My first pair of Asolo fugitives lasted me 10 years. Hiked all over Northern California and Hawaii. Looking for a replacement pair. Good sound advice buy them from a reputable dealer. Funny I purchase these when I was a starving student in college. It was a big expense but after 10 years they were so worth it. Can't put a price on happy hiking feet.
Excellent review on the boots .. fugitive’s are probably one of Asolo’s iconic boot.. it’s such great all round approach boots to any big climbs .. especially very common boot to Everest base camp trek.
Very prone to hydrolysis due to cheap poly midsole. The ONLY way I sort of repaired the start of cracks in the midsole was to let it dry completely, clean with isopropyl alcohol. Slather aquaseal SR all into the poly midsole cracks and completely cover any midsole foam with the aquaseal SR to bind it from further disintegration. Shoe Goo peels and DO NOT work. Wear a p95 mask for the fumes. Annoying to do but has worked for 2 weeks without disintegrating more so far. You should do this if you buy it new too. 3/5 shoe.
My 1st pair of Asolo went a strong 6yr, bought another pair from same local hiking shop I got them the 1st time... those fell apart 1st year. I went through 3-4 months of hell between vendor and Asolo b4 they would end up being replaced (only because I started calling both parties daily for updates I believe). In the mean time my wife and her father had gotten me a second pair for my B-Day so I wouldn't have to go without my favorite boots while I waited for my others to b sorted out. This being said the pair returned to me that I went through hell for fell apart in the 1st year shame, gifted pair about a year in a half mind u this was on rotation so overall less between the 2 really. After that I swore off Asolo due to warranty process I had a physical paper receipt, a digital copy from store as I'm a member and after all this the new pair arrived w a note stating it would be the one and only replacement they would send. I can't support that kind of treatment to any well paying repeating customer, even if it wasn't me. Sadly 2yr later and still haven't found a repeat purchase worthy pair of good boots... I may finally pull the trigger on a pair of Zamberlan 1996s as I'm running out of options in other price ranges. Asolo was amazing my 1st set then idk maybe bad luck, hopefully ur 3rd pair is as amazing as ur 1st my friend!
Update: Zamberlan Viox 1996 gtx, had since day after I first commented guess I pushed myself 😁, so far amazing is all I can say, break-in was stiff but quick, fit is best I've ever had hug my foot. I live in New England we are in slush/mud season and have performed flawlessly so far. The shape of the sole to propel u forward is noticeable especially when moving at a good click, ridged support w imo perfect flex.... w me though time will tell the truth 1st impressions solid granite product so far, will purchase another pair in a year if they make the cut so when I have to re-sole I won't be without 😄
THANK YOU ! ! ! . . . . for saying to purchase high-end products from the manufacturer or a trusted retailer ! ! ! I'm not a retailer but I've been "robbed" too much from scams and ain't gonna do it again! Stay inside the "safety zone" of trust where your money and health are concerned!
Thanks for the review. I just got my first pair last night from REI. However Amazon will definitely replace those if you persist. They eventually give in...every time
man I'm just not sure they're making these like they used too... my most recent pair is falling apart all over the place on the side, leather just falling apart. Not sold on buying a 4th pair of these...
Hi, I’m on my 2nd pair of fugitive now because I loved my first pair so much. And while there super comfortable and waterproof, I’ve found that the rubberised toecap on the 2nd pair started to split and disintegrate after around 6 months of normal use. Although this didn’t affect the integrity of the boots, it did make them look like crap. Would be good to know if you experience same problem with the toecap. Cheers, and love the vids.
Thanks a bunch for the Love! I have a little bit of splitting on my first pair BUT that's the OLD old pair and the newer pair, which is probs fake has nothing after hard 1yr use... Hope this Helps:)
Me scrolling TH-cam...."Is this a shoe review?..... I'm down." +1 for quality footwear. I've got a pair of Danner hunting boots that I love to death and I'll shell out whatever they want for a second pair.... If the first ones ever show any signs of wear. Also +1 for the eyelet trip hazard. My wife was permanently emotionally scarred by my Danners when she half laced them and wore them on a field trip to the pumpkin patch and tripped and fell while carrying our 3rd child when she was like 2 months old..... Ig at least I don't have to worry about her stealing my boots.... Quality boot reviewist action.
Man you gotta love your boots and it sounds like we both love our boots! Your poor wife, emotional scarred for life, I can see it in my head, it was an ugly fall and she sacrificed all for the safety of baby!!! Thanks for the love Jacob, appreciate it, boot review skills aren't a muscle I use often;)
@TacticalFellowship I have learned to retread my boots with riding mower treads. It works great , but these uppers disintegrate and don't glue back together well. Time to use my skills to make Roman Caligae. Can't be at the mercy of overpriced boot makers.
yep man, I'd say there are, was able to compare a few points on the boots and yep, gotta look at the stitching, spacing and everything... also, my second pair coming without any Asolo wrapping or documentation in a plain Jane regular shipping box should've tipped me off... sigh.
@@HighSpeedNoDrag I got a pair used off of Ebay and they seem to be the real deal and barely worn. If they are counterfeit they are extremely well made. I'm not sure why anyone would go to the trouble of producing such a high quality fake if it took as much time and effort as this pair seemed to (if they are fake).
I've had 5 pairs. Absolutely the most comfortable boot made. No break in. Out of the box when your foot slides in there's no describing it. Second only to making love imo. Last couple or 3 pairs having problem with the sole coming loose where it's vulcanized. The latter being progressively worse. As disheartening as it is, there's still no comparison in comfort. Like 14 hrs per day on concrete and yer feet don't know it type of comfort .
That's not a QC issue or an issue with these boots, or Asolos in general. The midsole is polyurethane, which is susceptible to hydrolysis -- when the material rots. When not worn often, water gets trapped in the pores of the midsole, which is what causes hydrolysis. This is prevented by wearing them often. The constant movement and pressure from each step compresses the midsole, pushing the water out. The same can happen to many different models from Lowa and Scarpa. I would suggest trying a new pair. They're great boots. Just wear them often, and this won't happen. The outsole is very hard rubber, so it holds up really well, even around cities on concrete and asphalt.
I'm on my second pair. The first lasted probably 8 years and only died due to the hydrolysis of the PU in the sole. It's an incredibly comfortable boot, can be worn for hours and hours, days and days. I replaced them with another pair...and they piss water through. Very VERY disappointed. Probably won't get a third pair, I've gone back to full leather SLs.
@@TacticalFellowship thankfully I've managed to find a pair of 15 year old SLs (when they were best in their class) that have never been worn. Immaculate and a life time boot.
![โรงเรียนห้ามรัก โดนจับได้ตาย...!! [เอิร์นไดเม่]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4u02Sbr556Q/mqdefault.jpg)
My first pair of Asolo fugitives lasted me 10 years. Hiked all over Northern California and Hawaii. Looking for a replacement pair. Good sound advice buy them from a reputable dealer. Funny I purchase these when I was a starving student in college. It was a big expense but after 10 years they were so worth it. Can't put a price on happy hiking feet.
Excellent review on the boots .. fugitive’s are probably one of Asolo’s iconic boot.. it’s such great all round approach boots to any big climbs .. especially very common boot to Everest base camp trek.
Thanks for sharing! Never knew it was a regular at Everest base camp trek:)
Very prone to hydrolysis due to cheap poly midsole. The ONLY way I sort of repaired the start of cracks in the midsole was to let it dry completely, clean with isopropyl alcohol. Slather aquaseal SR all into the poly midsole cracks and completely cover any midsole foam with the aquaseal SR to bind it from further disintegration. Shoe Goo peels and DO NOT work. Wear a p95 mask for the fumes. Annoying to do but has worked for 2 weeks without disintegrating more so far. You should do this if you buy it new too. 3/5 shoe.
I would urge people to look at recent reviews. The quality of the Asolo products has dramatically dropped in the last 3 or so years.
What brand do you recommend now
Asolo said “. Yeaaaaa we ain’t gonna fix that “. Lol that gave me a good laugh
My 1st pair of Asolo went a strong 6yr, bought another pair from same local hiking shop I got them the 1st time... those fell apart 1st year. I went through 3-4 months of hell between vendor and Asolo b4 they would end up being replaced (only because I started calling both parties daily for updates I believe). In the mean time my wife and her father had gotten me a second pair for my B-Day so I wouldn't have to go without my favorite boots while I waited for my others to b sorted out. This being said the pair returned to me that I went through hell for fell apart in the 1st year shame, gifted pair about a year in a half mind u this was on rotation so overall less between the 2 really. After that I swore off Asolo due to warranty process I had a physical paper receipt, a digital copy from store as I'm a member and after all this the new pair arrived w a note stating it would be the one and only replacement they would send. I can't support that kind of treatment to any well paying repeating customer, even if it wasn't me. Sadly 2yr later and still haven't found a repeat purchase worthy pair of good boots... I may finally pull the trigger on a pair of Zamberlan 1996s as I'm running out of options in other price ranges. Asolo was amazing my 1st set then idk maybe bad luck, hopefully ur 3rd pair is as amazing as ur 1st my friend!
Update: Zamberlan Viox 1996 gtx, had since day after I first commented guess I pushed myself 😁, so far amazing is all I can say, break-in was stiff but quick, fit is best I've ever had hug my foot. I live in New England we are in slush/mud season and have performed flawlessly so far. The shape of the sole to propel u forward is noticeable especially when moving at a good click, ridged support w imo perfect flex.... w me though time will tell the truth 1st impressions solid granite product so far, will purchase another pair in a year if they make the cut so when I have to re-sole I won't be without 😄
Great info. I have had similar experience on amazon and you are 100 percent correct. Rei, directly from ASOLO is the way to go.
yep, I hope to pay the stupid tax only once if I can:)
THANK YOU ! ! ! . . . . for saying to purchase high-end products from the manufacturer or a trusted retailer ! ! ! I'm not a retailer but I've been "robbed" too much from scams and ain't gonna do it again! Stay inside the "safety zone" of trust where your money and health are concerned!
One Billion Percent Welcome;)
GK Chesterton puts this video over the top
Thanks for the review. I just got my first pair last night from REI. However Amazon will definitely replace those if you persist. They eventually give in...every time
Hello. Would you recommend this shoe after 5 years? What are its strengths and weaknesses? Has it started to take on water?
man I'm just not sure they're making these like they used too... my most recent pair is falling apart all over the place on the side, leather just falling apart. Not sold on buying a 4th pair of these...
Hi, I’m on my 2nd pair of fugitive now because I loved my first pair so much. And while there super comfortable and waterproof, I’ve found that the rubberised toecap on the 2nd pair started to split and disintegrate after around 6 months of normal use. Although this didn’t affect the integrity of the boots, it did make them look like crap. Would be good to know if you experience same problem with the toecap. Cheers, and love the vids.
Thanks a bunch for the Love!
I have a little bit of splitting on my first pair BUT that's the OLD old pair and the newer pair, which is probs fake has nothing after hard 1yr use... Hope this Helps:)
These boots have a two year warranty, be nice to your shoes and they will be nice to you
Take care of your pups and your pups will take care of You.
The Asolo Fugitive GTX boots cost a pretty penny as your Pups are worth it.
It's pronounced ah solo. Great shoes dude.
Thanks for the love and will make note;)
COrrect and brought to you from Asolo Italy although my last pair of fugitives were made in Romania.
Great review.
thanks dude appreciate it:)
Me scrolling TH-cam...."Is this a shoe review?..... I'm down."
+1 for quality footwear. I've got a pair of Danner hunting boots that I love to death and I'll shell out whatever they want for a second pair.... If the first ones ever show any signs of wear.
Also +1 for the eyelet trip hazard. My wife was permanently emotionally scarred by my Danners when she half laced them and wore them on a field trip to the pumpkin patch and tripped and fell while carrying our 3rd child when she was like 2 months old..... Ig at least I don't have to worry about her stealing my boots....
Quality boot reviewist action.
Man you gotta love your boots and it sounds like we both love our boots!
Your poor wife, emotional scarred for life, I can see it in my head, it was an ugly fall and she sacrificed all for the safety of baby!!!
Thanks for the love Jacob, appreciate it, boot review skills aren't a muscle I use often;)
Awesome boot.
Thanks a bunch! It's a powerful well rounded crap kicker:)
The boots i bought off Amazon didnt last 7 months. Aasolo fugitive as well.
man that sucks, sorry to hear stud... who knows if the amazon boots are even legit.
@TacticalFellowship I have learned to retread my boots with riding mower treads. It works great , but these uppers disintegrate and don't glue back together well. Time to use my skills to make Roman Caligae. Can't be at the mercy of overpriced boot makers.
Are there really counterfeit Asolo boots out there?
yep man, I'd say there are, was able to compare a few points on the boots and yep, gotta look at the stitching, spacing and everything... also, my second pair coming without any Asolo wrapping or documentation in a plain Jane regular shipping box should've tipped me off... sigh.
@@TacticalFellowship I've been shopping for a pair. Thanks for the heads up. I should probably just suck it up and pay the extra $50.
@@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017 Yes indeed as I plan to Re-up with another pair of Fugitives. The Very Best (I.M.O.).
@@HighSpeedNoDrag I got a pair used off of Ebay and they seem to be the real deal and barely worn. If they are counterfeit they are extremely well made. I'm not sure why anyone would go to the trouble of producing such a high quality fake if it took as much time and effort as this pair seemed to (if they are fake).
I've had 5 pairs. Absolutely the most comfortable boot made. No break in. Out of the box when your foot slides in there's no describing it. Second only to making love imo. Last couple or 3 pairs having problem with the sole coming loose where it's vulcanized. The latter being progressively worse. As disheartening as it is, there's still no comparison in comfort. Like 14 hrs per day on concrete and yer feet don't know it type of comfort .
That's not a QC issue or an issue with these boots, or Asolos in general. The midsole is polyurethane, which is susceptible to hydrolysis -- when the material rots. When not worn often, water gets trapped in the pores of the midsole, which is what causes hydrolysis. This is prevented by wearing them often. The constant movement and pressure from each step compresses the midsole, pushing the water out. The same can happen to many different models from Lowa and Scarpa.
I would suggest trying a new pair. They're great boots. Just wear them often, and this won't happen. The outsole is very hard rubber, so it holds up really well, even around cities on concrete and asphalt.
I'm on my second pair. The first lasted probably 8 years and only died due to the hydrolysis of the PU in the sole. It's an incredibly comfortable boot, can be worn for hours and hours, days and days. I replaced them with another pair...and they piss water through. Very VERY disappointed.
Probably won't get a third pair, I've gone back to full leather SLs.
Man I just think overall quality of goods is just spiraling downhill…
@@TacticalFellowship thankfully I've managed to find a pair of 15 year old SLs (when they were best in their class) that have never been worn. Immaculate and a life time boot.