Asolo New For 2010

Italian outdoor footwear specialist, Asolo, has an interesting new range of boots for spring 2010 dubbed 'Power Lite' and using an unusual new sole unit.


The Power Lite construction is claimed to improve performance underfoot but save weight at the same time. We had a look at an exploded Poer Lite chassic and two features stand out. The first is that the heel counter and the internal lasting board are integrated which is claimed to be both more stable and reduce weight by 40% over traditional construction.


The other really obvious change is the radical looking heel unit which is claimed to save 35% in weight over traditional versions. Conventional EVA mid-sole cushioning is supplemented by an external heel addition made from stiff Pebax and Nylon which protects the EVA in the heel unit.

The additional bit also seems to increase the width of the heel in contact with the ground, which may, in itself, also improve stability on foot strike. It's also designed to shed mud and self clean.


Interesting stuff. The model you're most likely to come across is the Superfly GTX boot which will sell for £140 when it hits the shops in early 2010. That's the same as out favourite Asolo Fugitive three-season boot and a tenner less than the similar Flame.

We're not sure what the weight savings are likely to be as for some reason Asolo quotes weights for different sizes across different models.

More information at www.asolo.com