

Someone who has flatfeet also finds it quite accommodating underfoot.Īs far as backpacking boots are concerned, this trekking gear is not weighty at all, and numerous reviewers very much agree. It has plenty of arch support, according to many. To hikers in droves, the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX is either "fantastic" or "superior" comfort-wise. This backpacking boot comes with a tweaked closure.Īside from having sturdier eyelets, the shoe’s lacing system has been redesigned in a way that it promotes ankle flexibility. The laces of the Nucleo High II GTX snapping and fraying on more than a handful of owners are downright disappointing. Some testers have reported durability issues with the eyelets, laces, and heel brake of the shoe. This means that you get virtually the same amount of toughness around your tootsies as you have underfoot. The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX this time around comes with a rubber rand and toe cap courtesy of Vibram. Nucleo High II GTX provides improved upper protection While being a complete revolution over the Nucleo High GTX might be a tall order, the boot in question does have welcome improvements. They say that the follow-up to something considered high-quality has to be better in every way. The Nucleo High II GTX is the successor to a well-loved trekking boot by La Sportiva.

backpackers, outdoor adventurers and trail-goers.The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX is a weather-ready and lightweight hiking boot best suited for: Check out the company’s Nucleo boots at REI.Who should buy the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX The company says it designed the Nucleo High GTX for hikers who need a medium-duty boot “for day hikes in rugged terrain.” Backpackers in need of a versatile waterproof boot that breathes well and supports moderate loads are also candidates for the Nucleo. La Sportiva offers a comprehensive line of boots and footwear. The brand’s Impact Brake System on the outsole functions to cushion and catch on terrain underfoot when hiking fast downhill. La Sportiva worked with Vibram to create the outsole, called “Nano.” The brand touts it for trail hiking to mild scrambling situations. It’s made to grip dirt trails, talus, and rock. The aggressive tread pattern made of sticky rubber is unique. This is because mesh and synthetic material compose the uppers, not leather.Īs noted above, the Nucleo uses a solid ply of nubuck leather to add significant durability against abrasion and wear, which sets this boot apart from other Gore-Tex Surround Products. Some footwear with Gore-Tex Surround lacks the durability seen in boots like the Nucleo. For comparison, similar boots often weigh 3 to 5 ounces more apiece. Lightweight Hiking Boot Choiceįor leather hiking boots, the Nucleo is lightweight. The same holds true on dewy, early-morning hikes or light mountaineering in snow. Go ahead and walk through shallow streams or puddles.
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Gore-Tex Surround provides full waterproof protection and improves airflow around the foot. The result is underfoot breathability, whereas most footwear offers no air movement where the sock compresses against the insole. But Gore-Tex Surround incorporates a woven polyester or polyamide mesh insole that allows air to pass beneath the Gore-Tex bootie insert. Gore-Tex has long been used in hiking boots. La Sportiva balances the leather with breathable, protected mesh (see “Nano Cells” section above) to give you the best of both rugged protection and breathable comfort.įootwear Breathability From Gore-Tex Surround It is resistant to wear and a good choice for hiking boots. Nubuck leather is a rugged performer with a velvet-like surface. This system protects the mesh yet allows air to circulate around the bottom of the foot, letting feet breathe. You can see a fine (breathable) mesh material through the PU web. La Sportiva injects a polyurethane “web” onto the mesh upper to form what it calls Nano Cells. The Nucleo is for sale now at REI, in men’s and women’s models for $199. GearJunkie got a pair to inspect for this breakdown. This year, La Sportiva upped the ante with its Nucleo hiking boot by combining Gore-Tex Surround and a proprietary feature, Nano Cells (see the web pattern on the image above). The waterproof/breathable membrane Gore-Tex Surround increases breathability in footwear. Hiking boots can get clammy, especially on warm days. But the quest for breathability in waterproof boots has taken a step forward in recent years.
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A ‘macro membrane’ pattern serves as a visual cue (and a functional feature) on the Nucleo High GTX boot, which La Sportiva claims is its most breathable boot to date.
