I have always been a stickler for boots, and although over the years I have managed to build up strong ankles and good footwork technique. The reassurance of good support and protection for the feet in what a good trekking boot gives you is valuable.
Yet this season I decided to have a break from the norm and took the plunge on a pair of approach shoes, yes there is a myriad of brands out there, each one with there own specific details, but with my experience of trekking and climbing in the Alps I encountered the brand #Asolo on many occasions and decided to give them a try.
I have now used them for a period of 6 months for hiking, climbing and even walking Ted and the below review will give an honest and non affiliated account of what I have thought.
First Impressions
Out the box I was immediately impressed with the styling, #Asolo are an Italian brand, the Company was founded by Giancarlo Tanzi in 1975 and takes his name from a city located in the North- East of Italy (close to Venice) where the brand was first established.
Asolo has always been a pioneer for innovation, in fact, the first revolutionary idea introduced by its founder was the first Mountain Boot made of a combination of leather and textile (Cordura) and shortly after he introduced also the first Mountain Boot lined with Gore-Tex - innovations that changed not only the market, but also the way of making outdoor footwear. These Eldo GV's just scream that trendy Italian vibe and with a choice of four colours, will make even the most modest hikers among you feel that little bit special.
The detailing and specification on the #Asolo Eldo GV is really quite impressive, the shoe presents a technical seamless polyester upper (helps to reduce those infuriating pressure points) and the Gore-Tex Extended Comfort Footwear lining which guarantees waterproofness and breathability. The mono-density thermoformed Eva midsole guarantees the best support, stability and cushioning. The Asolo/Vibram AG outsole features a self-cleaning design and excellent climbing area, it also uses the Mega Grip compound which offers excellent grip in dry and wet terrain. To complete the model the Pu rand all-around for additional protection, the cordon lacing system and the thermo-shaped tongue for a fast and precise fit.
The build quality of the #Asolo Eldo GV's are really quite impressive, they give the feel when wearing them that your feet are really secure and protected, but what really impressed me the most was these puppies are light....soooooo light!!! coming in at 291 (g) (1/2 pair size 8 UK) this is insane, I carry packed lunches heavier than these.
How did they perform
As I said before I have been using the #Asolo Eldo GV's for six months now in various terrains and disciplines, from scrambling, guiding National 3 Peak challenges, rock climbing with clients and a 5 day through hike in Iceland. The truth is they have performed very well, very well indeed. They have took everything in there stride (literally!!) and after a quick rinse with the garden hose at the end of a days guiding they still look fantastic.
In Iceland they performed really well, after a days leg of 20km and moving over mixed terrain including some hard snow fields for 6 hours, my feet did feel like they had seen some action, but by no means where they in bad shape, In fact usually if I was wearing boots I would have taken them off at the end of the leg and put on some flip-flops, but I was more than happy to keep them on while putting up camp and getting some food on. Also what I found really good was the ease of getting them on and off, unlike boots at night when the call of nature wakes you in your tent (those who wild camp will understand).
The Vibram sole gave good traction and even in a wet descent on the stepped path on Scafell Pike at night and in a down pour they did not falter and I felt sure footed all the way.
On a couple of occasions crossing the Lava desert in Iceland I did get a couple of small stones find there way into the shoe, something that a boot would avoid, but really it would have been hard to avoid with any approach shoe in this environment.
The lacing system gets a good tight fit where needed, but i do think that the laces (#Asolo call it the cordon lacing system) are a little to thin, they are like a 2mm cord, super strong with a slick coating on them. I found this hampered the tying of a single bow as the knot slipped, so tying the two loops in an overhand sorted this slight issue out.
This month they have seen quite a bit of rain in Snowdonia and on the Ben, they have kept my feet dry and I have been wearing a mid weight #bridgedale sock with them, breathability has been good with only a slight dampness around the ankle cuff. On climbs where I have used the #Asolo Eldo GV's on the approach and changed into rock shoes for the climb the loop on the back has been a great asset, enabling them to be clipped to the back of my harness while climbing, the loop is reassuringly sturdy and the lack of weight is a welcome bonus. The blue climbing area on the toe box gives good traction while climbing, yet the sole is a little flexible and something that I had to get used to, but did gain advantage when jamming into slots and cracks.
Pros and Cons
Excellent Italian build quality, with a fantastic pedigree, the #Asolo Eldo GV is a fantastic looking approach shoe.
If a lightweight shoe is a must make sure you put a rock on these when you take them off, they might float away.
The Cordon lacing system can work its way undone, the laces are super thin (yet very strong) so double overhand will sort this
The #Asolo Eldo GV's are in the top end pricing for an approach shoe (£190) but a bit of shopping round and a bit of luck with the sizes and there out there for £157
Definitely an early spring/summer shoe as insulation may be an issue when its colder
They are a narrow fit (as most Italian alpine brands are) but the sizing is pretty spot on
The Final Score
So have I been impressed with the #Asolo Eldo GV's ? Yes I definitely have, there is a place in my locker for this sort of approach shoe but its not going to steer me away from my boots. Its really nice to have something light on my feet, being able to move freely and efficiently is brilliant. I still stick with the mantra of boots support your ankles so using approach shoes will need good footwork, confidence and strong ankles, yet the #Asolos are designed in a way that your feet do feel supported and protected. They are definitely a fantastic addition to your foot locker and with that sexy Italian design your not going to look a plonker even in the pub for that off the hill pint.
We are interested in your thoughts, so leave a comment in our box if you have any questions or even if you have some experience of the product reviewed, it'll be great to hear from you.
Stay safe and happy adventures.
Russ (Owner and lead guide Climbaxe Mountaineering)