Further, we’re seeing more and more hikers eschew traditional heavyweight options like the Asolo Fugitive GTX (3 pounds 0.7 ounces) in favor of less support-this is where it seems the market is headed. ![]() The Asolo Falcon GV is a lightweight backpacking boot, which means that it’s great for serious day hiking and backpacking where you don’t need the highest levels of support. ![]() customers, the company recommends a couple of authorized resolers, which, of course, will be at added cost and hassle. The Falcon GV can be resoled, but this service is not provided by Asolo-for U.S. While this didn’t affect performance during our trek, you can expect the sole to wear down more quickly than a comparable Vibram sole with deeper lugs. ![]() Asolo doesn’t provide lug depth as a spec, but when holding them next to another lightweight hiker like the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX and its 4mm lugs, the Falcon is noticeably shallower. However, the tread on the Falcon GV is shallower than other comparable boots. Asolo claims the soles are “self-cleaning,” which we can attest to only by the fact that we never had to clean them (mud buildup can be an issue with approach shoes made primarily for rock, so this is a positive aspect of the Falcon). During our multi-day trek in Patagonia, they performed admirably on and off trail, over steep passes, over glaciers, and through mud and water. First, the Vibram Megagrip soles work extremely well. Tread on the Asolo Falcon GV is an interesting topic. But whichever way you slice it, the Falcon GV is a lightweight boot that doesn’t compromise on performance or build quality. Perhaps the closest competitor is the all-leather La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX at 2 pounds 1.6 ounces, which is slightly lighter and more supportive. The popular Lowa Renegade GTX Mid comes in at 2 pounds 7 ounces and is priced the same at $240, but you do get more support and deeper lugs. For comparison, the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX weighs less at 1 pound 15.6 ounces but is thinner underfoot and built more like a hiking shoe with a higher cut. We had virtually no foot soreness after trekking the multi-day Huemul Circuit, but those who prefer a highly cushioned ride may want to add custom insoles or look elsewhere (among designs with thick midsoles, we really like Hoka One One’s Sky Toa).Īt 2 pounds 2.6 ounces for the pair, the Falcon is relatively light but punches above its weight. In many ways, it’s a combination of a hiking boot and approach shoe, and the dual-density EVA midsole is firm but not quite as soft as some of the less serious pairs of footwear we’ve tested. It’s worth noting that the Falcon GV isn’t as heavily cushioned as some other models. All in all, it’s one of the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn. The materials are premium, the fit is just right for my medium-width feet, and everything stayed true after covering serious mileage. In fact, it has been extraordinarily cozy since the first time I put it on. It’s not often that you can find a technical hiking boot that is super comfortable out of the box and requires little to no break-in, but the Asolo Falcon GV accomplishes just that. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the best hiking boots. Below are our experiences with the Falcon GV’s performance. We brought the Falcon to Patagonia to take on the challenging Huemul Circuit and came away impressed by its ability to handle everything from steep rocky passes and glaciers to river crossings and bogs. In many ways, the Asolo Falcon GV represents where we think hiking footwear is headed: a little less weight and support than a traditional heavyweight boot, but with the technical chops to get the job done both on and off trail.
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