After trying on every pair of backpacking boot in multiple stores, I had given up on finding something as comfortable as my old and worn out pair that were in desperate need of replacing. Since the boots that I had been wearing are no longer in production, I was forced to find a different boot.
Asolo Power Matic 200 (women’s). Fantastic boot!
After searching multiple stores with no luck, the very last pair that I tried on were the Asolo Power Matic 200 boots and they fit perfect! These boots sit at the top of the price range for backpacking boots. $320* is a hard pill to swallow when you’re trying to live on a budget. I knew as soon as I put them on that those were the boots but even with their perfect fit I couldn’t force myself to pay that much, so I walked away in my ratty old hikers. After all my searching only one store carried these perfectly fitted boots, the cheapest store in town in fact. A week later I decided to check one last store, the most expensive in town and guess what! They had them…and they were on SALE! Not a huge sale but $299* was enough to make me buy them.
Why I love these boots:
- The micro pulley lacing system. Suddenly with one pull on your laces they all tighten simultaneously! Awesomeness.
- Minimal to no break-in. Comfortable straight out of the box.
- Fits well on my narrow high arched foot.
- Traction on all terrains (I haven’t tested them on ice yet).
- Great ankle support when doing technical hikes/scrambles.
- Waterproof leather.
- When worn with wool socks they don’t make your feet stink like other boots do!
- Stylish! When worn with jeans they don’t looks like hobo shoes!
Why I don’t like these boots:
- The price is high.
- Not all stores carry them yet.
- Not as lightweight as comparable boots (1.47kg). But that just makes for stronger legs, right?
Micro pulley lacing system
Good tread
Waterproof
Not looking like a hobo with my hiking boots on!
I can’t say enough good things about these boots. A couple things to keep in mind if you’re considering these boots (especially if you’re buying online and haven’t actually tried a pair on) is that they don’t have the same fit that other Asolo boots have. I originally thought I was going to the store to buy the Asolo TPS 535, I had heard so many great things about these boots and my husband owns the men’s version and loves them. You can imagine my disappointment when they didn’t fit my foot at all. It didn’t matter what size I tried on my heel kept sliding around when I was walking, which is bad for hiking because it will cause blisters for sure. The Asolo Power Matic 200’s hugged my foot perfectly. Another thing to keep in mind is that I buy hiking boots that are ½ size smaller than my regular shoe. I know that sounds crazy, why would I do such a thing when my feet are going to swell while hiking. I have no logical explanation for this. In my years of hiking I have found that boots that are my regular size ALWAYS give me blisters. When I buy ½ smaller they usually fit perfect out of the box and I NEVER get blisters.
What kind of hiker am I?
I hike in the winter and scramble in the summer. Grassy fields and rocky mountain tops. On average I hike between 800m-1200m (2600-3900ft) of elevation gain. Preferably under 10km round trip. Short but steep with some degree of technicality.
Nihahi Ridge, Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada
Visit the Asolo Website for more technical specs: HERE
*Prices listed are in Canadian dollars.
Jill is the founder, writer, photographer and travel agent at Chasing Adventure Travel. An adventure travel blog that has morphed into a travel agency, specializing in Active and Adventurous Travels.
Jill has traveled worldwide and spent almost 2 years traveling continuously with her husband. She has traveled to resorts, crossed an ocean on a cruise ship, motorcycled multiple times around Europe and experienced self-guided long term travel.
~ Dreamer, doer and energetic go-getter. Curiosity has inspired adventurous world travel. Imagination is everything ~
*Chasing Adventure Travel is in affiliation with Nexion Canada.
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