Kilt boot opinions - asolo granite

[bunchdescendant]

Adding my $0.02 worth-

I make my living on my feet. As such I need a lot of support and comfort. They have to fit right as I am also diabetic. I wear Vasque Zepher GTX boots-here's a link:

http://www.vasque.com/products/m-zephyr.cfm

They don't look stiff, but that's deceiving! They have a multi-layer sole that is very stiff and even when broken in, is still stiff.

I can guess-timate that the Asolo's are probably very stiff for the type of hiking they are intended for. I think that trying a pair if possible would be prudent before purchasing. I purchased a pair of boots over the 'net and they ended up in a yard sale. Very stiff and never broke in.

Ray
"Bash forehead on keyboard to continue"

[Kilted KT]

wow...lot's of input...hmm

doc martins..my right foot blows the sides out in six months.
vasque..had a pair, didn't like the fit


you guys are, as always, throwing every possible angle at me...thanks.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Hey KKT, what about Rockports? I have a pair of their black ankle length, waterproof boots that I bought well over 4 years ago before I wore kilts and they work great. Now, I did not wear then for much other than hiking before I started wearing kilts, so they got light wear until a year ago. However, now they get almost daily wear. They are worth a look, come in brown also, and are very rugged. And Rockport, while possibly seen as "retirement shoes" by some, have an excellent reputation for value and durability. Here is a link to the ones I have, or their current incarnation.

[Chefdave]

I'd definitely recommend Asolos as I've had great luck with them and have put them through a lot of hardcore hiking abuse.

I just think that another model would work out better for you.

[bunchdescendant]

I was using the Vasque boots only as an example. The are stiff and even my brother says they are too stiff for him (truck driver). I still like them for day-long comfort. I don't recommend anybody buy Vasque unless you try them on first. They seem to be wider than most, however.

BTW, they look bad with a Black Watch kilt, regardless of hose color!

I also agree with chefdave that another model from Asolo might do the trick if you fit Asolo's well. This pair is a good example:

http://www.asolo.com/content.asp?L=3&idMen=326

I know, I'm just helping with the confusion.

Ray
"Warning-keyboard not found. Press F8 to continue"

[O'Neille]

Nanga Parbots were the best boots I ever owned. Still have them, more of a crampon boot with excellent flexibility down to about -40 F. For kilt boot I have a pair of Deer Stag ankle high. They are a little stouter than Doc Marts and have the benefit of a padded ankle. Big 5 has them on sale for a ridiculously low price very often. Similar design to Docs but are made of heavier leather and not as tall. O'Neille

[Raphael]

I love my Blunstone boots from the land down under.

[turpin]

Adding my $0.02 worth-

I make my living on my feet. As such I need a lot of support and comfort. They have to fit right as I am also diabetic. I wear Vasque Zepher GTX boots-here's a link:

http://www.vasque.com/products/m-zephyr.cfm

They don't look stiff, but that's deceiving! They have a multi-layer sole that is very stiff and even when broken in, is still stiff.

I can guess-timate that the Asolo's are probably very stiff for the type of hiking they are intended for. I think that trying a pair if possible would be prudent before purchasing. I purchased a pair of boots over the 'net and they ended up in a yard sale. Very stiff and never broke in.

Ray
"Bash forehead on keyboard to continue"

I have a pair of Raichles that are very similar in look to the Vasque Black/Brown model in this link. For a casual look I think they coordinate well with either black or brown sporrans/belts, and a decently wide range of tartans, making them more versatile than straight black. But it depends on the overall look you are going for.

[Kilted KT]

I was using the Vasque boots only as an example. The are stiff and even my brother says they are too stiff for him (truck driver). I still like them for day-long comfort. I don't recommend anybody buy Vasque unless you try them on first. They seem to be wider than most, however.

BTW, they look bad with a Black Watch kilt, regardless of hose color!

I also agree with chefdave that another model from Asolo might do the trick if you fit Asolo's well. This pair is a good example:

http://www.asolo.com/content.asp?L=3&idMen=326

I know, I'm just helping with the confusion.

Ray
"Warning-keyboard not found. Press F8 to continue"

The boots you mention are the ones I currently own. The picture is a bit off, as they are actually brown. These are by far and away the best boots for hiking I have ever seen, as they are comfortable from day 1, will take one hell of a beating, and don't wear out.

and yes, this thread has become more confusing to read than a the original Book of Kells after a few dozen drams!

[Kilted_John]

The 8-eyelet Doc Martens #1460's were my old boots. Bought'em new in '02. By late '03, they were ready to become junkyarding boots. Didn't blow out the sides, but the heel cup disintegrated on both boots. In March of last year, I replaced them with a pair of Asolo TPS 520 GTX's (higher end version of yours; also dark chocolate brown). They fit well, but did need a bit of breaking in. I usually wear them with all of my kilts, even the tartans. In fact, yesterday, I had to go to a somewhat casual wedding. Wore my Armstrong kilt (pictured in my avatar) with a black T-shirt, bottle green KH, red flashes, and my boots. Worked pretty well. If you've an REI nearby, see if they have the Granites in stock and try'em out. See if they're as comfortable as the 535's are. If they are, let me know, since I am looking for a pair of black boots and would like to stay within the brand myself.

-J