I have had two pairs of the women’s Asolo 520GTX boots and I love them. I wore the first pair for many, many years and many, many miles until they literally started falling apart in Grand Teton NP. As soon as I got home I ordered a new pair and they have gone many miles and I expect they will go many more!
I prefer leather hiking boots over synthetic for shure. The stiffness provide way better support and makes hiking in really tough terrain way more comfortable. Especially when carrying a heavy pack. In my experience synthetic boots usually needs to be replaced every 2 years while the leather boots last a lifetime with the right care. And when the cost it the same for both it’s a no brainer for me.
I have Scarpa leather boots, and I have to do at least 6-7 miles through continuous ankle deep bog, for my toes to get even slightly damp. I can wedge my feet in cracks in the rocks when scrambling without worrying too much about damage. A bit too hot for the middle of the summer, but the rest of the year is absolutely fine, and never got cold feet in the snow. were quite pricy, but worth every penny.
I’ve spent the last 5 years with nicks boots on my feet and I wouldn’t have it any other way they are by far the best footwear I have owned. that includes a decent amount of miles hiking and 8 hour days five days a week walking with a 35 pound tool belt on in an even heavier pair than I wear hiking. The weight is really a non issue when you are used to wearing boots. In fact the ones I hike in are significantly lighter than the ones I wear most often as they are two inches shorter and lack a steel toe. The thing with boots is you need to wear them consistently even if you aren’t hiking or you will get a ton of blisters and not find them comfortable. You can’t expect to buy boots and wear them for the first time on your hike, and then only when you are hiking from then on.
Dont forget to mention all the waste from buying synthetic footwear that needs to get replaced! Leather is environmentally friendly! I'm currently wearing JK Boots OT boots! Heavy af, built for wildland firefighting, looks amazing, and will definitely last a decade if all I'm doing is JUST hiking and camping and walking fully into water etc.
I use those Asolo leather boots. I bought my first pair in 2010. REI replaced them in 2016 due to sole separation. I am still hiking those boots. They are heavy, but great traction and waterproofing. Also, amazing ankle support. That boot has saved me from a turned ankle more than once. Not sure how many thousand miles I have put on those boots but if I ever needed a new hiking boot, I would buy them again.
Just bought my first pair of Lowa Renegades. Wore Merrell for years but wanted something with more support. Love my LOWAs. They have the Toro on sale. Going to get those for the Harley.
I've done a Triple Crown ( AT. PCT and CDT ) on one pair of limmers handmade leather hiking boots ! I actually did 6 Appalachian Trail Thru Hikes on the same series of limmer hiking boots ! They are the best boots I had ever had ! They kept my feet from blisters and dry ! Made my legs super strong 💪🏻 proudly handmade right here in the Appalachian Mountains of NH 🌲💪🏻❄️🇺🇸😀❤ They have been resoled a bunch of times !! ❤❤
So I like the semi leather like the Asolo Drifter but the soles on any good boot wear out first. So now I look at the ones where the soles dont go up the sides but are flat glued on the bottom like the Asolo Freney boots I just ordered so I can easily resole them myself. Shipping them to the factory is a nice option but the shipping makes it cost much more so that is my opinion. Get the flexible but super supportive boot that is semi leather and with a swappable flat glued sole!
If you want to split the difference get suede boots/shoes. More flexible than full leather but greater durability than fabric. You can also get boots that are a mix of materials.
This past month I wore a pair of leather Lowa Renegade non-GTX boots whilst walking the Camino de Santiago Primitivo and I was thankful everyday especially in the mud, hiking the Hosptales section, and everything else in between...proper break-in, treatment, socks, made these babies the Force Multiplier MVPs 200+miles later! Leather is relevant!
I just bought a pair of Vasque Sundowner boots to return to my hiking ways of my youth. Nothing hiked the leather boots of my youth once you got used to them
- the points Mike makes here about flexibility and weight might not be especially relevant if you're buying Winter boots (meaning B2 or B3 rated). They'll be rigid and they'll weigh a packet anyway; on the flip side, even synthetic B2 boots are generally made pretty tough.
will just copy my comment from above: I have Scarpa leather boots, and I have to do at least 6-7 miles through continuous ankle deep bog, for my toes to get even slightly damp. I can wedge my feet in cracks in the rocks when scrambling without worrying too much about damage. A bit too hot for the middle of the summer, but the rest of the year is absolutely fine, and never got cold feet in the snow. were quite pricy, but worth every penny. I'm in Loch Lomond area. Got a pair of light, trail running shoes for good, dry paths in the summer. anything else, an I put the Scarpas on. Snug fit, and very comfortable albeit quite heavy.
As desperately as I want to be cool, I bought into the barefoot shoe fad a couple years ago (not sure if it’s still a thing) anyway, hiking and walking this year so far totaled just over 500 miles in some cheapo Amazon “whitin” shoes, tried my old keens on the other day and after 2 miles I could hardly walk at all, so unfortunately I think leather boots are a thing of the past for me, unfortunately. I like hiking boots, just super uncomfortable for me now.
Over the years, I've hiked and backpacked in various Xero (all synthetic) and Vivobarefoot shoes. The Magna ESC are my favorites, with durable and water resistant leather, flexible right out of the box, and the best traction I've had in barefoot style shoes.
You are so dead on… have used heavy hiking boots in forestry for years because they are stiff, protect from all elements and bumping your toes on logs. Nine always have the hard rubber edge liner and toe cover so boulders or trunks falling on your toe will give you a good chance to walk away without a scratch. I literally have a pair that is 16 years old and only got replaced because i thought I wanted something more modern looking and couldn’t be arsed Townsend then in for new soles again. 😂 and yeah they look cool. I am not against synthetic but they get wear spots fast which compromises the boot or waterproof function
My leather Oboz Bridgers are far superior to my Solomon X Ultra and Solomon Outpulse in every way imaginable. You won't read that or see that on Ytube but thats my opinion. Yeah their heavier and they took way longer to break in. Flexy textile boots don't work for me for New England rocky hikes.
I have had two pairs of the women’s Asolo 520GTX boots and I love them. I wore the first pair for many, many years and many, many miles until they literally started falling apart in Grand Teton NP. As soon as I got home I ordered a new pair and they have gone many miles and I expect they will go many more!
Que incrível excelente 🎉
I prefer leather hiking boots over synthetic for shure. The stiffness provide way better support and makes hiking in really tough terrain way more comfortable. Especially when carrying a heavy pack. In my experience synthetic boots usually needs to be replaced every 2 years while the leather boots last a lifetime with the right care. And when the cost it the same for both it’s a no brainer for me.
I have Scarpa leather boots, and I have to do at least 6-7 miles through continuous ankle deep bog, for my toes to get even slightly damp. I can wedge my feet in cracks in the rocks when scrambling without worrying too much about damage. A bit too hot for the middle of the summer, but the rest of the year is absolutely fine, and never got cold feet in the snow. were quite pricy, but worth every penny.
I have a pair of Scarpa Terra GTX cant fault them at all
I’ve spent the last 5 years with nicks boots on my feet and I wouldn’t have it any other way they are by far the best footwear I have owned. that includes a decent amount of miles hiking and 8 hour days five days a week walking with a 35 pound tool belt on in an even heavier pair than I wear hiking. The weight is really a non issue when you are used to wearing boots. In fact the ones I hike in are significantly lighter than the ones I wear most often as they are two inches shorter and lack a steel toe. The thing with boots is you need to wear them consistently even if you aren’t hiking or you will get a ton of blisters and not find them comfortable. You can’t expect to buy boots and wear them for the first time on your hike, and then only when you are hiking from then on.
Dont forget to mention all the waste from buying synthetic footwear that needs to get replaced! Leather is environmentally friendly! I'm currently wearing JK Boots OT boots! Heavy af, built for wildland firefighting, looks amazing, and will definitely last a decade if all I'm doing is JUST hiking and camping and walking fully into water etc.
I use those Asolo leather boots. I bought my first pair in 2010. REI replaced them in 2016 due to sole separation. I am still hiking those boots. They are heavy, but great traction and waterproofing. Also, amazing ankle support. That boot has saved me from a turned ankle more than once. Not sure how many thousand miles I have put on those boots but if I ever needed a new hiking boot, I would buy them again.
Yeah they seem pretty nice so far. I got the winter versions too so I'm looking forward to the snow
No they are not , I spend a lot of time around a camp fire ! Leather is far more superior..........
Leather - great fire resistance!
Just bought my first pair of Lowa Renegades. Wore Merrell for years but wanted something with more support. Love my LOWAs. They have the Toro on sale. Going to get those for the Harley.
I've done a Triple Crown ( AT. PCT and CDT ) on one pair of limmers handmade leather hiking boots ! I actually did 6 Appalachian Trail Thru Hikes on the same series of limmer hiking boots ! They are the best boots I had ever had ! They kept my feet from blisters and dry ! Made my legs super strong 💪🏻 proudly handmade right here in the Appalachian Mountains of NH 🌲💪🏻❄️🇺🇸😀❤ They have been resoled a bunch of times !! ❤❤
Handmade? That's awesome! I'm gonna look into that
So I like the semi leather like the Asolo Drifter but the soles on any good boot wear out first. So now I look at the ones where the soles dont go up the sides but are flat glued on the bottom like the Asolo Freney boots I just ordered so I can easily resole them myself. Shipping them to the factory is a nice option but the shipping makes it cost much more so that is my opinion. Get the flexible but super supportive boot that is semi leather and with a swappable flat glued sole!
Plus, heavier boots worn often is like working out for free! I've got a pair of leather boots that were a hand-me-down in 1997 and I still wear them.
If you want to split the difference get suede boots/shoes. More flexible than full leather but greater durability than fabric.
You can also get boots that are a mix of materials.
This past month I wore a pair of leather Lowa Renegade non-GTX boots whilst walking the Camino de Santiago Primitivo and I was thankful everyday especially in the mud, hiking the Hosptales section, and everything else in between...proper break-in, treatment, socks, made these babies the Force Multiplier MVPs 200+miles later! Leather is relevant!
Muito bom❤😊
I’ve had my Lowa boots for over 20 years. I clean and wax them every spring. Had them re-soled once.
On my second pair of ASOLO TPS 520. I've never had a problem breaking in a pair of ASOLO. The greatest thing about leather boots, they're bomb proof.
These things are nuke proof
The stiffness is to facilitate the use of crampons in mountaineering.
this channel rocks
Leather is more environmentally friendly as well. I have the same Asolo Power Matic GV 200 that I bought in 2015 and they are still going strong
I just bought a pair of Vasque Sundowner boots to return to my hiking ways of my youth. Nothing hiked the leather boots of my youth once you got used to them
I’m grappling with this decision heading into the Scottish winter, heavy, durable and weather proof vs cheaper, lighter and comfort
- the points Mike makes here about flexibility and weight might not be especially relevant if you're buying Winter boots (meaning B2 or B3 rated).
They'll be rigid and they'll weigh a packet anyway; on the flip side, even synthetic B2 boots are generally made pretty tough.
@ I’ve got synthetic salewa b2 boots for crampon use but want a boot for general hiking in snow or wet cold weather
will just copy my comment from above:
I have Scarpa leather boots, and I have to do at least 6-7 miles through continuous ankle deep bog, for my toes to get even slightly damp. I can wedge my feet in cracks in the rocks when scrambling without worrying too much about damage. A bit too hot for the middle of the summer, but the rest of the year is absolutely fine, and never got cold feet in the snow. were quite pricy, but worth every penny.
I'm in Loch Lomond area. Got a pair of light, trail running shoes for good, dry paths in the summer. anything else, an I put the Scarpas on. Snug fit, and very comfortable albeit quite heavy.
Leather boots still have their place!
I like to polish my leather and it last for years. Ive got boots that are 10 yrs old.
Goruck Macv2 boots seem to have both of both worlds.
Yes!!!!! leather boots can still be cool.
Leather has more support and protection
The real question is Are non-GoreTex boot dead? I hate gore-tex. Wish they would make boots without them again.
I wonder about that sometimes! It's good to have a non gt option
@@BackpackingTVScarpa SL Active. Superb boot for winter or wet conditions. No gtx, of course.
The Asolo TPS 520 Evo GV has a non Gore brother called the TPS 535 Evo. Same boot no Gore-Tex.
I have a pair of leather boots that are worn every weekend that was made in 1983. your not going to get any new synthetic boots to last that long
Parabéns que bacana😊
As desperately as I want to be cool, I bought into the barefoot shoe fad a couple years ago (not sure if it’s still a thing) anyway, hiking and walking this year so far totaled just over 500 miles in some cheapo Amazon “whitin” shoes, tried my old keens on the other day and after 2 miles I could hardly walk at all, so unfortunately I think leather boots are a thing of the past for me, unfortunately. I like hiking boots, just super uncomfortable for me now.
Over the years, I've hiked and backpacked in various Xero (all synthetic) and Vivobarefoot shoes. The Magna ESC are my favorites, with durable and water resistant leather, flexible right out of the box, and the best traction I've had in barefoot style shoes.
My work boots are always leather. Leather birkenstocks. Maybe next pair of hikers I'll take another look at leather. I desperately want to be cool
I think you're pretty cool. I bought a big pair of Rocky steel toed cowboy boots used for like 10 bucks for my work shoes. Straight up hoss shoes
@BackpackingTV I think you're pretty cool too,. Buying used boots, that's a hard flex!
Always look forward to your videos.
You are so dead on… have used heavy hiking boots in forestry for years because they are stiff, protect from all elements and bumping your toes on logs. Nine always have the hard rubber edge liner and toe cover so boulders or trunks falling on your toe will give you a good chance to walk away without a scratch. I literally have a pair that is 16 years old and only got replaced because i thought I wanted something more modern looking and couldn’t be arsed Townsend then in for new soles again. 😂 and yeah they look cool. I am not against synthetic but they get wear spots fast which compromises the boot or waterproof function
Hell bent for leather!
My leather Oboz Bridgers are far superior to my Solomon X Ultra and Solomon Outpulse in every way imaginable. You won't read that or see that on Ytube but thats my opinion. Yeah their heavier and they took way longer to break in. Flexy textile boots don't work for me for New England rocky hikes.
The comments seem to suggest that leather slaps
I wear my leather western boots hiking
Like cowboy boots?
Yess... I am pretty sure that leather hiking boots are dead. No worries. They used to be cows, i think.
Haha it would be a problem if they weren’t!
@@SeanMatherLol , imagine hearing moo moo every time you took a step
😂
How much shall I pay you
Not at all
synthetic is gay
I mean technically, leather is… “dead” 😅