Asolo Flame GTX

I got these for £50 from field & Trek Chelmsford due to some stitching flaw on one of the tongues. It isn't by my foot and doesn't let in water so it's all good. It was around the time F&T became Sportsdirect's outdoor arm or F&T went wack, if you prefer. Anyway, in the confusion I got a bargain. The assistant said they are, as a boot, on the slim side but I have narrow feet so no issues there. I find the grip fine for most uses I put them too and they are very well built. Although heavier than some boots - like my GTX Salomans that destructed far too easily - they make up for it by having a great, secure lacing system, secure, tough rand and by providing good ankle support. One down side is that I have noticed pain on the front/top of my foot when hurrying - I am a PRoW Officer and so walking is often a job done to time as well as a leisure interest. I put this down to a lack of flexibility in that section of the boot. They seem pretty weather proof but do take a long while to dry out. Overall I'm very pleased - especially for £50 - but may try Scarpas next time.

(Written by: MrSNC)

When I first found these boots I thought that they were a stylist but also looked like a very hardwearing set of boots (November 08). I was right, they may only be a B0 but they have a bit of rigidity to them which make you confident on difficult ground. The sole gives great feedback through to your foot making you aware of step and informing you if your placement is good, even on tricky scrambles where this boot has plenty of grip. Considering my pairs first test was a wet and cold day going up Tryfan the boot themselves performed well the extra reinforcement in the toe meant that general bangs were met with little if no pain, however further walks in them have shown up one or two problems. In snow there is no grip on downhill section and I found myself sat down quite a bit, this problem extends to general wet rocks where the tread maybe too shallow to ensure maximum grip. Even though they are not winter boots the Gore-Tex lining meant that very little water got in and was even able to submerge my entire foot up to the ankle in water and to come out dry. However recent events have seen a small split occur on the inside left boot which under heavy Welsh rain would soak right in, so they were taken back to Cotswold and replace with an exact same pair I loved them that much and look forward to testing these boots as well. Never the less nine months of weekly wear has shown me that the boots are extremely comfortable, lightweight but hardwearing. My verdict on these boots are that they are a superb boot for those going on multiple terrains, comfortable, waterproof, stiffened toe and looks good but probably suitable not for winter routes.

(Written by: owainrice19)

Purchased my initial pair summer last year and like another review I found that it took a while to become comfy with the boot due to an Achilles tendon issue. After the initial breaking I was pleased until June this year when the left boot began to leak very badly. The boots were returned and a new replacement pair issued. The first time I wore the boots I became aware that both my feet were damp at the end of a very wet day. Being unsure if they were both leaking – which I thought was unlikely – I placed both boots in a half full bowl of water for ten minutes. At the end of that time the water level inside and outside the left boot were the same! The right boot inside was dry, but water that leaked under the sole with the result that the inner lining left like a big blister which when pressed resulted in two fountains of water shooting out of the boot. These have been returned and I have said that I have no confidence in these boots and I am now awaiting if I can get a refund or if the manufacturer says I must have a new pair- which will be straight on ebay! Will update with the outcome. On a positive note I must say that the shop I purchased them off, Element Outdoors in Swansea have been excellent.

(Written by: tjer222)

Took a while to break in, but then very comfy, and foot placement always feels very precise when scrambling. Thought I'd found a boot choice to stick with until I noticed the sole wear. Have probably only worn them for 20-30 full hill days and the tread is almost completely worn down. A real shame as a great fitting boot and a great looking boot.

(Written by: cja1968)

I bought mine in March for £108. They were VERY comfy from the start, like a pair of slippers. The sole is nice and stiff with plenty of support over stony ground. A bit of mud soon toned down the garish colours. I didn't need to wear them in, but after a few walks they had grown half a size, so I bought thicker '1000 mile' socks which solved any movement problems. I found these boots to keep my feet dry. My main problem was the shallow tread. I found these boots very slippy in mud. Also after over half a years walking & 40 fells done my feet have started to get wet after long walks. I haven't so much as cleaned these boots & hope some waterproofer will solve this problem. On the whole - a decent pair of boots.

(Written by: topper)

I got a pair of these boots from Decathlon, although there they are called Blizzard GTX. Other than the name they are exactly the same. Due to my odd Achilles tendon getting boots to fit out of the box is not easy. These boots did take a couple of weeks to get comfy. Wearing them in the house and to the pub helped. Now I wouldn't be with out them, you can wear them all day and not dread putting them on the day after.

(Written by: Boothy30)