Make & Model - Asolo Fugitive GTX
Materials - Suede and nylon upper, Gore-Tex liner, Lite 2 composite footbed, Duo Asoflex lasting board, mono-density PU midsole, Asolo Synchro rubber outsole
Colors - Black/Gunmetal, Gray/Black, Gray/Gunmetal, Wool/Black
Sizes - 7 to 14 including half-sizes; wide fit available
MSRP - $250
URL - http://www.asolo-usa.com

Remember the mountaineering boots we mentioned in the introduction? Italian shoemaker Asolo was founded in 1975 to pursue that niche, and the influence is evident in its consumer-grade hiking and backpacking footwear. The company is owned and operated by the Zanatta family, whose members have been producing shoes in the town of Nervesa della Battaglia for four generations. Today, its Alpine models are still made in Italy, while all other models (including this boot) are produced in Romania. With a modern design and bright red accents, the Fugitive hiking boot bears a strong resemblance to products from Asolo's Alpine line. We found it quite comfortable and very supportive, with virtually no break-in necessary. The three-hook lace system includes an offset hook to lock in the ankle; adjusting the fit for the first time was easy. Flexibility is good at the toe, but the rest of the slender outsole feels more rigid than we'd like. The GTX designation indicates a waterproof Gore-Tex liner that'll keep your feet cool and dry during inclement weather. Overall, the Fugitive is an appropriately named boot that we know we could trust while getting out of Dodge.

Pros:
– Excellent ankle and arch support without excessive weight
– Comfortable right out of the box
– These boots can be resoled by third-party cobblers

Cons:
– Firm rubber outsole compound is slippery on wet surfaces
– All colorways feature bright accents — we'd prefer a more subdued option
– Our sample boots feel slightly narrow with anything but thin summer socks