Asolo Boots - quality not so good!

[opensea64]

I recently bought some Asolo Evoluzione AFS Boots online for a Himalayan climb later this year. These are plastic double boots with the liner for high altitude climbing. In competition with the likes of La Sportiva Spantik and Scarpa Inverno/ Vega. I bought them from the USA. Size was good, all going well. But then... After wearing the boots for only 2 days (about 12 hours in total) on training hikes, the plastic internal lacing eyelets on one boot began to pull out from the top when tightening a lace. No undue force was used to tighten it. I contacted the retailer and was given the option of returning them for repair or replace but obviously this is more time, effort and expense to ship them back there. The company said (after a bit of scolding from me) they will cover some (but not all) of the shipping costs to & from the USA. I was also contacted by Sydney based Intertrek who act as the Asolo distributor , but found they will not honour the Asolo warranty because I didn't buy the boots in Australia.

Because of the return shipping costs, I made some enquiries with boot repair shops around Sydney.
I was told that they may be repairable by local shoe repair shops. And I found a repairer who has done an adequate job to resolve the problem for $20.00. the photo shows the repair.

The repair shop said the eyelets pulled out because the stitches were uneven along the seam of the main boot and had missed the eyelet plate in places, making it weak at that point.
My concern is the other boot has a similar uneven stitch running along it.
There is also a small split in the top of the heel padding . It was there when I took them out of the box, but I was just going to use some silicone to fix that.

I wanted to use these boots on a high altitude climb (7000m) in the Indian Himalayas from late June 2015.

Being new and expensive boots, I was a bit disappointed at the fact they were not perfect out of the box. I do not feel very confident in knowing I could have a failure happen when high up a mountain, where issues like frostbite and falling are real risks, and where your boots need to be depended on for safety.

I have previously climbed in second hand Scarpa Inverno and Koflach double boots, and both were in a more dependable condition than these, even after being very heavily used.
For my climb I will probably need to use other boots (such as Scarpa) as I am no longer confident in the integrity of the Asolo Evoluzione AFS boots. I am doubtful that I would buy this brand for critical items such as this in the future.
I wanted to share this in case anyone else is researching double boots. I have seen the Scarpa inverno and Koflach, both are superior in their quality even though at first glance you would say the Asolos look good. I heard someone tell me they are prone to falling apart and now I'm sad to say I my be singing the same song.

[rsser]

That's disappointing.

But you've always got to expect an error rate in manufacturing. One reason why I buy less footwear or clothing from o/s these days.

[GPSGuided]

A known risk of mail ordering from OS. Pretty normal. Glad you found a local repairer with a good price for the fix.

[horsecat]

If you are heading upwards of 7,000m I would seriously consider the Spantik. The added comfort on trips between camps will be worth it, plus they will be warmer. I also find the Asolo plastics are a bit too rigid around the ankle (I saw one of mates disappear down a valley in chopper after tearing his groin when he had a slip) and more people are going the extra expense. But having said that I have used them on a couple of climbs in the past. The Olympus Mons are the best insurance for your toes and are super comfy (I've worn mine on broken scree as well as deep snow and ice with no problems). But they will get shredded if they get rubbed on rock - I noticed some on sale the other day for under a grand (not much more than the Spantiks). Personally, I think that isn't the best service from the Asolo bunch either. I'm interested what hill your heading to (Nun or Kun maybe?)

[beean]

Second the idea of wearing Spantiks, Baruntse's or Phantom 6000's. All good modern boots. The old plastics will get the job done but they don't hold a candle to the newer synthetic doubles in terms of comfort and weight.

Used Spantiks can be found on Mountain Project for Summitpost for a few hundred dollars.

[opensea64]

Thanks for all the useful feedback on this. yes you live and learn ....after you spend what you earn

[slparker]

I've had a couple of pairs of Asolo boots that I've been happy with but they are walking, not mountaineering, boots. Their quality seems no different to the other italian brands, in my opinion - in fact I'd be surprised if they're not made in the same Romanian factory as Mammut, Scarpa and Zamberlan.

[opensea64]

horsecat , Im a bit rough on gear so plastics suit me better than the Spantik, IMO. Several in my group have them and though they look comfy I reckon I can break them too ! horsecat well guessed, Im going to Mt Kun in July! Pm me if you want to join us
To the vendor and Asolos credit they will now refund my repair costs but I don't see much point now in returning and swapping them when I may just get the same issue with the replacement boots. Is there anything else that may break on them? Are Asolo Evos good enough for 7000m? Im using Intuition Denali liners in them. In 2013 I climbed 6140m up KangYatze in Ladakh in normal leather Scarpa Treks. Feet were not cold at all but I didnt spend more than 15 hours up there. Thanks for the comments

If you are heading upwards of 7,000m I would seriously consider the Spantik. The added comfort on trips between camps will be worth it, plus they will be warmer. I also find the Asolo plastics are a bit too rigid around the ankle (I saw one of mates disappear down a valley in chopper after tearing his groin when he had a slip) and more people are going the extra expense. But having said that I have used them on a couple of climbs in the past. The Olympus Mons are the best insurance for your toes and are super comfy (I've worn mine on broken scree as well as deep snow and ice with no problems). But they will get shredded if they get rubbed on rock - I noticed some on sale the other day for under a grand (not much more than the Spantiks). Personally, I think that isn't the best service from the Asolo bunch either. I'm interested what hill your heading to (Nun or Kun maybe?)

[opensea64]

I've had a couple of pairs of Asolo boots that I've been happy with but they are walking, not mountaineering, boots. Their quality seems no different to the other italian brands, in my opinion - in fact I'd be surprised if they're not made in the same Romanian factory as Mammut, Scarpa and Zamberlan.

Yes I have some Asolo Mantra ? light hikers and they are really good. Was surprised when I had a fail so fast but found another website that showed the same issue. see this article - http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=44984 )
Also love my Scarpa Treks. I get 10 years out of them.

[slparker]

It's not apples and apples that you're comparing there as asolo mantras are more comparablewith scarpa zen (they are both approach/casual shoes) not scarpa trek. I took a pair of zen's to europe two years ago and threw them out after a month, the suede and heel-cup quickly broke down with use. Does that make the scarpa trek a bad boot?

I've had scarpa treks as well and I would consider it again if I was ever in the market for a full leather boot - but the quality of the scarpa trek does not make the quality of the asolo tps 520 (its nearest equivalent) any better or worse, does it?

[horsecat]

Are Asolo Evos good enough for 7000m?

Depends really (conditions / weather). Heavy monsoonal snow could make things interesting. My boots and gloves / mitts are the two categories I spend as many dollars on as I can when it comes to this high altitude caper. Thousands of dollars spent My thinking is if someone said they would cut my feet off unless I gave them a thousand dollars I'd hand over the cash. A few years back, at over 7,000m, I was very close to having frostbitten feet (went white, numb and hard and then hurt like hell)...and that was with the La Sportiva Olympus Mons - however it was in a colder region with a brutal wind. It would be a shame if you got there and found out the boots don't cut it; could even get dangerous if you find this out high up. I'd recommend having a chat (if you haven't already done so) with the expedition leader etc to get their thoughts.

horsecat well guessed, Im going to Mt Kun in July! Pm me if you want to join us

Thanks, sounds like a nice climb. Did eye it off a couple of months ago. I'm heading to Nepal in a couple of weeks for a little project so it might be stretching things with another in July, but I'll certainly keep it mind. Thanks again for the offer. I might send a PM through in a bit.

Whatever you choose with the boots, have a great trip and let us know how it goes.

[johnrs]

Hi Open Seas 64
Do put up a post after your trip.
I used to hanker after these peaks from the early Himalayan climbing era.

July will be pretty warm I think,
Good insulating gaiters down to the welts
make a difference to the wind chill coming through the boots
and its important that the fit is not tight
as even a small restriction to the blood flow makes a noticeable difference
to the temperature of your feet.
I think any double boots will be fine as long as they fit nicely and hold together.
John

[opensea64]

yes good advice , i will do that (ie get advice)...I totally agree about the cost of your feet...Ive experienced what its like to be at 6100m in my scarpas for the 15 hour climb in only a liner sock and thick merino outer with no issues.Dont even remember cold toes. Probably just got lucky or didnt spend long enough up there. I dont recommend it though... In fact Ive done a few things up high that I wouldnt recommend!!!!!!

Are Asolo Evos good enough for 7000m?

Depends really (conditions / weather). Heavy monsoonal snow could make things interesting. My boots and gloves / mitts are the two categories I spend as many dollars on as I can when it comes to this high altitude caper. Thousands of dollars spent My thinking is if someone said they would cut my feet off unless I gave them a thousand dollars I'd hand over the cash. A few years back, at over 7,000m, I was very close to having frostbitten feet (went white, numb and hard and then hurt like hell)...and that was with the La Sportiva Olympus Mons - however it was in a colder region with a brutal wind. It would be a shame if you got there and found out the boots don't cut it; could even get dangerous if you find this out high up. I'd recommend having a chat (if you haven't already done so) with the expedition leader etc to get their thoughts.

horsecat well guessed, Im going to Mt Kun in July! Pm me if you want to join us

Thanks, sounds like a nice climb. Did eye it off a couple of months ago. I'm heading to Nepal in a couple of weeks for a little project so it might be stretching things with another in July, but I'll certainly keep it mind. Thanks again for the offer. I might send a PM through in a bit.

Whatever you choose with the boots, have a great trip and let us know how it goes.

[opensea64]

Will do John, I have a blog here , it has references to my other climbs, some big and some not so big.
http://elevatedthinkingat.blogspot.com.au/

I have the OR Expedition Crocs gaiters , which I already have found to be really good and tough. The sizing is big enough to get around your moon boots. (mine are size M i think)
My opinion is that slightly bigger boot sizing is def. better, as you can always sock up. Better to have feet that are too warm in that instance. On Island Peak in 2010 the Koflachs I borrowed were a size too big for me and were fine even when on the steep icewall near the top. Again I just socked up. They had been used by our leader, Brigitte Muirs ex husband on Everest, so it was kind of cool knowing the boots had gone up there.
One thing I know about high altitude is the "fiddly factor" . Anything fiddly or fussy is a real pain in extreme cold , bad weather or when just a bit cranky and tired from the low oxygen. Everything needs to be simple and idiot proof. At least in my case
I really appreciate all the advice everyone has given here, you can never learn too much...

[opensea64]

BTW what 7000m peak did you do?

Are Asolo Evos good enough for 7000m?

Depends really (conditions / weather). Heavy monsoonal snow could make things interesting. My boots and gloves / mitts are the two categories I spend as many dollars on as I can when it comes to this high altitude caper. Thousands of dollars spent My thinking is if someone said they would cut my feet off unless I gave them a thousand dollars I'd hand over the cash. A few years back, at over 7,000m, I was very close to having frostbitten feet (went white, numb and hard and then hurt like hell)...and that was with the La Sportiva Olympus Mons - however it was in a colder region with a brutal wind. It would be a shame if you got there and found out the boots don't cut it; could even get dangerous if you find this out high up. I'd recommend having a chat (if you haven't already done so) with the expedition leader etc to get their thoughts.

horsecat well guessed, Im going to Mt Kun in July! Pm me if you want to join us

Thanks, sounds like a nice climb. Did eye it off a couple of months ago. I'm heading to Nepal in a couple of weeks for a little project so it might be stretching things with another in July, but I'll certainly keep it mind. Thanks again for the offer. I might send a PM through in a bit.

Whatever you choose with the boots, have a great trip and let us know how it goes.

[horsecat]

BTW what 7000m peak did you do?

PM sent

[opensea64]

well I am back from the 7000m peak in the Himalaya. It was Mt Kun, in the Zanskar part of India, just down the road from the Pakistan border. As it turned out the Asolo Evoluzione boots performed very well. I had the damage repaired , which was cheerfully done by a local Sydney show repairer, and refunded by Eastern Mountain Sports in the USA. So all turned out well. Im still a bit wary of the Asolo quality but I'll hang on to these boots, they were very comfortable. toes a little cold at 6600m but was standing around waiting for the rope fixers (before they abandoned the climb and we turned around) .Unlike the boots , the climb was mostly pain, but good pain compared to my day job. The inners were great as camp boots and I often went out into the snow with them on.
We got to 6600m as the high winds on summit night stopped us from going up the last ridge. Not unhappy with that, although summiting would have been nice. But considering the mountain has claimed peoples fingers toes and noses plus a few lives as well, I'm happy that we made it home OK.
Im hoping to get them out on another big peak once I have forgotten why I climb at all
Kun is a good peak to try if you are aiming for a 7000er. But be warned, the weather and mountain are both very fickle. Prepare for fun and games ....

[north-north-west]

Nice photos. Cool looking mountain too.

[opensea64]

Nice photos. Cool looking mountain too.

Thanks very much. Kun appreciates the compliment too If you are interested here are some links to my mountain antics below…
Chris

Video
https://vimeo.com/136888758

Blog & Photos:
http://elevatedthinkingat.blogspot.com.au/

& In case you feel like a little bit more mountain madness here is a shorter video made by my friend Vipul

https://vimeo.com/137213749