The moment David put on his new Asolos, it was clear. "Joy that they fit – and surprise at how light they are," he sums up his first impressions. No breaking in, no drama. Just boots that convince you the first time you lace them up that they won't bother your feet in any way.
Asolo Eldo Lth GV weigh just 325 grams (half a pair, size 8 UK). They are designed for technical approaches, via ferratas, ordinary hikes and any mountain outing where lightness and agility count.
David likes the fact that the boots don't draw much attention to themselves. "A nice, understated design," he says. No crazy colours, no fashion statements. Just boots that look good almost in passing. Out in the terrain you focus on the path anyway – not on whether your boots match your backpack.
The upper is made of water-resistant suede, 1.5–1.7 mm thick, from a tannery certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG).
On dry rock, David found that the Eldos practically stick to the surface. The grip of the Vibram MegaGrip sole lets you walk on sloping slabs as confidently as on a pavement. "You can literally walk up a vertical wall," David jokes.
The Asolo/Vibram AG sole uses the MegaGrip compound for extra grip in both dry and wet conditions. The tread is self-cleaning, so you won't lose your footing even in mud.
Asolo Eldo GV handle that with ease too. David only noticed that when it's warmer, your feet get a little sweaty inside. "They're not as breathable as other boots with synthetic uppers, but better slightly sweaty feet than having every puddle or dewy patch of grass soak them even more."
The boots combine water-resistant leather with a GORE-TEX Extended Comfort membrane, which keeps water out and provides decent breathability.
After several weeks of intensive use, David's Asolos still look good. The seams are holding, the leather is undamaged and the sole shows no signs of wear. "From a distance they look good. Up close too – you just have to hold your breath," David jokes.
Asolo Eldo GV have thin but really strong laces, and the heel loops – for easy on and off, or for hanging the boots up – are made of the same material.
In the end, David summed it up simply: "Light, sturdy and reliable boots." Great for everyday hikes, approaches to the foot of a wall, or those days when the whole world gets soaked – and you with it.
Even when you wear the sole smooth, it's not the end. Asolo boots can be resoled. Just send them to us – and in six weeks you'll get them back with a new sole, rand, laces, insole and repaired seams.
