Asolo Finder GTX Review

28/03/2022

Asolo Finder GTX hiking boots. — *Asolo provide quality, waterproof hiking boots for men and women.*

The Asolo Finder has long been a popular option from our boot range. It comes in both a men's version and the very popular women’s version. Many of our staff choose the Finder as their go to hiking boot. Find out what staff members Mike and Mitch think of the Asolo Finder below.

Mike's Review

Asolo have a history of making great boots. Being a company with innovative designs, they introduced the first boot to use Gore Tex. To make sure that their own reputation (as well as Gore-Tex’s) was maintained in high regard, 100% of all new boots are tested for waterproofing before being sold.

The Asolo Finder is no exception in quality. I have found it to be fantastic as an all-round hiking boot, ideal for Australian conditions, from snow to warm summer day walks. It has a prominent heel, with a virtually 90 degree angle jutting out from the rest of the sole which I find to be a brilliant saving grace when descended down really steep gravelly tracks with loose rocks, or slippery clay.

Men's Asolo Finder GTX

The boot has an upper of cordura which enables a lot more breathability than a full leather boot, and reduces its overall weight by comparison. It works well for an average medium width foot (in the forefoot, Brannock size D), but also works for a narrower foot (Brannock C+) for anyone who likes to wear a fluffy woollen sock in winter, and maybe a thick synthetic sock in hotter conditions.

Compared to other boots I have worn, I would rate the forefoot flex as a 4 out of 10 (10 being a stiff full shank boot ). Anyone accustomed to just wearing trail runners with a pack would enjoy using this as their ‘heavy’ boot, but it would not be stiff enough for a crampon. Maybe boot chains would suffice if you are crossing a glacier, but not climbing.

Coming in at 1092 grams, these are a great `introductory` hiking boot for anyone getting back into condition for heavier boots or wanting to cover big kilometres on friendlier trails with a ‘not so heavy’ pack on.

Built with longevity and durability in mind, in the Asolo way, I would recommend these boots to anyone.

Mitch's Review

The Asolo Finder is a great medium duty do-it-all boot. My partner Gab got a pair of Finders late last year and has nothing but good things to say about them. Gab has used these boots for shorter 2-3-day trips, day walks and even for walking our dog (in the Dandenong Ranges, a sojourn around the block quickly becomes proper hill walking). Funnily enough, Gab and I have the same length feet (although mine are much wider), so I’ve been able to use these boots on some local day walks to see how they go.

Women's Asolo Finder GTX

Notable features:

The Finder fills a certain niche; they’re supportive enough for shorter trips, but supple enough for day walks and casual use. This is mostly due to their comfortable and flexible EVA midsole. If you’re looking at Asolo’s range, Finders sit roughly between the Asolo Grid Mid and the Drifter model. The Grid Mids are great for day walks as they are flexible and really lightweight at 800 grams a pair. However, on a multiday trip, they probably won’t give you the support you need. In comparison, The Drifter will shine on a multiday trip as their stiffer sole unit helps to support the additional weight of a pack and take some strain off your body. Whilst these are still great for day walks, you might not need that extra stiffness if you only use the boots on shorter multiday trips.

The Gore-Tex lining of the boot works a charm and keeps your feet bone dry when puddle hopping. On a multiday trip, for functional waterproofing, I’d recommend using these with a pair of waterproof gaiters like the OR Crocodiles. These really help with the major design flaw of all waterproof boots; the hole you put your foot in. If you want to maintain the DWR of the boot’s exterior, Nikwax’s Fabric & Leather proofing will help to keep rain beading.

The 3mm Vibram Megagrip Radiant sole on these boots provides great traction on loose terrain. When descending down mud and loose rock, the sole brakes really well. I attest this to the shape of the sole, specifically the aggressive bite to the rear of the sole.

Coming in at 1092 grams for both men’s and women’s versions, the Finders are quite a lightweight boot. This makes sense due to the blended upper as well as more flexible midsole.

The upper is a combination of Cordura and Suede with a hardy rubber rand on the front of the boot. The rubber rand is a nice touch for preventing damage from rocky shale. Also, the synthetic/leather combination has been thoughtfully executed. Leather is layered over lower sections of the boot providing durable protection. Whereas Cordura is layered over the top of the boot allowing the Goretex lining to breath better than in a traditional full leather boot.

Potential Drawbacks:

Sole, Women's Asolo Finder GTX

Asolo’s boots are generally built off of a medium last. Whilst Gab’s narrow feet are at home in

these boots, my wide feet do feel a little laterally claustrophobic. All is not lost though; we have a range of boots with similar features but varying fits in other brands.

Gab did notice the upper creasing over her forefoot when first breaking in the boots. After wearing them a few times, it was no longer a problem. I’ve seen this with customers as well so perhaps it might be an Asolo wide trend. Either way, I don’t think it’s worth worrying about.

As previously mentioned, these boots are not ideal for extended bushwalks with heavy packs. We recommend you look at something a bit beefier if your pack weight exceeds 14kg.

Final thoughts:

If you’re after a light-medium duty boot which is supportive enough for several-day trips and day walks, I’d recommend the Asolo Finder. However, as with any boot or shoe, fit is critical. So, if you have the ability to come in and try them on, please do!

Note: Hiking boot colours vary by size. If you are after a specific colour, please call us on 03 9600 0599.

See our range of Asolo footwear.