Recently, I was discussing with my wife the pros and cons of splurging on a new pickleball paddle. Yes, you read that right: a pickleball paddle. (Hear me out, it’s related, I promise.)
Rightly so, she questioned whether it was a “want” or a “need” (I begrudgingly conceded it wasn’t a necessity). But I also said this: “When you try something that’s really good, and then go back to using something that’s not so good, you see how much of a difference good gear makes.”
We bought the paddle.
Anyway, this is where Asolo’s Acadia Mid Leather Gore-Tex hiking boots enter the fray. Once I tried them, I realised, crikey, I’ve been settling for less.
See, my feet are weird. My left is longer than my right, and they’re ever-so-slightly broader than average—just enough that many regular-fit hiking boots are too narrow. This meant that, in years gone by, I’ve bought boots a size or two bigger to allow extra room, but then they’ve ended up being too long and it’s turned into a bit of a shemozzle.
I’m not saying those other boots weren’t great, because they were, but they required finessing so my feet weren’t constantly sore.
But gee whiz, when I took the wide-fit version of the Asolo Acadias on their maiden voyage for a five-day bash in the wilds of Wollemi National Park, once they were on, they were so comfortable I practically forgot all about my feet.
But it wasn’t just the extra width that made the Asolo Acadias easy on my feet. It’s worthwhile noting that not only is there a regular-fit version, there’s also a women’s-specific model and even a bunion-fit option, with extra room around the toe knuckle area to eliminate painful bunion pressure.
All versions of the Acadia Mid—regular, wide, women’s or bunion fit—feature a mono-density EVA midsole that provides good support and cushioning, while a softer EVA foam in the rear helps absorb shock.
The flexible outsole contains a Sigma Grip compound which Asolo says “guarantees the best traction, grip [and] durability”. While it’s too soon to comment on their longevity, I didn’t once slip on the rough and rocky terrain we scrambled up for a high camp, nor on the damp, slippery slabs in the canyon-like side creeks we explored.
The Acadias’ grip gave me confidence to move through the Wollemi’s rugged and unforgiving terrain with sure footing.
Following this first foray into the Wollemi wilds, the Acadias have accompanied me on several more walks across varied terrain, from the bit-of-everything Falls to Bogong circuit, to off-track adventures in Kosciuszko’s undulating northern reaches, and even a four-day coastal mission in Victoria’s Otways.
The Acadias haven’t skipped a step and have ensured my feet stayed in tippy-top condition.
The only times my dogs barked for a break—understandably so—were on extended road-walking sections.
So here’s my takeaway: for walkers who mainly stick to established trails, interspersed with occasional off-track adventures, the Asolo Acadias are an excellent option.
The Acadias’ lighter-weight suede construction, combined with the absence of a rand, isn’t going to handle the rigours of constant off-track, wet wanderings with the ease of a heavy-duty full-leather boot. But they will keep your feet happier for longer—especially if you have broader feet and opt for the wide-fit version.
Like with my new pickleball paddle, since I’ve tried the Asolo Acadias, there’s no going back.
The Details:
INTENDED USE: Hiking, travel and urban use
FIT: Wide (as tested)
MATERIALS: Water-resistant suede upper, Gore-Tex Extended Comfort lining
WEIGHT: 1,045g per pair (EU42 Wide, as tested)
RRP: $359.95
For more information visit Asolo Australia or call (02) 9417 5755
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