Asolo Summit Boots

Posted: 01/25/2003 In Category(s): Reviews :: Product Reviews

After years of mediocrity, Asolo had all but knocked itself out of the climbing market. Thus, it's refreshing that not only has the company come back strongly with the new Summit but it has also leapt to the front of the pack.

Our official mountaineering gear tester and long-time ice climber filed the following evaluation after testing the boots on Colorado rock and ice:

Asolo Summit

"The Asolo Summit is among the new breed of alpine climbing boots that are light, trim and offer exceptional ankle flexibility. A unique monocoque carbon/Kevlar frame forms the foundation that provides slight flex at the ball (a desirable feature) and absolute torsional rigidity. Wearing these boots, I was able to effortlessly edge on dime-width holds while climbing 5.10 rock (many other boots would have twisted off). With monopoint crampons attached, they delivered solid performance on ice routes.

The leather and fabric uppers have full rands for jamming and are insulated with 150-gram Thinsulate that is sufficient for all but the most frigid conditions. The lacing system is of course key in any performance climbing boot, and the Summit delivers here with ease of adjustment that stays secure. This boot is lighter than almost any other on the market yet does not compromise performance in the slightest. On top of all that, it’s aesthetically appealing to North American tastes (no Euro styling here that Americans may consider ugly).

This is the type of product that serves a wide-range of alpine and ice climbers far better than the bulky, heavy boots of yore. Yet it isn’t over the top like some of the new competition boots with crampons bolted to them. While a single new boot does not a company make, the Summit serves notice that Asolo is solidly back in the technical market."
      
Suggested Retail:  $385
www.asolo-usa.com
603-448-8827

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