Asolo Fugitive GTX Men’s Hiking Boots Review

Are you looking for a sturdy, light, and affordable new pair of men’s hiking boots?

This is exactly where I was in 2016. My trusted Merrells, which my late grandmother gave me as a present just before I moved to Switzerland in 2006, finally wore out and allowed my feet to become very wet on a backpacking trip in the Sierras. They were beyond repair, so it was time to invest in a new pair.

After trying on a lot of boots, I settled on the Asolo Fugitive GTX from Vital Outdoors in Golden Colorado. We had a big 6-day cross-Glacier National Park trip coming up so I knew I needed something extremely light and waterproof. I found both of those in the Asolo Fugitive GTX.

Here’s my review.

Check out the Fugitive on Moosejaw ($254.95)

Check out the Fugitive on Backcountry ($249.95)

Overview

When I bought the Fugitive GTX, I knew I had a big backpacking trip coming up. I needed a light and waterproof boot that would also let my feet breathe. I was tired of all-leather boots that were heavy and let my feet get swampy when hiking in wet climates.

These boots delivered.

They have a water-resistant suede and high-tenacity nylon upper that lets your ankles breathe. The Gore-Tex waterproofing keeps your feet dry through warm climates and wet climates alike. The rubber toe overlay keeps your toes from scuffing prematurely and the midsole absorbs shock as you put in the miles.

While I’ve taken these through some smaller rivers, like any other boot they’ll get wet if the water comes over the top of your boot. These aren’t waders! But the suede and nylon uppers dry quickly around a fire, and if you pull out the footbed then they won’t be wet in the morning for the next day.

The rubber on the sole is Asolo’s Syncro. While most boots these days use industry-standard Vibram soles, Asolo’s decision to use their own is interesting to me. Upon some digging, they decided to do this because they felt they were able to provide a lighter product (the Asolo is all about weight reduction) with the same performance for a better price.

I’m down with that.

From the manufacturer

Here is the official Asolo product description:

One-piece water-resistant 1,8 mm suede leather upper. Gore-Tex® lining, waterproof and breathable. Lasting board with Duo Asolflex technology. Midsole in PU mono density. Asolo® highly technical sole, the balance of the outsole has self-cleaning lugs designed for optimum performance on varying types of terrain. Classic lacing system. Toe rubber cap.

Photos

I’m traveling right now and don’t have my boots with me (no room so I brought my Merrell Moab FSTs) so these photos are all from Moosejaw:

Technical Details

Here are the technical details as outlined by Asolo’s official site:

UPPER : Water-resistant suede 1,6-1,8 mm + high tenacity nylon.
LINING : Gore-Tex Performance Comfort Footwear.
LASTING BOARD : Duo Asoflex man.
ANATOMIC FOOTBED : Lite 2.
SOLE : Asolo Syncro (rubber-pu).
FIT : Man
WEIGHT : 690 (g) (1/2 pair size 8 UK)
SIZE : 6-13,5 UK
MADE : in ROMANIA
OPTION : Wide Fit

Does Single Geared recommend the Asolo Fugitive GTX boot?

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, we recommend this boot for hiking spring through fall. If you’re out in the winter then you’ll want something more insulated and meant for snow like the Keen Durand.

Check out the Fugitive on Moosejaw ($254.95)

Check out the Fugitive on Backcountry ($249.95)

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