La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Women’s Hiking Boots review
The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX boots are a great option for anyone in the market for a new pair of hiking boots. They are comfortable, lightweight, and provide good support and traction on various surfaces. I have had mine for several months now and have taken them on both day hikes and backpacking trips, and they have performed each time admirably.
This is a company that specializes in making climbing and hiking equipment. They have recently released a lightweight hiking boot, the Nucleo High GTX. The boots are well-rounded and capable but are expensive at nearly $200. We tested them in Sierra leone and had a few performance-related complaints. Read on to find out.
Pros
- Weight per pair: 2 lb 1 oz / 936 g
- Light trekking gear
- Waterproof: Gore-Tex Surround
- Accommodating underfoot
- Deep lugs for solid traction,
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- Eye-catching design
- Heel brake in the outsole
- UPPER: Nubuck leather / Nano-Cell™ direct injection / PU leather
- MIDSOLE: Compression Molded EVA / TPU inserts
Cons
- Difficult to lace up
- Narrow fit, but wider options are available
Who should buy the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX?
The trekking pair is built for a variety of climbing styles, from trad to sport. It has a stiff and supportive fit, making it great for those looking for a shoe that can easily handle hard climbs. The shoe is also breathable and lightweight, so you can enjoy long climbs without feeling weighed down.
This shoe best suits backpackers and outdoor adventurers who enjoy off-trail use, camping, fishing, and summer scrambling.
Performance and comfort: The perfect combination.
These boots are good for people with narrower feet looking for a boot to use for general purposes. They are made with nubuck leather, durable and abrasion-resistant, and have deep lugs for a good grip on trail surfaces. However, breaking them in is important before you use them on a long camping or hiking trip.
It has great traction and delivers better performance than the previous model. These boots are comfortable, breathable, and lean toward accommodating a narrower foot, but they come in wide sizes.
Our reviewers concluded that it is best suited for short day hikes or light backpacking trips. Although it has some nice features, like a waterproof Gore-Tex liner and a padded ankle collar, it lacks the cushioning and support of some of the other models in our fleet. It also has an unnecessarily complicated lace hook system that makes putting the boots on and taking them off more difficult than it needs to be.
Weight: For the perfect fit in every step.
The Nucleo High GTX is one of the lightest high-cut boots on the market, weighing 2 pounds and 1.6 ounces per pair. It’s a great choice for those who need a boot that offers support and protection without adding a lot of weight to their pack. The shoe performs better than expected in stability and durability compared to others in the same category.
Durability: You’ll be able to withstand any terrain!
The Vibram Nano XS-Trek tread shoe is a highly versatile trail running shoe that does everything well. The waterproofing and toe protection are standout features, while the tough yet comfortable construction makes them perfect for long days on the trail. If you are looking for a do-it-all trail runner provides good support and traction and is built to last. The Nucleo High GTX should be at the top of your list.
Traction: For the perfect grip on any surface.
The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX is a great choice for hiking in mountainous terrain. They feature a Vibram sole with aggressive lugs, a heel counter to prevent pronation and an exaggerated toe kick to protect your toes. The lugs are also recessed slightly into the sole, making them functionally longer and allowing for traction at steep and unusual angles. They also have La Sportiva’s impact brake system, which helps with impact absorption and braking power. They provide good arch and heel protection, and the Tempo last helps spread out impact forces.
Stability and Support
The Footwear has a high cut for more ankle coverage, and the laces can be tightened securely around the foot and ankle. There is no evidence of ankle rolls or weakness while scrambling over rock. With a rigid guard at the back and a tread that extends laterally beyond the wearer’s foot, these boots offer excellent protection against ankle rolls and other injuries.
Waterproofing and Breathability
The La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX is a well-rounded hiking boot designed for comfort and all-day use on the trail. It has a cushioned midsole, a supportive ankle collar, and a waterproof Gore-Tex Surround membrane, making it a good choice for wet weather or moderate backpacking trips. The Gore-Tex Surround waterproofing system allows water vapor to escape through the sole, keeping your feet and socks dry.
The Nucleo’s waterproofing is excellent, and we were very impressed with how they performed through waterways. This is the shoe for wet soggy conditions.
Our Verdict:
The Nucleo High is an excellent choice for anything from moderate day hikes to extended backpacking trips, especially when inclement weather rolls in. The boots are incredibly waterproof and even have a Gore-Tex membrane to keep your feet warm and dry in even the wettest conditions. Additionally, they have a Duratec outsole that makes them durable and stable on even the roughest terrain, while the Vibram® rubber soles provide great grip and traction.
Overall, we highly recommend the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX hiking boots if you’re looking for boots that will provide you with unparalleled waterproof protection and stability on even the most challenging trails.
