EntropySink
Entertainment & Artistry => Sports/Outdoors & Manpoon => Topic started by: Perspective on December 31, 2006, 02:45:36 PM
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I'm starting to buy stuff for my trip to south america this summer. I found some backpacking boots on sale (Asolo, $170 CDN), but I'm not really sure if its worth while to buy them. I'm mostly going to be walking around cities with a heavy pack some of the time. Some hiking, but nothing too intense. I'm not sure if a comfortable pair of shoes would be better than expensive backpacking boots.
opinions?
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If you're keeping everything in your pack, I'd just get the boots - more room in your pack that way.
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Decent boots are great!
I started out with a nice pair of cross-trainers when I globe trotted. I quickly switched to Merril boots (well most of the time) to protect my ankles. Lots of foreign cities, public transportation, trails, and stairways can be rough, uneven, have potholes all over the place, and or have protrusions friggin' everywhere. I sliced all they way through to my sock once in Shanghai. My boots saved my ankles and even toes more than a few times. I suggest the boots if you can only choose one. BTW Asolo and Merril make great products!
Knuck
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As Knuck touched on, there is a difference in support between boots and shoes. Shoes generally support the arch of your foot, while boots are designed to protect your ankle. With a heavy pack you can easy twist your ankle if you aren't careful and having proper support is a must.
I'd go with the boots and while you are at it pick up some boot socks also. They are generally thicker and provide the cushion you are used to, and they also absorb the sweat better, keeping your feet drier.
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> BTW Asolo and Merril make great products!
Vasque, too
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Yup! Used Vasque also they are at least as good as the other two!
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I asked my backpacking-fiend friend about Asolos last night and he said that they're not worth the money.
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I don't know about specific brands or anything, but from what I've heard, you want to get the quickest drying pair possible also.
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merill boots ftw.
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Just flew home so I've missed out on the Asolos that were on sale. I'll be looking around for some good boots though. Thanks for the feedback.
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I ended up buying Vasque Wasatch GTX's. They're lovely. Comfortable as hell, even with a heavy pack on a 5 mile hike in snow. I wear them when I'm working in the field, too
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I just picked up a pair of Asolos.
They are like armor. So far so good. Well padded.
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47595279&parent_category_rn=4501274
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http://www.trailspace.com/gear/asolo/tps-520-gv/#reviews
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My REI had jack squat for Merrells, sorry.
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No loyalty to REI. Nice place. A bit pricey. Awesome selection of nearly everthing a sporting shop carries.
I was hoping to find Merrils or Vasques but the Asolos just kinda happened.
I will give a more thorough review in a few weeks or so.
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Hey an update on the Asolos.
They have worked out well. They are a breed apart from my old Ecco hikers. the Eccos were much softer and less protective but have a more shoe like feel. The Asolos are like body armor. They can take a huge amount of abuse without letting anything into your foot. Tough! Much stiffer sole, much more durable. Extremely well padded, ventilated, and the ankle fit is unsurpassed.
However. The insert padding is crap. I immediately replaced the factory inserts with aftermarket versions by Sole. I lile the green ones with the gell ones on top of them.
No break in required. Fit well and have not rubbed or blistered my pussy-soft feet. Can be slippery on an oily hard surface floor. The Eccos really grabbed well on the same surface. I thiunk it is due to the harder rubber (Vibram) the Asolos use.
Good boots. 9/10
Knuck
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Cool but...
With my Asolos, the heels are removable. One has a Derringer and four bullets in it, and the other has a lockpick, C4, and a square of duct tape.
Oh and the soles are so boyant that you can walk across calm waters (just don't get flipped upside down!!!).