Asolo TPS 520 GV Boots
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MountainsnBluegrass
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Asolo TPS 520 GV Boots
Hello all! I just bought a pair of Asolo TPS 520 boots from REI. They are a more rugged boot than I am used to, but I am sick of wearing out my Merrels. Anyway, does anyone have a pair of these same boots? If so, how do they perform? Best uses? And, are they cramon compatible? If so, what kind of crampons? Thanks!
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Johnson
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Re: Asolo TPS 520 GV Boots
I have the 535's and I really like them. I guess it depends on your needs and how they fit your feet. The person I bought mine from did not carry any boot with Gortex. His opinion is that Gortex does not make a good material for footwear. I have no opinion yet on that. As far as the quality of this line, I say they are great.
In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. - Psalm 95:4
"I would be doing myself a disservice and every member of this band if I didn't perform the hell out of this." - Gene
"I would be doing myself a disservice and every member of this band if I didn't perform the hell out of this." - Gene
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Jon Frohlich
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Re: Asolo TPS 520 GV Boots
I have a pair of Powermatic 200 GV's which are similar and I love them. I've had them on numerous backpacking trips as well as 14ers and never had any blisters. If they fit your feet you will be very happy with them. I ended up having mine resoled last summer and they are still going strong. High end Asolos can stand up to a lot of abuse. You can only use strap-on crampons with them like the Black Diamonds I put a link to below.
http://www.rei.com/product/798354
http://www.rei.com/product/798354
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Johnson
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Re: Asolo TPS 520 GV Boots
Sorry, forgot to comment on crampons but +1 on what Jon said.
In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. - Psalm 95:4
"I would be doing myself a disservice and every member of this band if I didn't perform the hell out of this." - Gene
"I would be doing myself a disservice and every member of this band if I didn't perform the hell out of this." - Gene
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MountainsnBluegrass
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- Joined: 8/16/2009
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Re: Asolo TPS 520 GV Boots
How do the strap on crampons work? Do they slip around your foot at all?
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Moboy56
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Re: Asolo TPS 520 GV Boots
i've had a pair of the 520's for over 3 years. and i can honestly say the footbed and feel have not changed from the time i put them on. i'm a boot guy that wears them all the time. snow, rain, mud, rocks you name it, a GREAT boot. they are a little slick on wet rocks so be careful up high.
“The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.”
Jack London
Jack London
Re: Asolo TPS 520 GV Boots
I have had a pair of 520's for two years. Best fitting boot I've had for my narrow foot. Seems about as stiff of a boot as there is before going to a mountaineering boot. I just got strap on crampons - haven't used them on anything very steep yet but the combo seems pretty good for moderate climbs. From what I've read, without mountaineering boots and full 12 point step-in crampons short sections of 50 degree snow (and less step ice) is the limit for this set up.
My only disappointment with the boot for summer hiking is the gore-tex lining. It does not breath well enough and is too hot for summer. On longer, steeper climbs, steamy boots combined with the extra friction from the steepness = blisters. I never had blister problems with my old boots that were not gore tex. I would not get gore-tex for a summer boot again. The 535 (520 without gore-tex) will be my next boot.
My only disappointment with the boot for summer hiking is the gore-tex lining. It does not breath well enough and is too hot for summer. On longer, steeper climbs, steamy boots combined with the extra friction from the steepness = blisters. I never had blister problems with my old boots that were not gore tex. I would not get gore-tex for a summer boot again. The 535 (520 without gore-tex) will be my next boot.
