
It is widely-appreciated, high-quality waterproofing and provides proper breathability to ensure that your feet aren't getting too hot or wet while out on the trails. It has a very 'sticky' sole and proper tread to get you through the hike without fears of slipping. It has a high back, a very simple design and comes in a couple different colors. This product comes in both ladies and men options. This article is a review on the very popular La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX hiking boot. The proper tread is going to ensure that you aren't slipping when attempting to get through steeper parts of the hike and the shape of the shoe should also be supportive in a way that will ensure that your ankle and heel are supported in more awkward positions. You want to ensure that you are wearing a product that isn't going to hurt or be uncomfortable halfway through your hike. This type of equipment needs to be durable, have good tread, be comfortable and be supportive. Proper hiking shoes are going to make all the difference in both the overall hike but also the impact on the body during and after the hike. There are numerous hiking boots on the market though and it is hard to know which are best for you. There are tons of reported injuries and even deaths of individuals who were hiking and climbing without proper gear. When out climbing you can experience all kinds of dangerous situations including sliding mud/rocks, downpours and steep terrain. Having a proper hiking boot can be the difference between an enjoyable hike and a potentially sticky situation. Mountain climbing and hiking can be quite dangerous though without proper equipment. Check out the company’s Nucleo boots at REI.Hiking can be not only a great experience but also a great form of exercise. 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.
Nucleo high gtx full#
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. 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.
