Asolo TPS 520 Hiking Boots

I’ve used these hiking boots throughout more than a Decade of Outdoor Adventure

A great pair of hiking boots, boots that are comfortable, supportive, and durable, is as critical for a safe and successful outdoor adventure as a reliable car is for a cross-country trip.

I strongly recommend the Asolo TPS 520 GV hiking boot because it is comfortable from the first wearing and, in my experience, has only grown more comfortable with nearly a decade of use, and that use spans from high mountain glaciers to sweltering jungles to miles after mile of dry, dusty trail.

I’ve shared the story of a cheap pair of hiking boots ripping my feet apart during a multi-day trek across Northern Spain enough times already, so let’s just sum it up like this: a bad pair of hiking boots is a very bad thing. Like pain and frustration (AKA blisters and open sores) in one scenario, a cracked ankle is a worse one.

When it comes to hiking boots, you just can’t go cheap. Think of it like this: would you strap yourself into the driver’s seat of a car known for terrible shocks? Or board a train with a reputation for derailing? Or book a massage at a parlor known for leaving clients’ skin raw and ragged? No on all fronts, I’ll wager. Well, a bad pair of hiking boots is quite likely to lead to a repetitive impact injury, maybe more acute when you roll a step, and/or to skin that’s blistered and bloodied if you are logging more than a few miles.

The Asolo TPS 520 GV hiking boots? Not going to give you those issues. What they are going to give you is a boot that is as comfortable as any footwear you own from the first time you don them. I still remember the revelation I experienced trying these out a decade back at an REI in Arcadia, CA. I thought something along the lines of: “Whoa, these are really comfortable.” But just pretend it was more interesting than that.

A decade on, the boots only feel better, and the only maintenance I’ve ever done is a couple of shines and some waterproofing treatment, which was probably gilding the lily anyway. Being full-grain leather all throughout the upper, these boots are quite waterproof. I’ve relied on that while trekking on glaciers and snowfields while crossing streams while scrambling through mud, and in many a downpour. If you can keep water or snow from getting in the collar your feet will stay dry, simple as that. (Well, except sweat.) 

The boots have an outsole that is made from ultra-tough Vibram and will absorb heel strikes on rocks or roots, let you kick steps into ice, and that provide more than enough support no matter what kind of terrain you are crossing. They work great with a pair of crampons and are grippy even on slick surfaces, like mossy stones or logs. Inside, a dual-foam midsole provides support and comfort in stark contrast to the rugged, rigid exterior. It’s a fine pairing, is the short story, those layers underfoot.

The shaft of these boots is around six-and-a-half inches in height, which is more than tall enough to keep ankles safe from rolling and to keep snow, dirt, pebbles, and other such whatnot out. As for the lacing system, you’ll find the standard three sets of hooks on the shaft and five pairs of loops over the top of the foot – all in all, it’s easy to adjust the laces for a perfect fit even as you use different socks given the climate through which you’re trekking.

Yes, at two pounds per boot, these are rather heavy boots. But listen, when I want to move light and fast, I use trail runners. When I want to safely summit Mt. Rainier, hike hundred-plus miles in South America, or mountaineer in Rocky Mountain National Park in January, I wear these. And for a lot of other adventures, too.