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La Sportiva Nucleo High Ii Gtx Hiking Boots – Women’s

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Build Quality And Durability

La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boots Review

From our experience, La Sportiva footwear always has been well-made, and the Nucleo High GTX is no exception. For reference, we wore our TX3 approach shoes until the sole was worn down without experiencing any frayed stitches or delamination, and we expect a similar lifespan out of the Nucleo. Its worth noting that some other users have reported minor durability issues, including the metal eyelets at the top coming loose and the heel brake separating. But we havent experienced these problems ourselves, and all signs are positive that the Nucleo is a long-lasting, high-quality boot.

Why We Like The Nucleo High Ii Gtx Wide Boot

When we are pushing the last few miles to a summit we are always happy to have the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Wide Boot. In addition to the wider last to accommodate feet that sometimes feel jammed, this boot provides waterproof coverage and ample energy return to keep our tired legs moving forward.

Should You Buy The La Sportiva Nucleo High Ii Gtx

Although this boot is more of an investment than other trail/hiker hybrids featured in this review, we believe that the performance achieved through the higher price tag is worth it for this modern twist on a traditional hiking boot. This boot features Vibram soles for maximum grip on all types of trails, a Gore-tex Surround membrane, a nubuck leather upper to enhance durability, and out-of-the-box comfort with minimal break-in time necessary. If durability and waterproof protection are at the top of your list, consider this boot a solid investment.

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La Sportiva Nucleo High Ii Gtx Hiking Boots

Earn 22 reward points for this purchase. ?Earn 1 reward points for every $10.00 spent . Points can be redeemed for future purchases.

  • Upper: Nubuck Leather / Nano-Cell insert / Vibram Rubber Rand and Toe Cap
  • Lining: Gore-Tex Surround
  • Insole: 4mm Ortholite / 4mm Woven Polyester Gore-Tex Surround Spacer / 2.5mm Polypropylene Stiffener
  • Midsole: Compression Molded EVA
  • Sole: Vibram Nano XS-Trek Compound with Impact Brake System

Product Description

The Nucleo High II GTX offers best-in class breathability in a mid-duty waterproof hiker/backpacking boot. Featuring award-winning Gore-Tex® Surround technology with a traditional Nubuck leather look, this hiking boot is the ultimate combination of durability, protection, and comfort

  • Durable Nubuck leather uppers provides protection while the Nano Cell inserts deliver maximum breathability
  • Gore-Tex® waterproof protection
  • Nano-Cells technology works in synergy with the innovative Gore-Tex® Surround membrane that enables unprecedented breathability from underfoot
  • Vibram® Nano XS-Trek sole with impact brake system provides unparalleled traction and grip
  • 3D Flex ankle hinge for enhanced mobility

La Sportiva Nucleo High Gtx

La Sportiva Women

Price: $199Weight: 2 lbs. 1.6 oz. Waterproof: YesWhat we like: A comfortable, supportive, and well-built boot in a lightweight package.What we dont: Pricey and high cut is overkill for strictly on-trail use.See the Men’s La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX See the Women’s La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX

La Sportiva is a climbing company first, but that expertise has transferred over nicely to the hiking footwear market. Among their growing line, the Nucleo High GTX is a standout and one of the more capable and well-rounded lightweight boots weve tested. Its undeniably pricey at nearly $200, but after testing it in Patagonia, we came away with few performance-related complaints. Below we break down our experiences with the Nucleo High GTX. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the best hiking boots.

Editors note: We tested the first-generation Nucleo High, and La Sportiva recently released the Nucleo High II. Notable changes include a wider last, new OrthoLite insole, and slight tweaks to the Vibram outsole.

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Hiking Boots For Wide Feet

Just about every brand on the market has models with a wide option, says Butenas. I think the most important thing you can do is get your foot properly sized so you can understand your foot measurements from every angle.

I have a wide forefoot and skinny heel, so Altra is the brand that fits me best, says Gilbert. Theyre mostly a running shoe brand, but just came out with some hiking boots as well. Keen is another great brand that makes boots with a wider toe boxSome brands that people with wide feet might want to avoid because they tend to run narrow are Salomon, Vasque, Danner and sometimes La Sportiva.

Keen Targhee II Mid Wide Hiking Boot

These wide-fitting boots from Keen have plenty of support, are waterproof and wont squeeze your toes like others do.

Adidas Outdoor Terrex Skychaser 2 Mid GTX Hiking Boot

Adidas waterproof and durable boot also has neoprene cuffs to help keep dirt and dust out of your shoe. Plus, they look more like a running shoe than a hiking boot so you can stay stylish even in the backcountry.

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Suede WP Hiking Boot Wide

This cheap pair of boots from Columbia come in a wide fit, and their suede construction is waterproof, resilient to scratches and ready for any adventure.

Womens Version Of The La Sportiva Nucleo High Gtx

We put the mens Nucleo High GTX to the test for this review, and La Sportiva makes the boot in a womens-specific version for the same price . Stacked up to the mens model, the womens Nucleo High GTX has an identical feature set including Gore-Tex Surround waterproofing, a Nano-Cell and leather upper, and a grippy Vibram outsole. Where the two differ is in weight and colorways: the womens version is lighter at 1 pound 10.8 ounces per pair and comes in a single light brown and red design. We havent had a chance to test the womens boot yet, but we imagine it would warrant similar praise for its light-but-capable build and off-trail performance.

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Our Analysis And Test Results

The Nucleo High II GTX offers the support and durability of a traditional hiker with a modern twist. Soft, nubuck leather molds to your foot while moving down the trail, and EVA midsoles, 4mm Ortholite insoles, and a 3D flex ankle hinge give your foot the support it needs. If you plan to hike in precipitous places like the Pacific Northwest, this boot has you covered, as its waterproof protection is truly what sets this boot apart from the rest.

Overall Recommendation: A Standout

La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boots Review + Field Test

La Sportiva has given us plenty of reasons to pick the Nucleo High GTX over other hiking and backpacking boots. The boot has several stand out features, including its weight, best in class waterproofing and breathability, and premium traction on wet and rocky surfaces.

For me, the only drawbacks are price and potential limits in durability compared to the best mid-duty hiking and backpacking boots. Overall, this is a premium hiking boot from a premium brandone of the best boots Ive worn.

Has this La Sportiva Nucleo High review convinced you to pick up a pair of this standout lightweight hiking boot? If so, please consider purchasing them through the affiliate links above. Hiking Feet may receive a small commission from the retailer . Those commissions arent much. But they fund this site . If this site hooked you up, please consider hooking me up, too. Thanks, I appreciate it!

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La Sportiva Nucleo High Ii Gtx Hiking Shoes First Impressions

The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX feels like the Cadillac of hiking boots.

Today’s blog post is going to touch on my first impressions of the new La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX. This is a first impression post on the boots, rather than a review, since I haven’t had enough time on the trails with them yet. I’m hoping to do a full review by end of Spring 2021, so stay turned for that.

La Sportiva was generous enough to send me a pair of the boots to test out, see how they perform and to give my initial thoughts. Believe it or not, I’ve never owned a pair of hiking boots, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I already owned approach shoes with sticky soles and running shoes that performed well enough that I never really thought I would need full fledged hiking boots – especially not for the day hikes I generally do. After a few hikes with Walter to Kirby Cove in the Marin Headlands and to Gray Whale Cove in Pacifica, I can see why they’re useful.

“Hurry up and take the picture Walter, I’m soaked.”

The traction was also superb on our veryshort hike to the Lighthouse that I mentioned above. Before you reach the bridge that I’m pictured on, there’s a bit of a steep downhill section. I was a bit nervous with the downhill and torrential rain making the trail slippery, but the boots proved themselves once again – no falls!

All in all, I’m very pleased with the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX and can’t wait to take them on more adventures!

La Sportiva Nucleo High Ii Gtx Hiking Shoes

Earn 22 reward points for this purchase. ?Earn 1 reward points for every $10.00 spent . Points can be redeemed for future purchases.

  • Durable Nubuck leather uppers provides protection while the Nano Cell inserts deliver maximum breathability
  • Gore-Tex® waterproof protection
  • Nano-Cells technology works in synergy with the innovative Gore-Tex® Surround membrane that enables unprecedented breathability from underfoot
  • Vibram® Nano XS-Trek sole with impact brake system provides unparalleled traction and grip
  • 3D Flex ankle hinge for enhanced mobility

Product Description

The Nucleo High II GTX offers best-in class breathability in a mid-duty waterproof hiker/backpacking boot. Featuring award-winning Gore-Tex® Surround technology with a traditional Nubuck leather look, this hiking boot is the ultimate combination of durability, protection and comfort.

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Leather And Textile Uppers

While the Nucleo High II GTX is made with a combination of softer nubuck leather and a ballistic textile, its important to break them in before you use them on an extended trip. This took me 10 miles, which is much less than the 50 miles normally recommended for an all-leather leather backpacking boot like an Asolo or a Danner. While the Nucleos leather is soft out of the box, the break-in process helps loosen the ankles and upper half of the boots, so theyre more flexible and comfortable to wear on uneven and rocky terrain.

While the uppers are in part leather, the gusseted tongue, side panels, and ankle areas are covered with textile, allowing the boots to dry surprisingly fast if they wet get inside. I had occasion to test this over the weekend when I stepped on a wobbly river rock while fly fishing/backpacking and landed on my ass in the river with my boots completely submerged. Much to my surprise the inside and exterior of my boots were nearly dry the next morning, something that I attribute to the hybrid leather/textile construction of the boots. In comparison, this is a process that has taken days in other leather hiking boots that Ive owned in the past, making hiking in them absolute hell.

La Sportiva Nucleo Ii High Gtx Highlights

La Sportiva Women

When it hit the scene in 2017,the Nucleo High GTX won praise for being a highly breathable yet waterproof hiking boot. La Sportiva made it to support moderate backpacking loads. Lets recap the major design details from that boot, which have now mostly carried over into the Nucleo II.

  • Durable Nubuck leather upper with GORE-TEX waterproofing
  • Nano Cell inserts for airflow underfoot that work with the GORE-TEX SURROUND membrane for breathability
  • Vibram Nano XS-Trek sole with impact brake system
  • 3D Flex ankle hinge for enhanced mobility

When it debuted, the use of GORE-TEX SURROUND with a durable upper made of Nubuck leather stood out. The use of tech-focused on breathability with a robust material still sets this hiker apart from lighter-weight footwear.

Of course, the surround aspect of the GORE-TEX tech is really about airflow beneath the bootie insert, where the foot has the most contact with the insole. La Sportivas breathable Nano Cell mesh insert is visible on the sides of the boot, protected by a sort-of honeycombed webbing to prevent abrasion.

La Sportiva stakes its name on rock-based pursuits like climbing and scrambling, and that likely informed its design approach to these midweight hiking boots. In previous tests, our reviewers found the low-profile tread aggressive and the overall sole flexible.

The Nucleo II is available in mens and womens models, with wide fits available in each as well. They retail for $200.

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La Sportiva Nucleo Ii Hiking Boot: A Sequel With Wide Appeal

If the shoe doesnt fit, you cant wear it. No matter how much fanfare the Nucleo boot got, they just werent a great fit for people with wide feet. The Nucleo II changes that.

La Sportiva created a wider last for this update to its popular Nucleo Hike GTX boots. Plus, the new version made a few minor tweaks to the design that gained accolades for improving breathability in a waterproof boot.

But undoubtedly, the biggest change is the introduction of wide-fit options. That means more room around the widest part of the forefoot and a raised height over the toe for more foot volume.

Review: La Sportiva Nucleo High Ii Gtx

La Sportivas Nucleo High GTX burst onto the scene five years ago as a lightweight, high cut hiking boot with premium outsoles and Gore Texs most breathable waterproof membrane . That won it a few awards, such as REI Co-op Editors Choice Award and Outside Magazines 2017 Gear of the Year Award.

My review covers the new edition of this boot, the Nucleo High II GTX. Ive hiked and backpacked hundreds of miles in this boot for the basis of this review. That included dozens of day hikes in Pennsylvania, hard day hikes in New Hampshires White Mountains, and some of Pennsylvanias signature backpacking trips, such as the Loyalsock Trail and Black Forest Trail. Based on this testing, Ive determined that the Nucleo High II GTX might be a great choice for a range of hikers, including

  • fast-and-light hikers who prefer boots to shoes for foot and ankle support
  • men and women looking for better traction on wet rocks
  • hikers and backpackers who want the most breathable waterproofing
  • backpackers looking to cut weight without losing all the benefits of hiking boots

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What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider

Overall, the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX is an excellent option if you are leaning towards a more traditional style of hiking boot. It offers superior comfort, excellent support, unparalleled waterproof protection, and durability, making your investment worthwhile. For a similar hiking boot with a stiffer construction, check out the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid. Or, if you love the La Sportiva fit but are considering a more modern hiking boot with lightweight performance at a much more affordable price, check out the impressive La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX.

Delivers Better Performance Than Previous Model

La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Review

The Nucleo High II GTX is the successor to a well-loved trekking boot by La Sportiva. They say that the follow-up to something considered high-quality is supposed to be better in every way.

While being a complete revolution over the Nucleo High GTX might be a tall order, the boot in question does have welcome improvements.

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La Sportiva Nucleo High Review: Ankle Support In Light Package

hiking boot reviews, reviews

1 comments

The La Sportiva Nucleo High is a raritya lightweight hiking and backpacking boot with high-cut ankle support. But it took me a few years to try this award-winning boot. You see, La Sportivas run narrow. My feet dont. So I couldnt wear or test one of the best lightweight hiking boots until 2021. Thats when La Sportiva released the new, updated Nucleo High II GTX in wide! My La Sportiva Nucleo High review digs into this boots support, weight, comfort, traction, waterproofing, durability, fit, and value.

What We Like

  • Lightweight without sacrificing stability or protection.
  • With excellent support and breathability, the Nucleo makes for a great summer scrambling boot.
  • Comfortable right out of the box and doesnt require much of a break-in period.
  • Typical La Sportiva build quality, which is among the best out there.

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