Asolo Fugitive GTX
Coming in at an extremely close second place are the Asolo Fugitive GTX. They can be considerably more expensive than the Merrell Radius and so are edged out from first place due to price.
This excellent light fabric and leather boot puts in place a high standard in foot support and durability. Part of the boot’s firm base is down to its supportive synthetic exterior heel cup, but there’s also a supporitve “DUO ASOFLEX” midsole (which aims to increase shock absorption & over pronation).. The outsole is sufficiently flexible for general traction but still strong enough for all round durability on varied terrain.
Despite their sturdiness the boots are lightweight (only 3lb for size 8.5), comfortable and waterproof (even in soaking conditions, thanks to a Gore-Tex lining). They also have very secure one-yank lace tensioning system which diminishes the level of heel lift you can expect to enounter. Their low-profile design has been credited for their comfortable feel.
Like the Merrell Radius, the Fugitive GTX are very multi-purpose, being light, breathable and durable. Other online reviewers have commented on how the boot is stiff under the arch but easy to break in for forward flex. If you have very wide feet you may want to check out the black colour which are available in wide width.
Overall, If you are a trekker who expects light weight and comfort in your footwear, and you are able to splash out a little bit more for your boots, then the Fugitive GTX could be just for you. In the words of a Backcountry.com review:”Once you take a trip in these sporty hiking boots, your old clodhoppers are doomed to gather dust in the closet.”
