Here's a riddle. What is comfortable out of the box, waterproof, provides great ankle support and protection, fits medium to wide feet, is made of full-grain leather, and even looks good? It can't be a pair of backpacking boots, can it? Backpacking boots don't have all these features, or am I wrong? In this case, I'm wrong, as the Asolo TPS 520 GTX backpacking boots are all of these, plus more. Here's what makes these boots world class:

• Many backpacking boots require long break-in periods, and during this time, often cause blisters for some people. While there is no backpacking boot made that doesn't require a little breaking in before they are fully comfortable (including these), the break-in period for the 520's is minimal, probably about 25-50 miles (this is greatly dependent on how well the boots are fitted in the first place). And during this time, you should not have any problems with blisters, which means that you could buy them today, and go backpacking with them tomorrow, and you feet won't suffer much for it. Of course, if you can break them in before a big adventure, do so, and you feet will thank you even more.
  
   
• The boots are available for both medium and wide sizes, and for both men and women. Their wide size boot is not extremely wide, probably in the range of an EE or so. So if your feet are winder than EE, then you will have to look elsewhere for a backpacking boot.
  
  I mention the availability of wide sizes for the 520 because most backpacking boots are not available for people with wide feet. So any boot manufacturer that offers boots in widths other than medium should be patted on the back for making them available.
  
   
• The 520's uppers are made of 2.6-2.8mm full-grain leather, which not only makes them more water resistant, but better looking too (in my ever so humble opinion).
  
   
• The boots are lined with Gore-Tex to make them waterproof and to help allow you feet to breath as much as possible. Although Gore-Tex ensures waterproofness, you will still want to protect the leather upper with the appropriate Nikwax product. This prevents water from soaking into the leather, helping to prolong the life of the boot.
  
  Some people find Gore-Tex liners to not breath as much as they would prefer. If you find this true in your case, consider wearing a wicking liner sock under your regular sock.
  
   
• The 520's tongue is gusseted and the ankle collar is padded for additional comfort. There is also an Achilles notch provided to prevent the boot from digging into your feet's tendons when climbing downhill.
  
   
• The rubber Vibram sole grabs ground and rocks well, helping to prevent unnecessary slips.
  
   
• The boots include rubber-tipped toes, which help to protect your feet and the boot. In addition, the boots are built tough, and should last a long time.
  
   
• Depending on the size, the boot weight about 3.5 to 4 pound per pair.

These classic backpacking boots are great for heavy-duty hiking, backpacking, and even light-duty summer mountaineering, if you strap on gaiters and crampons. They are a great mid-weight backpacking boot, if you find a pair that fit you just right.

Using the Asolo TPS 520 GTX Backpacking Boots in the Real World

As I mentioned earlier, these boots need little breaking in. But like all boots, they will feel a little more comfortable once they are broken in. Some people might not be able to tell the difference, but I can.

It is also very important to try these boots out in a store where you have the expertise of a boot fitter who knows what they are doing. You will want to try on several different sizes and wear them around the store using the same socks you typically will be using when wearing these boots.

If the boots aren't a perfect fit, consider trying another footbed (such as SuperFeet) or different socks, or having the boots stretched. If these don't help, then the 520's aren't for you.

Once you bring them home, be sure to waterproof them. Generally, I like to waterproof new boots three times at first, then every several months after that to keep them waterproof.

Recommendation

If you find a pair of 520's that fit you well, and they meet your needs, I highly recommend these boots. You may notice that this first sentence seems a little "qualified," and it is. I also make this same qualification for any pair of boots you buy, not just these.

First, no matter how inexpensive or expensive, or ugly or attractive, or lightweight or heavy-weight, or highly reviewed in publications, if a pair of boots does not fit you well, don't buy them. Each boot manufacturer uses a different last (foot mold) to make their boots, and their last may or many not match your feet well.

Second, be sure to match the boots to your outdoor adventure. If you are a day hiker, the 520's may be more boot than you need, and a lighter weight boot might be more appropriate. Or if you are a mountaineer, you don't want to use the 520's climbing a glacier in winter.

So it all comes down to fit and use. If you choose a boot that matches both of these, then you will enjoy your boots for a long time to come.

Product Notes

The Asolo TPS 520 GTX boots are available in both men's and women's sizes, and in both medium and wide widths, but in only one color: chestnut (reddish brown). The MSRP is $210.