Our verdict
The We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us is able to keep a warm in-shoe environment even in the coldest of temperatures and has a spiffing performance with or without crampons. But it only favored those with narrow feet. The rigidity on the boot’s ankle area further undermined its greatness. Everything considered, the We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us is a valuable piece of footgear. However, those with wider feet must opt for something else.
Pros
- Warm in below-zero temperatures.
- Asolo AFS 8000
- Stiff ankle area
- Asolo AFS 8000
Cons
- Narrow fit
- Flimsy Velcro patches
- Stiff ankle area
Boot Grading for Crampons
The mid-priced We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us is recommended for wearers who prefer an insulated, double boot. It's an ideal purchase if:
- The user expects to tackle cold, snowy mountain trails
- We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through uss multi-feature upper
- The adventurer needs a waterproof boot
Climbing-focused outsole
The dual-color Vibram Nilgiri is a crampon-ready outsole. The angled lugs on the toe and heel area ensure grip on descents and ascents. Its aggressive and self-cleaning lugs, which are strategically laid out, give stability and enhance the braking ability of the boots.
We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us's stabilizing midsole
The AFS 8000 has a PU midsole with carbon fiber and a fiberglass skeleton. This layout makes the boot supportive and stable without adding too much weight. The PU midsole soaks up the vibration from ground impacts while keeping a durable cushioning thus, enhancing walking comfort. The AFS anatomical footbed provides additional padding and support.
We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us's multi-feature upper
The We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us is a double-boot that uses Pebax for its outer shell. This elastomer (a polymer with elastic properties) has a multitude of benefits, making it favorable for a broad range of outdoor activities. This material is appreciated for its low weight, flexibility, and stress resistance. Also, it is widely used in the footwear industry as it can withstand extreme environments (low to high temperatures).
The hard shell design of the outer, which includes a tongue, is accompanied by metal lacing hardware which combines hooks and D-rings for secure lace-up closure. It is also reinforced from the toes to the back of the heel for utmost protection.
The anatomically shaped inner boot of the AFS 8000 is a combination of PU sandwich and 3 mm polyethylene. The former gives the boot a stronger yet lighter feel while the latter grants an agreeable amount of hardness and rigidity. Furthermore, polyethylene feels waxy when touched. It has a separate tongue and closure system using Velcro.
An inner boot that promotes warmth
The lining of the inner boot is made up of Thinsulate and Velveteen which render insulation and promote comfort. Thinsulate , a lining manufactured by 3M, has microfibers that trap air and block heat loss while allowing moisture to escape. Its thin and lightweight composition is less bulky and promotes freedom of movement. Velveteen has a smooth back and is usually made of cotton. It resembles velvet but doesn’t drape as easily.
We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us's protective heel and forefoot
As part of the Asoframe technology, this mountaineering boot has a microporous rubber inserted at the heel for shock absorption.
Asolo AFS 8000.