ASOLO FINDER GV £178

Does the extra precision of fit and increased performance on rock make this the best choice for hillwalkers for an all-round do-anything boot?

■ Materia● Suede leather, Cordura synthetic materials, Gore-Tex waterproof lining

■ So●e Asolo/Vibram Duo Radiant ■ Me■’s 6-13.5 ■ Wome■’s 3.5-9

■ Weight 1034g (size 7)

IT'S GOOD

Designed as an entry-level model, but one that offers a welcome step forward in performance compared to lower priced products, the Finder GV is built around a suede leather upper with Cordura synthetic materials and a Gore-Tex waterproof lining. This made it a great boot to step straight into as the material slowly loosened to fit my foot shape.

Underfoot there is a very good sole unit with deep lugs and a substantial heel breast to provide grip. On the foot this felt quite neat and precise, with a solid heel grip and a great feel at the toe that was ideal for scrambling. The sole flexed enough to make walking on easier ground comfortable, but also provided all the support I needed over rockier ground.

It was also nice to see a boot designed for women without the requisite pink flashes to prove it!

HOWEVER

The upper is a mix of suede leather and Cordura with minimal stitching, but paying more would get an upper with a bonded rather than stitched construction for no seams, while a one-piece leather upper would be even more durable. Also the rubber rands on higher priced boots would be even more durable. The precision of fit was great, but you can get boots that offer even more precise foot placement when scrambling.

The sole stiffness was superb, but pricier boots might have stiffer soles that offer an even smoother role for the optimum in toe to heel comfort when walking. These are all minor niggles and only come into play if you are going to be out on the rockier hills regularly as for most hillwalkers it is hard to justify paying more. This is a great boot for sure, but pay more and you could get even more comfort and precision.

VERDICT

This all-rounder is ideal for most walkers, but if you can afford to pay more then even better performance can be found.