REASONS TO BUY
A very supportive lightweight backpacking option
REASONS TO AVOID
Hot and not very breathable
Asolo Bullet GTX - Women's Review
Asolo Bullet - Women's
Credit: Asolo
Our Verdict
The Asolo Bullet is essentially a better built, more comfortable (though more expensive) Kailash. They are both midweight waterproof boots that are adequate to day hike in and can handle longer backpacking trips. The Bullet wins our Top Pick for Best Backpacking Boot because we favor lighter boots over heavyweight boots such as the Asolo TPS 520 GV, and these offer protection and support for heavy loads and long distances while staying relatively lightweight. If you want a mid-weight boot but can't afford the Bullet, the Vasque Breeze is an excellent, less-costly option. If you prefer an even lighter boot, our Editors' Choice, the Lowa Renegade, is the boot that is most capable of doing it all, backpacking as well as day hiking.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Support
The Bullet offers a great amount of support, rising higher around the ankle than the Sportvia FC Eco, the Targhee II, or the Lowa Renegade. The unique sole with Pebax inserts provides extra support and stability when carrying a heavy weight. The Bullet would classify as a mid-weight boot. However, even with all the additional support if offers, it is not too heavy.
Traction
The Power-Lite soles are burly, durable, and provide a great surface for walking when you don't want to take a spill. The Pebax inserts add extra grip to the heels.
Comfort
Aside from the restrictive ankle cuff, which provides support and protection, the Bullet fits comfortably. They don't rate up there with the Sportvia FC Eco or the Keen Targhee II in comfort, but they fit much more comfortably than the similarly weighted Scarpa Kailash.
The Bullet has a unique lacing system that passes through a loop on the tongue to make it easier to keep the tongue centered over your foot, and it allows you to tighten the boot in the area where it is most important to prevent heel slippage.
Style
We like that as well as a traditional tan, the Bullet comes in a flashy red.
Durability
The Bullet is solidly built and has yet to show serious signs of wear. We anticipate these boots will last a long time and will stand up to multiple seasons of backpacking.
Water Resistance / Breathability
These boots are tough against water, but in heat they are sweaty and not very breathable. Partly because they fit higher than many of the other boots, and partly because the upper is made mostly from solid suede, they can be hot to hike in.
Best Application
Even though these boots are not very heavy, they are still overkill for most day hikes, and are best put to use on backpacking trips where most people prefer more support and protection.
Value
Between $250 - $260, these boots are lighter and less expensive than their burlier counterpart, the Asolo TPS 520 GV. For a well constructed and solidly built boot, this is a relatively reasonable price.
—
McKenzie Long
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