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Reviews > Footwear > Boots > Asolo Freeland Series Boots > Test Report by Ryan Lane Christensen
   [ Photos Courtesy of http://www.asolo.com ]
ACCESS MAIN REPORT SECTIONS VIA THESE LINKS:
INITIAL REPORTSeptember 30, 2009
Product Information:
The information listed below came from | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Everland GV Boots | |
| Manufacturer: | Asolo S.p.a |
| Manufacturer website: | http://www.asolo.com |
| Place of Manufacture: | China |
| Year Manufactured: | 2009 |
| Materials: |
Upper: water-resistant suede and polyester Toe Cap: rubber Outsole: Asolo/Vibram Syntex man Lasting Board: composite Insole: Freeland Liner: Gore-Tex® extended comfort footwear Width: MM |
| Colors Available: |
Anthracite / Gunmetal Graphite / Gunmetal Cendre / Major Brown |
| Sizes Available: | Men's 6 - 13.5 UK (6.5 - 14 US) |
| Warranty: | "ASOLO® Footwear is warranted against defect in workmanship and materials for one year from the date of purchase. Only original Asolo® materials and workmanship are covered under Warranty." |
| MSRP: | Not Available on Website |
| Product Specifications | |
| Manufacturer's Specifications | |
| Height: | Not Listed |
| Weight: (size 8 UK or 8.5 US) | 470 g (16.6 oz) ea |
| Tester's Actual Measurements | |
| Height: |
approximately 6 in (15.2 cm) bottom of sole to tallest point of collar |
| Weight: |
1 lb 2.8 oz (533 g) ea or 2 lb 5.6 oz (1,066 g) for the pair |
| Size & Color Tested: |
10 UK (10.5 US) Graphite / Gunmetal |
Product Description:
The Everland GV boots, hereafter referred to as "boots" are part of the Freeland subgroup of Asolo's "Hike" grouping of boots. Asolo has five boot groupings, with Hike having five subgroups within it. The Everland GV is a stylish, mid-cut, Gore-Tex lined men's hiking boot; the women's counterpart is the Amazon GV. From the bottom of the sole, to the highest point on the collar, these boots stand approximately 6 in (15.2 cm) tall.
The uppers consist primarily of a suede leather exo-skeleton. However, there is some synthetic material around the ankle area, collar, and the gusset. These boots also have a Gore-Tex® liner. Attached to the suede leather, on the outer edge of the boot, there is a small tag with the Gore-Tex trademark on it. There is also a rubber oval with ASOLO written in orange lettering sewn into the suede. The gusset (a tongue attached at the bottom and both sides to prevent slipping to one side and to prevent water from entering from the top) is attached to the collar approximately 1.25 in (3.2 cm) down from the top of the collar. The gusset is primarily synthetic material with a triangular-shaped suede patch on the outer side at the ankle. This patch has a rubber piece with an orange A and ASOLO in yellow lettering on it. The gusset is padded and also has a Gore-Tex membrane. The inside of the gusset has the same lining as the rest of the boot. The collar is also padded around the ankle, and has both suede leather and synthetic fabric on the outside. There is a scuff-proof toe rand. The rand is approximately 3.75 in (9.5 cm) in length. As such, it is much smaller than the toe rand on other boots I currently own. On the back of the boot, there is a pull-tab. However, the pull tab is just barely large enough for me to insert my index finger part way. If my fingers were any larger, I would be unable to insert them into the pull tab. The pull tab is approximately 0.375 in (0.95 cm) in width and 1 in (2.5 cm) in length. The lacing system consists of eight pair of eyelets and one web loop in the toe. There are no cinch hooks. The laces are flat, approximately 0.25 in (0.64 cm) wide woven nylon.
The footbeds are approximately 0.125 in (0.32 cm) thick molded material. The footbeds are thinner than those of other hiking boots I own. The topside is covered with a fabric of some sort with the Asolo logo on it. The footbed has a heel cup that is approximately 0.5 in (1.3 cm) deep, with raised sides. The raised sides begin in the arch area and grow deeper moving to the heel, with the deepest section at the back of the heel.
The outsoles are Asolo's SYNTEX OUTSOLE MAN. This is "A joint project between Asolo and Vibram®, the unique minimal design of this new outsole offers exceptional grip, durability, and reliability on varied terrain. Although not overly deep, the tread design is fairly aggressive. The soles extend upward from the ball of the foot to the arch area on both sides of the boot. I can only assume this is to provide lateral stability to the flexible upper. The midsole, "Utilizing dual-density molded EVA in the midsole – one firmer full length and one softer in the heel stricke – we are able to provide the right support and shock absorption where needed." These midsoles are similar to those of lighter approach shoes.
The thinner footbeds, narrower heels, and EVA midsoles are in line with footwear, be it approach shoes or hiking boots that favor speed over support. Again, the Everland GV is in Asolo's Hiking family of boots rather than its Backpacking family. It will be interesting to see how much support these boots provide when carrying a fully-loaded pack.
Initial Impression:
As I pulled the boots from the box, I immediately thought they looked sort of like bowling shoes or maybe more appropriately approach shoes built on running-shoe or cross-trainer lasts. The toebox is narrower than other hiking boots I have owned. The heel area of the sole is approximately 3 in (7.6 cm) wide (side to side). This is 0.75 - 1 in (1.9 - 2.5 cm) narrower than heels of other hiking boots I currently own. The soles feel somewhat sticky. This too lends itself to my initial impression that these boots are akin to an approach shoe.
Initial Testing:
After removing the boots from their cardboard box, I thoroughly inspected them inside and out. I did not find any noticeable flaws in the suede leather, errors in the weave of the synthetic fabric, loose threads or faulty seams. These Italian boots appear to be constructed of high quality materials and workmanship. Next, I donned the boots. In doing so, I found the pull tab a bit difficult to use. Once on, I immediately noticed how well the boots fit my somewhat narrow, size 10.5/11 US feet. They fit perfectly in both width and length. In fact, they fit rather snugly. It will be interesting to see whether or not I am able to wear multiple mid-weight socks as the temperatures drop.
Initial Likes:
