NO blisters or 'hot spots' whatsoever. After bagging 3 of the 7 Summits and countless other climbs/hikes--have worn MANY other boots...but keep coming back to ASOLO--and the Stynger GT in particular.
Not for extended/technical climbs (although they are crampon-compatible)...but for absolutely EVERYTHING else--there is no comparison!
I wore them on 11 trips to Iraq and two rotations through an intensive 10-day combat shooting school (read: near-constant mud/rain/muck)--and feet were the most dry/comfortable thing on me!
I even bought a second pair to keep in reserve in the event they stop making this particular model (but I hope not!).
Bottom line: These boots are amazing and BackCountry is the place to get 'em!

My wife tears through boots with a serious case of over pronation so finding boots with enough support can be a challenge until she tried these. Bought for 3 months of trekking in Asia the longest stretch was 21 days straight. Amazing support Flawless waterproofing. As far as the support after almost 2 years she still treks the western slopes of CO weekly. Best piece of footwear she owns.

I purchased these boots last April 2008 right before beginning field work in the mountains of West Virginia... let me just say that they are 99.97% amazing. Not only were they comfortable from the very beginning and required very little break-in time (dude... I never got blisters!), my feet were so stylish that they were the envy of all my crewmates. They have a wonderful firm sole, which makes them great for hiking on various types of terrain. The only reason why I didn't give them 5 stars is because they are not waterproof; walking through tall, wet grass left me with soggy feet pretty much every day. However, they did dry very quickly and at least I began each day with dry feet, even if it only lasted for 30 minutes or so. Even so, I am still planning on buying another pair when these finally wear out. If you're not planning on walking through tall, wet grass, then I highly recommend you buy these!

Love these boots! I used to hate breaking out my boots and would opt for trail-runners when doing field work. Now, after years trying to "suffer through" a dozen or so different boots, I now happily pull these on anytime I'm going to be spending all day on my feet in the field! Perfect fit, great stability, truly waterproof, extremely lightweight, breathable, durable structural support, and excellent traction. Perfect for fieldwork, backpacking and long treks!

One caveat: If you tend to wear hiking boots 200 out of 365 days out of the year, these soles won't last long. As I understand it, Asolo doesn't resole these boots, but rather they have a "contracted shoe repair shop". For about $100 (and shipping), I may as well buy another pair! It's frustrating to have to buy a new pair once a year because I repeatedly wear the soles down flat to a shiny surface.

I purchased my Asolo Stynger GTX boots in 2007 and from the second I slipped them on, they fit like a glove. I've hiked mostly short trips with them (longest was a 5-day trek), and they've kept my feet happy -- no blisters, no foot pain, dry yet breathable. Unfortunately, on my last longer-distance trip, the sole of my right boot started to separate from the body. This was surprising, since I don't feel like they'd really logged a lot of distance or took an exceptionally hard pounding over time. I took the boots to a shoe repair place and they were able to seal the sole back to the body of the boot, but now I don't feel like the boot is truly waterproof anymore. A big bummer, because in every other way, I love these boots.

I wore these boots on a two week backpacking trip and they were great. there was virtually no break in period; i got a blister the first time i wore them and that was it. they're very comfortable and well padded. i carried about half my weight and never had any foot problems. they fit true to size for me (6.5)

Well I wanted to include my wife in my love of hiking so I asked her to go shopping for some gear. my treat! We looked over all the boots and think she tried them all on :(
But we decided on these. last years models are red and really turn heads.
They are really a step above any other women's hikers out on the market.
Boots are very light and totally waterproof we tested them out. My wife's entire foot fell through some weak ice and not a drop got in.
Boots have amazing grip and support.
They really can go with jeans, cords what ever and make the outfit.
My wife also has foot problems but these really seem to keep that in check.
It is an investment at 180.00 but your feet are the most important thing don't skimp.
The boots are very well researched in construction.

I have narrow heels which makes finding boots tough because my heels tend to slide up and down the back of the boots. These boots have a nicely shaped back and great lacing system which arrests motion of the foot inside the shoe. They are also extremely supportive. The boots have a roomy toe box, but I bought a half size larger than I typically wear and found that to be perfect.

This is my 2nd pair...1st pair had a defect and backcountry.com was outstanding in their customer service to take the back and get me my next pair at the same price I originally paid.
Excellent fitting boot. Downside is the break-in period that I've experienced as well only much longer in their leather hikers. But I wouldn't switch to another for this minor adjustment due to the long wear and overall performance of this boot!

I have worn now this boot on one long hike with moderate elevation gain(4000') and one climb(Oregon's Mt Washington). Virtually no break in period(where as Asolo leather hikers def have a BIG break in period).
Comfortable though of course not as supportive as the leathers. Great grip on dicy climbing areas where footing is very limited.

I just retired a pair of 12 year-old leather Asolo boots that have been hiking/backpacking with me in Europe, Asia, South America, North America. Being a fan of Asolo boots, I thought I would try out the Stynger boots(based on user feedback) and am thrilled with the fit, comfort, and relatively short break-in time. The sturdy, well protected toe box provides ample wiggle room for aggressive downhill hiking/backpacking. No hot spots in the boot - laces, heel, or toe. Good arch support. Heel fits very well. The traction is good on rock and mud. Haven't yet tried them with a heavy pack but so far, very good.

Just ordered a pair of Stynger GTX for my girlfriend. She's 5'2", 105 lbs with a small low volume high arch foot. She is a true size 6 so we ordered a size 7. Way to big for her. The boot volume may be a problem too. I have 2 pairs of Asolos (summer and fall) and love them! We are going to try a size 6 and see what happens.

I tried on every pair...i mean every pair of hiking boots... at EMS and these were the only ones that worked for my narrow foot and heel. I am planning to put 500 miles on them this fall and hope all goes well. My husband has a pair of Asolo backpacking boots and they are over 5 years old and still going strong. These are well worth the price and they aren't made in China...Hooray!

I love these boots! They are comfortable, stable, lightweight and waterproof! I took them snow shoeing on a back country trip for their first trip out without any leaking or blisters. I even walked through running streams with water up over the laces. They did very well in and out of the snow shoes for traction and stability on some pretty rough terrain. Way to go Asolo!

These are the best hiking boots I have ever owned. I have a normal width foot but a very narrow heel. They fit my feet like a glove. I have a notorious probelm with getting blisters no matter the fit or socks I wear. These boots have kept my blisters to a minimum and required no break in. I recommend them to all my friends as the best boots ever.

I've had a love affair with Raichles for the last 15 years. They suddenly disappeared from the market and when I had to get new boots I tried these. I've had one foot problem after the other with these Asolos. I developed plantar fasciitis after my first hike in these. Upon resolving that and being able to hike again after two months, these boots cause consistent pain in the tendon on the front of my foot. I've never had foot problems until these boots! And to the reviewer who said these are waterproof, I beg to differ. Sorry to be such a Debby Downer but these boots have caused nothing but problems for me.

I got mine and wore them immediately, had a little difficulty with the ankle height but after the first hike or two they loosened up and have been remarkably comfortable! Went on a 12-mile hike and climbing in Palo Duro Canyon a week ago with them, have never had blisters, and the traction and fit are fabulous!

I recommend these to anyone who does serious hiking, they make a world of difference and I will likely buy another pair if I manage to ever wear these out.

I've been wanting good hiking boots for awhile, but just couldn't quite put down the cash for them. I did a little review research on a few pairs, one being the Styngers and decided to go with them. I got them a couple weeks ago and so far I'm pretty impressed. I've done a little "test" hiking in them and I must say they are comfortable on first wear, so far I don't feel any hot spots and they feel very supportive. I took them out in slick icy snow, and when it was rainy and really muddy and they have a pretty solid grip. In the rain my feet stayed dry. I'm excited to do a little more intense hiking in them. From the feel of them I also think they'd hold up very well with a backpack on. So far, overall, great boot!

i bought these boots and two weeks later hiked the grand canyon, mt whitney, and angels landing in zion in them. i only had time to wear them a couple times before the big hikes. they broke in well, provide excellent support, and i was really happy with them! i wear an 8.5 normally and that's what my boots are. i can comfortably wear hiking socks and liners or even 2 pairs of hiking socks if it's really cold. i'm really pleased with these boots and definitely recommend them!

I love these boots. I have only worn them twice now, but both times I was impressed with how great my feet felt in them. I was advised to go a half size up from my normal size to avoid the heel rubbing...it was great advice; I've had zero rubbing! It snowed about 18 inches this past weekend and my Stynger's kept my feet warm and dry as I played in the snow for several hours.

I highly recommend the Asolo Stynger!

These boots have been many places with me - Oregon deserts (with 40+ lb pack), Colorado mountains (through big talus fields with a day pack), snowy Indiana and Utah canyons. The footbed construction is very supportive but I am looking at trading them in as I have not yet (in over 2 years of wear) been able to 'break them in' beyond the point where they leave quarter sized blisters on the backs of each heel. I thought I was getting there when they stopped blistering my second smallest toes but they never fail to leave me in lots of heel pain. Perhaps my feet are just not right for this design. Besides that - these are great boots.

These are amazing! They are lighter weight than others I have tried, and very sure footed on uneven or slippery terrain.
I have tested them in streams and have yet to come out wet. They fit perfectly with a liner sock and a midweight hiking sock. Sometimes they are a bit tricky to lace up, but that could just be operator error!
I love these boots and you can't beat the price!

i was looking for a nice sturdy boot with good support and appealing to my wide foot. both apply for these. i've only used them twice so far but like what i feel! great boot and comfortable.

This is my 3rd pair of the Asolo Stynger boots - I work outside for a living and nothing beats the quality & fit !! Can't wait to buy my 4th pair :)

I took these on a two-week backpack trip to Isle Royale. The trails there are burly and these stood up to the test. Through mud, beaver ponds, rocky exposed areas...everything. My pack weighed around 55lbs but my feet felt so cushioned that it didn't matter. I'd done this same hike before in other boots and ended up with debilitating blisters...not so with these boots. I broke them in before I went and I was just fine.