The Asolo Shiraz GV Boots are a great choice for autumn or winter walking in the mountains. They are designed for “backpacking, trekking on technical terrains and long distance hiking”. Remember, if you’re doing winter walking, crampons are essential equipment but must be fitted to stiff boots.
Features include:
- Uppers: Water-resistant Schoeller K-Tech + suede mm 1,6-1,8
- Gore-Tex Perfomance Comfort lining
- Asoflex 00 MR last
- Lite 2 Anatomic Footbed
- Asolo/Vibram Ascent sole with
- Dual density microporous midsole
- PU Anti-Shock insert.
- Weight : 690 g per boot (size UK8)
On test: Asolo Shiraz GV women’s walking boots
The Asolo Shiraz GV boots are amazingly lightweight for a winter boot weight.
The sole is stiff, which is what you need when walking in autumn and winter hills and mountains. A stiff sole offers better grip on slopes and when it’s wet, muddy or rocky underfoot.
A square cut heel allows you to dig into the terrain when descending and that aids confidence.
The grip of the sole is not hugely aggressive. This is not a “pure” mountain boot but it doesn’t claim to be. It’s for general wear in hills and some mountain hiking. On most terrain, including trails, muddy paths, heather and rock fields, I found the boots do offer good grip and stability.
Durability of the uppers looks good with strong and durable suede and fabric, plus a Gore-Tex lining for waterproofing and breathability.
There are also two small rubber rand style caps at the toe and heel for extra durability, as well as a larger area of thinner rubber covering the full front of the toes. The front area is very well protected from loose and hard terrain. The rand around the whole boot is good, too. This prevents stones and loose terrain from damaging the softer upper section of the boots.
The boots feel comfortable from the first wear. They are a little roomier at the forefoot than previous Asolo boots that I’ve tested. If you have average sized feet, the fit will be excellent.
The lacing system allows the boots to be tied securely. There are four metal eyes, a fabric eye at the turn point of the ankle and two open eyes to finish up the lacing. The ankle height is perfect for walking in winter. My feet and ankle feel stable and I didn’t worry about twisting or turning my ankle, even on rough terrain.
One thing I discovered after a lot of use is that the fabric eyelets, at the third holes, wear out. One snapped and that meant there is now nowhere to slot the lace.
The boots are heavier than my summer hiking footwear but that’s to be expected. The boots need to be more robust to cope with snow, rocks, mud and wet.
I find Asolo make an autumn/winter boot that is comparably lighter than other brands.
Waterproofing is still good even after a couple of years of wear.
Buy from Asolo for around £206. There are men’s Asolo Shiraz GV boots as well. Also see RunRepeat.