Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2015 8:36:14 GMT -8
I had a pair of Asolo boots (probably the goretex 520s) that I bought many years ago (5+) which I loved for the fit, support, and waterproofness which never wore off. I thought they were the best and most comfortable boots ever. However, I had a bad experience with them this fall where the sole delaminated in the middle of a hike and the boot fell apart.
Looking at reviews, it seems like delamination is a more common problem with this boot than it should be (and is impacting even some boots without many miles/years on them). If it weren't for this issue, I'd simply go out and buy another pair when REI has a sale. Now I'm wondering if there is alternative boot that I should be looking at instead.
My typically usage is day-hikes or short camping trips and I'll typically be carrying at least 20-30 lbs of gear. I do go off trail and may stand in streams so the rock solid waterproofing of the 520s is a must. I don't get too hot in them and will wear them with microspikes.
Is there another boot I should check out? or should I just rebuy them and hope delamination doesn't occur. Is there anything I can do to reduce the likelihood of delamination?
thanks
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Nov 13, 2015 10:10:26 GMT -8
If you have an REI nearby, try on the Danner Light ll and compare them to the fit you get from the 520. As in all footwear, buy the best fit you can find.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Nov 15, 2015 7:36:32 GMT -8
Five plus years of service? I'd suspect you just pushed past the warning signs the boots were done and had the failure you set yourself up for, like running on tires where the cords are showing. If current 520's give you a good fit they might be the right choice. Also research REI's product guarantee. Unfortunately with current boot construction techniques centered on adhesives delaminatuin is the mode failure is going to take either prematurely or at the end of the products functional life. To address that specific concern look for sewn boots, Limmers? www.limmerboot.com/care-parent.htmlOr their stock or custom available at their Intervale shop (different from the online source above)? www.limmercustomboot.com/cgi-bin/CustomBoot/index.plThe stock ones: www.limmercustomboot.com/cgi-bin/CustomBoot/limmer.pl?domain=info&name=stock |
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gabby
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Post by gabby on Nov 15, 2015 13:37:26 GMT -8
Five plus years of service? I'd suspect you just pushed past the warning signs the boots were done and had the failure you set yourself up for, like running on tires where the cords are showing. ... Unfortunately with current boot construction techniques centered on adhesives delaminatuin is the mode failure is going to take either prematurely or at the end of the products functional life. To address that specific concern look for sewn boots, Limmers? Egg-sackully! |
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johnnyray
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Post by johnnyray on Nov 15, 2015 15:46:28 GMT -8
Unfortunately with current boot construction techniques centered on adhesives delaminatuin is the mode failure is going to take either prematurely or at the end of the products functional life. I've been told the same by boot fitters and that has pretty much been my experience. I have boots that are not really what I would call worn out but the glue fails in one place or another, hiking a lot in wet conditions accelerates it. I have had some luck using Seam Grip to glue uppers back together but not the soles. |
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Post by 1camper on Nov 22, 2015 18:32:11 GMT -8
I'd made the switch back to stitch down construction in buying a pair of Danner light 2s a couple years ago. Loved those boots! Decided to replace them with the all leather mountain lights by Danner. Loved the design but they are the most uncomfortable boots I've ever owned. Took a full two months of wearing them, often soaking wet to break them in and they still aren't that comfortable. I will give them the edge as far as waterproofing just heavy and not comfortable.
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Post by tipiwalter on Nov 22, 2015 19:19:07 GMT -8
I guess only people who have experienced Asolo boots and their quality control issues can really comment on them, or should. Stephen7---I CAN RELATE!! See my recent post on the subject--- bpbasecamp.freeforums.net/post/16498My comfy Asolo 520's delaminated after just a year of use and my Asolo Fugitives ripped a seam after 3 months! This is mind-blowing. So what to do? I ordered a pair of Italian-made Zamberlan Vioz Plus GT RR(just means size wide)---NOT Romanian!---and we shall see what happens. I stayed with my Asolo size fitting and got the Vioz's in the same size and they are just as comfy as the Asolos. check in with me in a month and I'll give a full report. Regarding the Limmers, well, I have a long sad tale of a new pair of Limmer lightweights I got in 2001 which had a sole welt thread blowout in just 2 years and as I was on a backpacking trip and had some seam grip so I squirted in a bunch of McNetts seam grip which must've voided the warranty even though I called Limmer and they told me they "may have used unwaxed thread on some of the soles" which I thought should be enough to get me a new pair of boots. Nope. I sent them off and $90 later I got them back with new soles and in two weeks this happened---  |
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Nov 22, 2015 19:26:37 GMT -8
On my third pair of Asolo Gore-Tex 520's since 1992. Not had any problems other than a shortened life cycle due to the wearing out the boot sole. Have (3) other backcountry footwear alternatives to choose from depending on the situation. Typically use the 520's on 80/20 trail/off-trail hiking and backpacking for short durations from a day hike to a week.
Went to visit Danner in Portland, OR and wanted to switch to Danner's. Alas their last, is not a treat for my feet.
The Asolo's fit and their manufacturing sizing and processes seem to be consistent year to year. I've worn out the soles prior to any pre-mature delamination.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Nov 22, 2015 20:22:34 GMT -8
Used Asolos for years though only one pair of 520s ("AFX 520 GTX"). Nice boots. And five plus years ain't a bad run as far as reliability goes. Speaking of glue, who does a Norwegian welt these days?  Untitled by John, on Flickr |
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Post by tipiwalter on Nov 23, 2015 6:10:21 GMT -8
Speaking of glue, who does a Norwegian welt these days?  By Norwegian welt I am assuming you're talking generally about any welted boot as there is Norwegian and Goodyear and the Blake stitch and others. Here's a goodyear welt---  And here's a norwegian---  Not sure but Limmer looks like goodyear. Glued soles are definitely what most backpackers are using, such as the Asolo 520s and my new Zamberlans. |
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Post by tipiwalter on Nov 23, 2015 6:10:47 GMT -8
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Nov 23, 2015 8:57:27 GMT -8
I expect the glued boots get VERY light once the sole falls off?
One of those "good news: bad news": situations....
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johnnyray
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Post by johnnyray on Nov 23, 2015 10:53:43 GMT -8
I have had welted or stitched boots back in the day and was never happy with the resoling or having uppers repaired or replaced, just didn't fit the same.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Nov 23, 2015 11:06:26 GMT -8
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Post by 1camper on Nov 27, 2015 16:50:06 GMT -8
The glued vs stitch down construction made me want to do an in hand comparison.  The Danner mountain light 2 left and some Asolo all leather over molded backpacking boots on right. More sole equals more traction. |
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