The Asolo Drifter GV Evo is a real B hiking shoe with a solid high shank and is suitable for long trips with a solid backpack. Read the review.
Fit
The fit of the Asolo Drifter GV Evo is for normal feet. Wide feet get stuck at the toes. The women’s shoe has a higher instep, a narrower heel and a higher heel lift.
Construction
The Asolo Drifter GV Evo is mainly made of Cordura nylon. Cordura is known to be very durable and is not inferior to leather. Suede is stitched on the Cordura to protect the most vulnerable parts. The nose has a good rubber bumper. The heel lacks this. The sole is nicely stiff and has its bending point under the forefoot. The outsole is a Vibram Duo Radiant. The shoes are resolable. Except for two eyelets they are all made of metal; on the separation between shank and forefoot you will find nylon loops. The shoes have a breathable and waterproof Gore-Tex membrane.
Putting on
The shank of the Asolo Drifter GV Evo can be opened quite wide, which makes it easy to get in. However the special way of how the laces run through the nylon loops and a loop in the middle of the tongue, mean that you first have to unfold the tongue properly. The loop in the middle of the tongue prevents it from sliding it sideways while walking. The nylon loops and the way how the laces pass them are not very user friendly: they offer a lot of resistance. The tension on the instep and the shank can be regulated fairly individually thanks to these loops. The round laces don’t have the tendency to untie them selves and are long enough to tie a double knot in them.
Asolo Drifter GV Evo Practice
Although the shoes are solidly built, they are neat in terms of weight and they walk accordingly. The rounded heel guarantees a soft landing and the rounded – banana shape sole at the front does the rest. The padding of the shank is thick and firm, giving a lot of support for the ankles. All in all, the shoe is certainly suitable for long walks with a heavy backpack. Because of its firmness it is recommended to use them for a short while before you start a long trip. The protection around the shoe is in order, although it is noticeable that the light grey cushioning midsole has received the necessary blows from rocks. The sole offers a lot of grip and stones and mud don’t get stuck in it. The heel is very deep and pronounced – the Asobrake – which gives a lot of confidence, especially walking downhill. The shoes are waterproof and the wading height is 11.5 cm.
Test result/Conclusion
The Asolo Drifter GV Evo’s are real B-mountain hiking boots. They are sturdy and the construction of the sole and upper make them suitable for long walks with heavy backpacks. The fit is suitable for normal feet. The shoes hike comfortably. The special lacing requires a try in the shop. If you don’t like it enough, these are not your shoes. There is nothing wrong with the laces though. The Gore-Tex is waterproof and breathes properly when the weather is not too hot. The grip of the sole is good and especially the pronounced heel is perfect for descending. The fact that the shoes are resoleable is a plus. The price of € 199.95 is average. I rate the Asolo Drifter GV Evo’s at 9 points out of 10.
- Price: € 199,95
- Weight: L 596.0 gr / 598.9 gr (size 7.5)
- Category: B
- Upper: Cordura/Suede
- Membrane: Gore-Tex
- Outsole: Asolo/Vibram Duo Radiant
- Resoleable: Yes
- Fit: for narrow to normal feet.
- Sizes: 6-13.5
- Female model: Asolo Drifter GV Evo Woman
Information: www.asolo.com
