La Sportiva Fc Eco 20 Gtx Review
We had the good fortune of not only testing La Sportivas FC Ec o 2.0 GTX, a low-top hiker, but also the mid version of the shoe, the Eco 3.0 GTX. Both the Eco 2.0 and Eco 3.0 are constructed of a nubuck leather/100% recycled nylon upper and equipped with a Gore-Tex lining to keep your toes dry. The FC Ecos have a TPU shank to keep your feet protected on the rocky trail and Vibram outsole equipped with EcoStep, also made from recycled goods, that provides grippy traction. We wore the mids with snowshoes, shoveling the walk, and while carrying a pack on the trail. We liked the added ankle protection and coverage from debri and snow that the mid provides, but liked that we did not lose the feeling of a lightweight hiker. We used the low top Eco 2.0 for half-day hikes near Boulder and around town. We found that these shoes run a tad wide and found our foot slipping around in the generous toe box we placed our favorite inserts into the Eco 2.0 and our problem was quickly solved. We liked the seamless toe box region, which eliminates hot spots, and the reinforced toe bumper that offers protection without sacrificing forefoot flexibility. Overall, La Sportivas FC Eco 2.0 and 3.0 GTX, are attractive day hikers that look and perform well on the trail. For more information, please visit LaSportiva.com
Our Analysis And Test Results
The La Sportiva FC ECO 2.0 earned top scores for support and durability, both of which earned it our Top Pick for Backpacking. One of the heavier shoes we tested, it is surprisingly cool and breathable for a mostly leather model. La Sportiva makes the extra ounces in this shoe count, and the performance is great for rough terrain and moderate loads.
The Longer The Trail The Bigger The Adventure
The La Sportiva Women’s FC 3.2 GTX Hiking Boot is lightweight yet supportive for backpacking with light to moderate loads. Gore-Tex Extended Comfort gives this boot guaranteed waterproof protection that remains highly breathable for warmer weather. Nubuck leather keeps the FC 3.2 strong, while mesh panels ensure ventilated airflow. A Dri-Lex lining helps wick moisture and dry quickly to keep your feet comfortably dry.Underfoot, La Sportiva equipped the FC 3.2 with a dual-density EVA midsole made of recycled materials. There’s also a LaSpEVA midsole for extra cush, and the TPU Shank ensures stability on a variety of terrain. Vibram’s EcoStep sole uses partially-recycled rubber for grip, and the Impact Brake System helps when you lose control on the downhill.
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The Boot: La Sportiva Fc Eco 32 Gtx Hiking Boot
I first purchased my La Sportiva FC ECO 3.2 GTX hiking boots in May 2015, weeks before my 17-day trek on the John Muir Trail. I went on one overnight trip and a handful of day hikes to break them in In hindsight, I probably shouldnt have purchased new boots so close to such a long trek, but it ended up working out totally fine and the boots were great from day 1! .
My boots have since traveled to and hiked through California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, and Canada. They supported me over my 221-mile JMT hike, got absolutely caked in mud during a wet backpacking trip in the PNW, and acted as pseudo-snow boots in Denver when we got snowed out of our trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. These babies have supported me on hundreds of trails , and Ive honestly never owned a better hiking boot.
That being said, La Sportiva has since stopped making this specific boot . They have, however, released a few similar pairs that also get rave reviews! The most similar pair that I could find is the La Sportiva FC 4.1 GTX hiking boots, which is similar in looks, weight, and price tag. These bad boys are on sale at REI though, so I would take that as a hint that they might be discontinued soon as well. If you want to jump on them, jump soon . Other similar La Sportiva hiking boots include the La Sportiva Pyramid GTX hiking boot and the La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX hiking boot .
The Trail Runner: Salomon X
Similar to my hiking boots, I bought my running shoes on a whim, entirely too close to a big event that I was participating in. This time, however, I was participating in the Florida Keys Ragnar Relay, in which I was to run roughly 17 miles, in three legs, over the course of 24 hours. My longest leg topped out just above 10 miles, and during my training, I was experiencing killer knee pain. After speaking to a friends grandfather, who had been a high school track coach for 40 years, I realized that my old running shoes had over 700 miles on them, and the support had likely started to dissipate, which might have been causing my knee pain. About three days before I was to fly to Florida for my race, I decided to buy a new pair of running shoes. This proved to be especially difficult, as I was living in Mammoth Lakes during ski season, and the three stores that sold running shoes had a very limited selection . I was basically forced to pick the only pair that fit me, and ended up with the Salomon X-Mission 3 Trail-Running Shoes!
Have any questions as to why I like my hiking shoes/why I chose to utilize them for different adventures? Leave a comment below or email me at [email protected]! Happy Trails!!
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La Sportiva Fc Eco 32 Gtx
There are a handful of outdoor gear items that I ALWAYS suggest buying new AND spending some good money on . Last year my father gifted me with two of the items on my list. A brand new pair of La Sportiva hiking boots was one of them!
I have had these FC ECO 3.2 GTX for over a year now and theyve held up to campfires , 14ers, snow, mud fields and rainstorms. I hike at least once each week and these have become my go-to shoes for sure.
Yesterday I hiked Longs Peak one of Colorados 54 peaks reaching over 14,000ft. The hike took me 11 hours roundtrip and only in the last hour did I start to feel a bit achy in my legs but my feet never hurt. The shoes are comfortable, warm, durable, supportive and they have taken me to some of the most beautiful places I have ever been.
I have always known La Sportiva to make incredible rock climbing shoes, but now I am giving them the title of Maker of the Best Hiking Shoes I Have Owned to Date.
xoxo
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Brand: La Sportiva Gear Reviews
Model: FC ECO 3.0 GTX
Like the best eco-friendly gear today, this shoe reduces its impact without sacrificing performance. One editor strapped crampons onto the FC ECO and climbed Switzerlands 13,474-foot Mönch, pushing the boot to its limit. He called it a superb light hiker that can easily handle a weekend load on trails and moderately rough terrain.
A Gore-Tex liner repelled wet brush in Idahos Sawtooth Mountains, yet the uppers combination of perforated, eco-tanned leather and recycled-nylon mesh prevented overheating on desert hikes. Heel brakes delivered exceptional traction on greasy trails.
$160 2 lbs. 4 oz. mens 3847.5, womens 36-43 sportiva.comA mid-height, great fitting, lightweight hiking boot designed for day hikes and backpacking with light to moderate loads and built with eco-friendly materials
Water Resistance And Breathability
The La Sportiva FC ECO 3.0 is lined with a Gore-Tex waterproof/breathable membrane for keeping feet dry in creek water and well-ventilated from sweat. We hiked through 4-5″ of moving water to test the water resistant capacity. Despite our doubts about the mesh looking outer, they kept our feet entirely dry.
The FC ECO 3.0 women’s boots are one of few that we would consider breathable enough for mid-summer high temperatures. The Ahnu Montara and the Salomon Comet 3D both also have lightweight uppers and mesh paneling for keeping feet well-ventilated in temperatures over 90 degrees.
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La Sportiva Fc Eco 32 Review
- Very stable on rocky off-trail hikes
- Great fit even for narrow feet
The Bad
- My feet felt uncomfortably sweaty compared to others in this test
- Laces were a bit on the bulky side
One of our favorite boots of the year, the FC Eco 3.2 is a versatile light hiker that can withstand the most demanding terrain, but is still comfortable enough to feel at home on moderate day hikes. I thought this was an outstanding boot for any terrain, and it was very nearly our pick for Best in Class.
Tied with the Vasque Breeze 2.0 for second place out of eleven, the FC Eco 3.2 was one of my top picks overall.
Support & StabilityThe FC Eco was one of the most supportive boots in the Spring 13 test. The thermoplastic urethane stability shanks prevented the sole from flexing both torsionally and on heel-toe transfers. This kept my feel from fatiguing even after very long, difficult hikes. I experienced no heel slippage on steep ascents, and no jamming or sliding on descents.
ComfortFrom the cushy, padded cuff to the supple but supportive upper construction, I had no complaints about comfort. This boot possesses none of the clunkiness usually associated with high-performing boots, although it was among the heaviest in the lineup.
ValueAt $175, this boot boasted the second-highest price in the lineup. Although this often warrants a lower rating on our value scale, its steep price is mitigated by the boots impressive versatility. .
