given me any issues with the Asolos!

I really liked the Lowa Banffs and was pretty much sold on them...the inner leather linings are buttery smooth and feel luxurious on your foot. But, after wearing them around the house for a week, I didn't end-up liking the fit as much. So, when I returned them, I found the Asolos on sale and decided to try them since I tried pretty much everything else ;) I'm glad I did!

The Scarpas were a very nice boot, but more boot than I needed. Although the Asolos are listed as a backpacking boot, the Scarpas are far more of a backpacking boot (more rugged, heavier and clunkier when walking). For the hiking/backing I do, the Asolos are a great boot that offers excellent stiffness, while still being very walkable...they almost have a spring to the step. I wear my Asolos all the time, even when not hiking. I would never have worn the Scarpas for anything but hiking/backpacking. If I ever need a more rugged pair of backpacking boots, the Scarpas would be my boot.

I don't like GoreTex in my boots/shoes...my feet sweat too much and I find my feet overheat in GoreTex. So, that eliminated the Zamberlan Vioz GTs. The Trek Lite 2s were OK, but just didn't seem to fit my foot like I was hoping. The Cambrelle lining in the Asolos has been great so far and I've not had any sweating/overheating issues...granted, it's not been the warmest Spring/Summer :(

I've been out on many couple hour hikes and I'm very happy with my Asolos. They fit like a glove and never give me any hot-spots! Break-in was very quick and painless. My only complaint about the Asolos would be their sole...they can be somewhat slippery on wet surfaces. Some bigger/deeper tread would have been better. But, for the most part, it's not really a problem.

I really like the Asolo's MicroPulley lacing system...it really does work and makes getting-out of the boot a breeze! A very slick system that actually works! So far, no durability issues with the pulleys.

What I really learned through this boot-buying experience was you really need to try the boots at home for at least a week before you can really tell whether they are right for you. My Kidz thought I was crazy always swapping between boots, often wearing 2 different boots. But, it really helped me eliminate all of the other boots. You are going to spend hours/days in your boots and you need to make sure they won't cause you pain.

Cheers,
M.
Jason 08-Apr-2009 03:59
Hi there,

I saw your posts for hiking boots on clubtread.com and photos on pbase.com - very nice photos BTW. I was wondering which boot you finally decided to go with and why? I am down to a similar decision, probably ruling out the zamberlan vioz GT like you did. I haven't had access to a pair of the Banff here in Toronto. I have a somewhat narrow heel, with a normal mid-foot width but wider toebox. I have a medium to higher volume foot.

Any info appreciated.

Thanks

Jason
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