In many ways the Asolo Falcon GV is a good example of where hiking footwear will be in the near future: A little lighter in weight, and more support than the traditional heavy-duty boot, but with the ability to tackle technical challenges and complete the task in and off the trail. We took our Falcon to Patagonia to tackle the Huemul Circuit, which is a challenging one. We were awestruck by its capacity to take on everything from steep , rocky glaciers and passes to bogs and river crossings. Here are our observations of this Falcon’s capabilities. To find out how it compares to its competitors, read our review of the top hiker’s boots.
Asolo Falcon GV
2 lbs. 2.6 oz. (men’s)
Yes (Gore-Tex)
Top-notch construction and great out-of-the-box comfort.
Pricey and somewhat lacking in support.
(4.6/5)
Performance
Comfort
It’s not often you’ll come across a hiking boot that’s super comfortable right out from the box and requires minimum or no break-in period however this Asolo Falcon GV achieves precisely this. It has been extremely comfortable since the first time I put on it. The quality of the materials is top-notch and the fit is perfect for my wide feet and everything held up even after a lot of miles. Overall, these are among the comfiest shoes I’ve ever owned.
It’s worth noting that Falcon GV isn’t as heavily cushioned as other models. The Falcon GV is a mix of a hiking boot and an approach shoe and the dual-density EVA midsole feels firm but not as soft as the more serious models of shoes we’ve tried. There was virtually no foot discomfort after a multi-day trek on the Huemul Circuit, but those who want a cushioned ride might wish to consider customizing their insoles or consider a different pair (among models with high-quality midsoles, we enjoy Hoka One The One’s Sky Toa).
Weight
With a weight of 2 pounds 2.6 pounds and 2.6 ounces for the pair, The Falcon is light, but it punches well above its weight. To give you an idea for comparison, the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX weighs less at just 1 pound 15.6 ounces but is much thinner on the foot and is built much like hiking footwear with a wider cut. The wella-known low-profile Renegade GTX Mid comes at 2 7 ounces of weight and is priced at $240, however you get better support and more lugs. The closest rival is leather-based La Sportiva Nucleo GTX, which weighs 2 pounds 1.6 pounds and is smaller and less supportive. Whatever way you slice it Falcon GV is a great choice. Falcon GV is a lightweight boot that isn’t compromising on performance or quality of construction.
Traction
The tread on the Asolo Falcons is a fascinating area. The first is that first, the Vibram Megagrip soles function very well. When we went on a multi-day hike through Patagonia they did a great job both on and off the trail, in difficult passes, across glaciers, as well as through water and mud. Asolo says that their soles are “self-cleaning,” which we can prove by the fact that we have never required cleaning the soles (mud buildup is an issue with shoes for approaches that are designed specifically for rock and therefore this is an advantage of Falcon). Falcon).
However however, the tread of however, the tread on Falcon GV is shallower than other similar boots. Asolo does not offer lug depth as a standard, however when you compare them to another light hiker such as that of the La Sportiva Nucleo GTX and its lugs of 4mm The Falcon is evidently less deep. Although this did not affect the the performance of our hike but you should expect that the sole will wear faster than a comparable Vibram sole that has larger lugs. The Falcon GV is able to be repaired, however this service isn’t offered by Asolo. For U.S. customers, the company suggests a few authorized resolers. These are, naturally, going to be at a higher cost and the hassle.
Stability and Support
It’s the Asolo Falcon GV is a lightweight backpacking shoe, which is great for day-long hiking or backpacking trips where you don’t require the most support. We’re also witnessing more and more hikers abandon traditional heavyweight boots such as those of the Asolo Fugitive GTX (3 pounds 0.7 pounds 0.7 ounces) to go with lighter support. This is where the market is heading. We used the Falcon GV for the trail for a long time over tough terrain and carrying a fairly heavy backpack and it did an excellent job. The truth is that higher and heavier boots can provide greater support to those who need it, however the two ankle turn we had to endure were due to our inability to tie the boots properly.
The laces are the first thing to be considered Pay attention when you put them on your Falcon. There are four eyelets in the foot that are located at the ankle and another above the ankle, at in the upper part of your boot. Because the laces are thin, it is essential to secure them especially on the upper part. As we mentioned earlier, when we got laced up too quickly and didn’t pay enough, the boot wasn’t strong enough to withstand the terrain or our backpacking gear. We discovered that you could leave some space around your foot to ensure convenience, and then firmly cinch the upper two pairs of eyelets to ensure the best support and stability around your ankle. If you do it correctly it’s an amazing method that can maximize your boot’s stability and comfort.
Waterproofing and Breathability
The best walking boots usually have top waterproofing this one from Asolo Falcon is no exception. With its Gore-Tex lining, the boot kept us dry throughout numerous stream crossings as well as when walking through thick mud. Most importantly it didn’t cause excessive heat even when walking for long distances under warm conditions. The high degree of breathability is one of the main advantages of investing in an expensive Gore-Tex boots: the majority of cheaper waterproofing methods are designed to keep the water out however, Gore-Tex is the best in creating sufficient airflow that allows you to let your feet breathe.
Toe and Ankle Protection
Due to its technological prowess given its technological prowess, this Asolo Falcon With its impressive technical capabilities, the Asolo Falcon offers plenty of toe protection for scrambling off trails. While the toe cap isn’t as striking as others, this model is durable and offers enough coverage to guard against almost all the rocks and roots you’ll come across. As far as ankle protection the model is an ankle-high boot, which means it’s not as substantial in the ankle area as models similar to one like the Asolo Fugitive. Additionally, the padding over the heel isn’t very thick and there’s no leather on top (just foam and polyester). We did not experience any problems with rocks or other debris hitting our ankles however it’s definitely not impossible for these boots.
Build Quality and Durability
The Asolo Falcon GV is well-built all around We would like to see it at this cost. Everything about the boot is quality, from the interior and footbed to the uppers of polyester and suede. After several grueling days out on the trails and in the field, everything in the boot has held up nicely, minus small wear and tear on the midsole (the exterior foam of the midsole appears a bit too soft for us). When it comes to construction, it’s important to mention this: Falcon GV is a beautiful boot. Falcon GV is one attractive hiking boot. We like the contemporary design and stylish colorways that make it among the most stylish boots available, us.
Fit and Sizing
It’s a great boot. Asolo Falcon GV has a perfect fit I bought my typical size 12, which is my normal width feet, and the boots were perfect right out of the box. Additionally, I was amazed at the comfort they gave me without breaking in. Many hiking boots that are technical and approach shoes are stiff until you have the chance to use them over a couple of days However, the Asolos felt comfortable right from the start. This is a huge benefit.
Women’s Version of the Asolo Falcon GV
We have tested the male Falcon GV for this review as well as Asolo offers the boots in a women’s version that is priced at the same price, and weighs less, at just 1 pound 14.2 ounces for a pair. It’s the female Falcon GV also differs in terms of size and colors, however, the overall design is identical. The two boots feature an identical upper in polyester and suede and a waterproof membrane made of Gore-Tex and lugs that are relatively small. However, unlike the majority of the other competitors, Asolo doesn’t make the Falcon GV a non-waterproof version, but we noticed that the boot breathed very well.
What We Love
- It is comfortable, durable and light, which is not a common trio in the world of hiking boots.
- Excellent fit straight from the box and no break-in time needed.
- Expertly navigating everything from difficult terrain to smooth trails.
- Premium build quality.
“What We Never Do”
- More expensive than the competition, at $240.
- Not the most comfortable boot especially when it’s not tightened on the upper.
- The lugs are too small, which means that these boots will have to be replaced sooner than other models.
Comparison Table
| BOOT | PRICE | CATEGORY | WEIGHT | WATERPROOF | UPPER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asolo Falcon GV | $240 | Light/Mid | 2 lb. 2.6 oz. | Yes (Gore-Tex) | Suede leather / polyester |
| La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX | $199 | Light/Mid | 2 lb. 1.6 oz. | Yes (Gore-Tex) | Nubuck leather |
| Lowa Renegade GTX Mid | $240 | Midweight | 2 lb. 7 oz. | Yes (Gore-Tex) | Nubuck leather |
| Arc’teryx Acrux TR GTX | $240 | Midweight | 2 lb. 6.8 oz. | Yes (Gore-Tex) | Synthetic |
| La Sportiva TXS GTX | $179 | Light/Mid | 2 lb. 3.6 oz. | Yes (Gore-Tex) | Synthetic |
| Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX | $165 | Lightweight | 1 lb. 15.6 oz. | Yes (Gore-Tex) | Suede leather / nylon |
The Competition
It is the Asolo Falcon GV is a high-quality, light hiking boot made of premium, lightweight. It’s not a big class, but a very close competitor could be La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX with a weight of 2 pounds 1.6 pounds, and 1.6 ounces. Both boots feature high-end and tested Gore-Tex waterproofing, durable leather, and gripping Vibram outsoles. If you look at the differences between the two, the Nucleo costs less at $199, has more leather for the construction, and features a higher ankle to provide more stability. Both are extremely lightweight and comfortable but a final choice will depend on the one that fits your foot more comfortably (the Nucleo is relatively narrow and the Falcon is more of a typical fitting).
At the same price as the Falcon GV, it costs $240. Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is a powerful mid-weight hiking boot. It’s a bit heavier than the Falcon with a weight of 2 pounds 7 ounces but the Renegade provides more stability than Falcon and is also comfy, even without a long break-in time. We’ve discovered that the Renegade cuts weight thanks to the use of the thinnest leather on its upper, which means that its durability is less impressive as compared to the Falcon. However, this Renegade is a tried and true boot for hiking that has been in fashion for a long time.
Another contemporary hiker worth considering is Arc’teryx’s Acrux TR GX. As with the Falcon Acrux, the Acrux is equipped with high-end Gore-Tex waterproofing as well as a light construction (the Arc’teryx boots weigh 2 pounds. 6.8 oz.) which sacrifices support in comparison to more conventional hiking styles. Both are able matches for difficult terrains and heavy loads, however, the Acrux has a noticeable lack of cushioning, both on the lower and upper foot. Overall it’s a good choice. Asolo or Arc’teryx footwear manages the weight and performance perfectly however we prefer Falcon for its superior comfort. Falcon for its comfort for long distances.
La Sportiva’s TX collection has been a hit in the world of approach footwear for many years and the new TXS is a unique update to the lineup. It features a cut that is mid-height large lugs, Goretex waterproofing, and a burly rubber rand with a rubber rand, the TSX is a sturdy and comfortable option for varying terrain. However, we’ve found that the Asolo is more comfortable to wear for long periods in the wilderness and is also the most lightweight design, by about one inch. Based on these benefits we believe that it’s the Falcon is the more suitable overall design for hikers and backpackers. However, the TSX is an excellent alternative for those planning to go off-trail.
In the end, the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX is at the top of our round-up of hiking boots this year, and with the right reason. With a weight of 1 pound 15.6 ounces, this boot is a bit lighter than the Falcon GV’s weight, but it has a similar design, with the waterproof and breathable Goretex membrane with mid-height support and a comfy fit right straight out of the box. But, we discovered the boot’s light weight and incredible flexibility could mean lower support on terrains with a lot of technical features, or with a bulky pack we’re recommending the Asolo beats the Falcon GV. But at $165 it’s the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX is more affordable.
