GaliWalker
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Post by GaliWalker on Jan 25, 2022 12:12:08 GMT -8
After trying various brands of boots, I've eventually settled on the Asolo TPS 520s as my footwear of choice. They have been the only boot in which the waterproofing has never failed, and due to their old-school styling, have not split where plastic has dug into the leather. I did notice however, that maybe 5yrs after heavy hiking use the sole began to separate from the boot. The boots was generally still in good shape, despite the ~500mi per year that I generally subject them to, and the 5yrs life I got was still way better than other boots I'd previously owned. Right now, I'm on my second pair, about 3yrs in. With my generally good experience I recommended these boots to others, only for them to get back to me and say that quite a few reviews were negative, mentioning "catastrophic" failure, with the soles delaminating from the boot, even if very lightly used. This wasn't quite my experience, so I started to investigate. It seems that all modern boots have this problem, which is caused by hydrolysis attacking the mid-sole. The moisture causes the mid-sole to develop tiny cracks and eventually leads to failure. This begins to happen right after manufacture, and peaks 6yrs or so later. And, funnily enough, the less you use the boots the quicker the failure happens! (In fact, Asolo recommends switching your boots 5yrs after purchase.) Here's a (non-Asolo) boot maker's explanation: stories.hanwag.com/en/hiking-boots-sole-coming-off-what-to-do/ |
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Post by cweston on Jan 25, 2022 13:53:18 GMT -8
Interesting. These days, the uppers of my boots and trail shoes never seem to stay intact long enough for midsole delamination to occur.
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Post by plaidman on Jan 25, 2022 14:08:51 GMT -8
Yes. My wife and I are both on our second pair of Asolo 520s. I recall my first pair lasting longer than 6 years, but when they go, they go. We've also had this happen on other brands of boots. Not a good risk on a long trip. I carry a tube of Shoe Goo or similar adhesive in my pack, just in case things fall apart. While I really like my Asolos, it's things like this that make me pine for my old, full grain Pivetta boots of my youth. They lasted decades and saw numerous re-soles before the inside cuff of the uppers totally rotted out.
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GaliWalker
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Post by GaliWalker on Jan 25, 2022 14:16:23 GMT -8
Interesting. These days, the uppers of my boots and trail shoes never seem to stay intact long enough for midsole delamination to occur. I used to have this with other boots, but these boots are better than those ones, so now I run into the delaminating soles problem. There’s no escape!  |
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franco
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Post by franco on Jan 25, 2022 14:51:57 GMT -8
Years ago another brand , Raichle, was targeted as the sole culprit on another forum. (I think it was White Blaze but I am not sure)
I pointed out at the time the reason why it happens and the fact that it wasn't restricted to one brand.
Many scoffed...
(BTW, I also used a link to a different manufacturer but evev that did not make any difference for some).
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GaliWalker
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Post by GaliWalker on Jan 25, 2022 15:15:15 GMT -8
The first thing I did when the negative reviews were pointed out to me was to search for whether the problem was confined to only the one manufacturer. It seemed the obvious thing to do. That’s when I found the link above.
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on Jan 25, 2022 16:42:54 GMT -8
I have been through several pairs of 535's. I don't want Goretex. About 5 years each. Replaced because the tread was worn out. I have had one pair of 520's since REI was out of stock of the 535 when I needed to replace. They seemed the same. I bought them just before the twins were born. So they went into the closet for about 7 years hardly used. When I finally dusted them off the soles at the heel to the mid-sole de-laminated on my first multi-day trip. I had to use sections of hang rope to macrame them on so I could get home. I bought another pair of 535's.
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driftwoody
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Post by driftwoody on Jan 25, 2022 16:49:32 GMT -8
I had the Asolo Fugitive GTX for several years, but didn't use it as much as I anticipated because I bought it shortly before I realized the merits of lighter footwear.
The last time I decided to take them out fir a spin I noticed the soles were delaminating. The uppers were in great shape, but the boots were unwearable.
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GaliWalker
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Post by GaliWalker on Jan 25, 2022 16:55:03 GMT -8
I think the key is to use the boots, at least occasionally. Letting them sit, only shortens the shelf life. (I think I managed to cram two puns in that final sentence.)
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on Jan 25, 2022 16:59:22 GMT -8
Since it is a polymer, the glue might be like bread dough. Working it makes more chain links. Sitting they relax.
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driftwoody
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Post by driftwoody on Jan 25, 2022 17:24:11 GMT -8
If you don't move it you lose it, apparently.
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Hungry Jack
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Post by Hungry Jack on Jan 26, 2022 14:09:30 GMT -8
Honestly, if you get 5 years of extensive use out of hiking boots, you have done pretty well.
I have owned several pairs of Hi-Tec boots, and they have held up very well. I have not bought a pair recently (because I have not had to!), and some reports suggest their quality has declined.
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driftwoody
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Post by driftwoody on Jan 26, 2022 15:11:55 GMT -8
I got the trail equivalent of 6 months out of my Fugitives.
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Post by offtrail on Jan 28, 2022 8:13:30 GMT -8
GaliWalker,
I hike in the Asolo 520s and have gone through a number of them. I have experienced the same delamination problem. I really like the boots and found a company to resole them. Rocky Mountain Resole 719-539-1455. I have had 2 pairs of these boots resoled by them and never experienced another delamination. In fact, I've worn the uppers out on one pair and the soles are staying in place just fine. It cost $90 to have them resoled. Since I like the boots and the uppers of my latest pair were still in good condition, I've had another pair resoled. I've used them repeatedly with no issues. They resole with a good Vibram sole. Hope this helps.
offtrail
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GaliWalker
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Post by GaliWalker on Jan 28, 2022 10:36:06 GMT -8
^ How about the waterproofing? My Asolos are the only boot I've owned in which the waterproofing hasn't gone poof within the first 6months. My soles have delaminated but the waterproofing is still perfect.
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