With the Asolo Falcon GV, I ventured on the paths of the Teton Crest Trail and traversed the Siskiyou Mountain Park for a testing period of eight weeks.
Our Verdict
On both wet and dry surfaces, this hiking boot aced the test, courtesy of the Vibram Megagrip compound.
A slight hiccup was the cushioning, which felt a bit light, but nothing that could not be solved with a good pair of insoles.
This one’s a win, in fact. From its TPU toe cap, ensuring protection, to the Gore-Tex, making it water-resistant, it brings together top-quality features wrapped in a lightweight boot.
Its high-tenacity nylon upper reinforced with water-resistant suede makes it an essential piece of outdoor gear.
Don’t get hung up on the summary though, there’s much more detail to explore in this Asolo Falcon GV Review.
Product Features
- Dual-density EVA midsoles
- Vibram Megagrip soles
- Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane
PROS
CONS
Things We Tested When We Reviewed Asolo Falcon GV
Durability
When it comes to the sturdiness of a hiking boot, the Asolo Falcon GV stands as a good example of durability. Having tackled several terrains, I was able to tell that the boot features good build quality.
The outer shell, equipped with a hardy TPU toe cap and made of high-quality nylon upper reinforced with water-resistant suede, stood the test of wear and tear.
A nitpick would be the wear on the laces after continuous tying and untying. I did have to double knot to keep them secure in tougher terrains.
However, to balance this minor setback, the boot’s overall longevity was impressive, showing minimal tear even after intense use.
Traction
The Falcon GV shines in the department of traction. Powered by Vibram’s Megagrip compound, which is renowned in the shoe industry, the Asolo Falcon GV provided excellent grip on both wet and dry surfaces.
The design of the lugs – moderately deep and separated – allowed for good mud-shedding capability, especially handy when I was descending through the heavy mud of the Teton Crest Trail.
However, I did notice that on moss-covered surfaces or icy paths, the traction seemed slightly less reliable.
Regardless, the performance on rock, gravel, and loose dirt paths was flawless, giving the Asolo Falcon GV excellent overall traction capability.
Comfort
I usually have issues with narrow shoes, but this model fits true to my usual size and was extraordinarily cozy, thanks to the soft ankle support it offers and the comfortable toe box.
Despite the snug fit, I didn’t feel restricted. Instead, the boot’s design held my feet securely, especially on downhill treks.
There was absolutely no need for breaking in, which made the Asolo Falcon GV hiking boot feel almost like a pair of supportive slippers from the start.
Unfortunately, this pair of boots is not heavily cushioned, so if you are not a big fan of minimalist shoes, I recommend pairing it with good insoles for extra cushioning.
Support
The support system Asolo has implemented, especially around the ankles, works well.
It is sturdy, yet not too stiff around the heel, and provided me with a unique combination of comfort and stability.
Ranked #5 best hiking boot for ankle support, I found the heel’s cinch quite impressive, and it truly worked wonders on rocky terrains while tackling steep descents.
As I have already mentioned, this boot has a stiff insole, which may not suit hikers who prefer more underfoot cushioning.
However, this same quality also contributes to the shoe’s overall robust support.
Breathability
This model has an ingeniously designed upper made of high-tenacity nylon, which has proven its worth by maintaining a steady airflow throughout my hikes.
As I ventured through the muggy Teton Crest Trail or even during steep ascents in high temps, my feet stayed notably dry and cool.
Unfortunately, like all waterproof hiking boots, the breathability trade-off was noticeable in extremely hot weather, causing a bit of sweatiness.
Yet compared to other models, like the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX pair I also tested during this round, the Asolo Falcon GV strikes an impressive balance between waterproofing and breathability.
Waterproofing
As for the waterproofing, my uphill battle with rain-soaked trails and the occasional alpine stream proved what Asolo claims about the Falcon GV’s water resistance.
Made with a Gore-Tex lining and armed with impermeable suede uppers, the Falcon GV hiking shoe stood strong even against the deceptive waters of Siskiyou Mountain Park.
Notably, though, the Falcon boot tends to lose a bit of its water resistance when submerged past its flood height.
In essence, it remained robustly waterproof, but a slight seepage could occasionally be felt when worn under torrential rains or while crossing deeper streams.
Weight
Weighing in at around 1 pound 14.2 ounces for a women’s version and 2 lbs. 2.6 oz. for a men’s version, the Asolo Falcon GV hiking boot is certainly lighter than traditional leather boots.
However, the low weight does not compromise stability or protection. I felt the boot was balanced, especially when I wore it on long day hikes with heavy backpacks.
A point to note was the slight heaviness felt when laced tightly, but this was efficiently balanced by its great fit and support, leaving my all-day hiking an enjoyable event.
Fit and Sizing
As a hiker with medium-width feet, I found this boot model fitting true to size.
The lacing system of the Falcon GV also played a crucial part in adjusting the fit of the shoe.
With a combination of hooks and eyelets for the laces, I was able to securely tie and keep the boots snug on the foot.
Understanding your foot’s width is critical when choosing the Falcon GV boot. Those with narrow feet would find it super comfortable, while for someone with wider feet, it might feel a bit tight.
If you do have wide feet, we advise you to look through our favorite wide-footed hiking boots where we review the top models available.
How Does it Compare with Other Products?
La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX
Kicking off with the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX ($239), a hiking boot priced slightly lower than the Falcon GV ($260), it’s characterized by its nubuck leather upper that lends it an old-school aesthetic.
Despite its sturdy appearance, it’s quite light, just like the Falcon GV boot.
A standout feature is its unique Gore-Tex Surround technology, aiming to provide 360-degree breathability but falling a bit short compared to the Falcon’s nylon upper, which delivered excellent aeration on even sweaty Teton Crest Trail.
Really appreciated how the Nucleo employs Vibram Nano soles, showcasing fine traction abilities.
Although having put both pairs through their paces on various terrains, the Falcon’s self-cleaning Megagrip compound presented a slightly superior grip, especially over muddy patches.
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
Retailing around $255, the Lowa Renegade boot, priced slightly lower than the Falcon GV, is renowned for its lavish Nubuck leather upper, solid Vibram Evo sole, and impressive shock absorption.
The Renegade GTX focuses on comfort with a Monowrap midsole that cushions the foot while reducing overall boot weight.
Unfortunately, I perceived these boots to need a longer break-in phase compared to the Falcon GV. Once broken in, however, they exhibit a snug, comfortable fit.
Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX
Priced at approximately $165, the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX is a worthy opponent for the Falcon GV.
Firstly, the Salomon shines when it comes to lightness, weighing around 1 lb. 15.6 oz., noticeably lower than the Falcon GV.
Although this reduced weight does compromise a bit on ankle support, the shoe compensates with an Advanced Chassis system that aids balance.
While the Falcon offers excellent waterproof prowess, the Salomon’s Gore-Tex lining didn’t disappoint either. Its water resistance kept my feet dry during a water-soaked trek, presenting a tie in this aspect.
Where Asolo Falcon GV Performs Better?
The Asolo Falcon GV particularly comes into its own in moderately challenging terrains filled with rocks, gravel, and dirt paths.
On the forests of Teton Crest Trail dotted with slick, moss-covered rocks and muddy terrain, these light boots outperformed many of their counterparts with ease.
Their surefootedness on steep, uneven terrains was impressive and was a game changer when I hiked through rain-soaked woodland trails.
Also, its top-notch waterproofing ability came out strong during those tricky stream crossings, and I appreciated the fact that this pair of boots required absolutely no break-in period.
Where Asolo Falcon GV Falls Short in Performance?
While the Asolo Falcon GV stands out in a multitude of performance domains, some faults did present themselves during various expeditions.
On rigorous treks, the laces showed signs of wear and tear.
I often found myself needing to double-knot them for a secure grip, which could definitely frustrate some hikers.
Also, the boots’ initial comfort was a bit deceptive, as I discovered they require a tad more padding for serious trails, which I was able to obtain after purchasing a set of insoles.
Do We Recommend It?
After rigorous testing and putting them through different hiking conditions, I can say that the Asolo Falcon GV is a hike-ready boot that lives up to Asolo’s claims.
It offered me comfort and impeccable traction, and the waterproof capabilities made me trust the boots even in challenging weather.
While I wouldn’t advocate wearing them in heavy snow due to slightly less traction on icy surfaces, the Falcon respectfully compensates with its impressive performance on other terrains like rock, gravel, mud, and dirt.
Plus, I found the fact that it fits true to size a great bonus, eliminating unpleasant surprises often associated with buying hiking shoes online.
| WHERE TO BUY? | FOR MEN | FOR WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| REI | See Pricing» | See Pricing» |
| Amazon | See Pricing» | See Pricing» |
| Backcountry | See Pricing» | See Pricing» |
FAQs
For hiking boots, GV refers to Gore-Tex lining with a Vibram outsole. Gore-Tex ensures your feet stay dry, while the Vibram outsole provides excellent traction and durability on rough terrains. It’s a mark of high-quality footwear.
The Asolo Falcon GV hiking boots fit true to size. This means you can expect them to conform to your regular shoe size, providing the perfect balance of comfort and support for your outdoor adventures.
Yes, Asolo boots are ideal for winter. They’re particularly recommended for snowshoeing and harsh weather hikes due to their superior insulation. With a suede construction and a GTX membrane, these boots also offer good weather protection.
I ordered a pair of these in the configuration you reviewed. I really like the cushioning of the sole, but the rest of the boot was way too flimsy for me to feel comfortable using them on the trail. I returned them and bought the leather version. Initially, I was very happy with them. The same sole, rock solid Asolo leather build. It took a tough 20-mile hike to break them in. I do not recommend all 20 miles in one go. My feet were toast for several days afterward. Before I knew they were broken in, I took them on an easy 20-mile hike. My feet were happy campers. I was set for a Cloud’s Rest hike. I was sorely disappointed. I was expecting a grippy sole like the Asolo Nucleon, instead, I got something that made me feel less than secure on the dry granite surfaces. The leather is thinner than it seems. Brushing against rocks was an unpleasant sensation. For the rest of the 13-plus-mile hike, I had to be very careful of foot placement and the surrounding surfaces to make sure I did not injure my ankles and slide off the rocks. Regardless of this experience, the leather version is a high-quality easy trail, light hiking boot, that will be relegated to light trail/urban hikes.
Hey Chris,
I totally get what you’re saying about the cushioning—it’s one of the features many folks appreciate. And kudos on that 20-mile hike; that’s no small feat! 😄
It’s a shame they didn’t feel as grippy as the Nucleon on those granite surfaces. I do agree Nucleon has a better grip tho, but Falcon also performed quite well I’d say.
I guess you have to avoid the granite surfaces from now on:)