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Asolo TPS 520 GV - Women's Review

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Asolo TPS 520 GV - Women's Review (Asolo TPS 520 GV - Women's)
Asolo TPS 520 GV - Women's
Credit: Asolo
Price:  $330 List
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Manufacturer:   Asolo
By McKenzie Long ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Jun 1, 2012

Our Verdict

This particular version of the TPS 520 GV is no longer made.
REASONS TO BUY
Burly
Completely waterproof
Easy to tie
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Heavy
If you need the most durable, most protective, most supportive boot that you can find, short of a mountaineering boot, the Asolo TPS 520 GV is what you are looking for. If you need a lot of protection and support, but don't need something quite this heavy duty, look into the Asolo Bullet, which is an excellent lighter weight choice for backpacking. For lightweight backpacking or day hikes we recommend the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid - Women's, which is our favorite all-around boot, or the Sportiva FC Eco 3.0 or Keen Targhee II Mid - Women's as comfortable, less expensive alternatives.

Our Analysis and Test Results

Support


As the heaviest, beefiest boots in this review, the Asolo TPS 520 GV offer the most amount of support and protection for your feet, if not the most memorable or catchy name. The ankle support rises high onto the ankle and a nylon shank provides underfoot stability. These will hold up to any heavy load or long hike you put them up to.

Traction


The unique sole of the TPS (which is, in fact, where it gets part of its mouthful of a name: TPS = Triple Power Structure) was designed in tandem between Vibram and Asolo. In combination with typical rubber, three key spots include dual-density polyurethane to create shock absorbers in the areas where your feet need it most. They do in fact feel bouncier in these three spots, which adds to the comfort of your legs and feet while hiking.

Comfort


Even though these are the burliest and stiffest in this review, the wide, flat laces, three hook eyelets, and gusseted tongue make these by far the easiest to put on, lace, and tie. The padded tongue is quite comfy, though the rest of the boot is rather stiff and inflexible, requiring some time to break them in properly.

Durability


These are likely to last your whole life. If you can find enough occasions to wear them out, let us know, because you deserve some type of award.

Style


These are your classic, all-leather hiking boot.

Water Resistance/Breathability


A combination of full grain leather and Gore-Tex Performance Footwear lining makes these boots virtually impenetrable. They are also the least breathable in this review, and not ideal for wearing in heat.

Best Application


These are best used on heavy duty backpacking trips over wet and variable terrain, or on hikes over snowy mountain passes, and not in hot, dry weather or on light day hikes, where they are overkill. These are the most compatible with a strap-on or instep crampon, and would be the most comfortable boots to wear if your hike necessitated kicking steps in snow.

Value


These are expensive boots. But when purchasing a hiking boot that is also a lifetime investment, they can be worth the expense, if they are the type you are looking for.

Other Versions


Asolo TPS 520 GV - Men's

— McKenzie Long
 
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