Link to my article published on Danger Ranger Bear on what to look for in good footwear, and my review of the Asolo Flame GTX boot.
For a variety of activities in the outdoors I recommend without sponsorship the Asolo Flame and comparable models of boots. A lightweight boot with ankle support, and a supportive shank with waterproof upper is a winning combo for almost any outdoor activity.
Having a lightweight boot that rivals the weight of some hiking shoes means less fatigue of the lower body. For those who put on great distance this is a great benefit. A supportive shank helps against fatigue in the feet and more importantly strains to the foot structure. I have suffered arch strains in the trial while wearing running shoes and wearing a backpack with weigh. The breeze on my exposed toe would cause broken glass style pain that night. A supportive shank will keep your feet from fatiguing, and becoming injured by being stretched outside their range of motion, especially with the extra weight of a pack. I also recommend custom or over the counter orthotics from Sole or Superfeet. Having your arch supported with a springy foundation will increase mobility, comfort, and prevent injury.
While vortex can increase moisture inside a boot which can lead to softer skin and blisters and chaffing, it is often more useful than winter environments alone. I often in summer and spring find muddy trails or creek crossings that get my boots wet. In those conditions Im grateful for Goretex. Even more of a benefit in my opinion that is not often considered is Goretex on boots with lightweight woven poly uppers keep out fine dust and grit. Fine dust often embeds through shoes with open mesh and into socks and becomes an irritant, abrasive, and can even cause alkaline burns in cases of dry lake bed ‘playa’ dust.
The Asolo Flame and Drifter line exemplify a good multipurpose boot for most occasions.
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