Asolo Parallel GTX Review

"Price: listed at $120, but I paid $45 on a great sale
Weight: 4,6 (heavy boots)
Material: plastic, rubber, leather, Gortex, etc.

I bought these boots basically because they were on sale, not because I was really looking for any new boots.

I took them on a 100+ break in hike the next week. I never got a single blister, never got my feet wet once, even when walking across creeks, and never turned an ankle (I have a problem with that in many pairs of boots).

These boots have a plasic ankle support that is exposed, this concerns me because it looks like it could get caught on rocks and roots, but so far it hasn't happened. They are extreamly "bomb proof", when you put them on, they feel stiff, and you get the impression that a LAW rocket would only scratch them up even on direct impact.

Even though they feel stiff, the give good protection to your feet, and are padded inside to give comfort, but are not over padded. Overall they are seriously heavy boots, not for dayhiking, and most people these days seem to be going for midweight boots.

Conclusion: if you can get them like I did - on sale, then get them! Otherwise there are some duribility issues that I reserve judgement on because of the exposed plastic and numerous stitches used in construction.

Rating: 7 out of 10"

"My parallel's were awesome! They still looked great, but the soles gave way coming down Mt. Shavano in Colorado. 3 layers of soles, which attests to how well-made they were. By the time I reached the TH, I was left with the last layer, which was like walking on moccasins. Not too uncomfortable. So... they were getting old, but I really thought I would have them a couple of years longer."