Assessment of La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX - A Detailed Analysis
La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX: A Versatile and Trustworthy Hiking Boot
The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX is a high-performing hiking boot that offers a unique blend of durability, support, and versatility. Priced around $240, these boots are competitively light at just over 2 pounds per pair.
Made from nubuck leather and featuring a premium Gore-Tex membrane, the Nucleo High II GTX delivers reliable waterproofing and better breathability than most competitors. The boots have a tough rubber toe cap, a capable Vibram outsole, and laces made from 100% recycled polyester. Moreover, the Ortholite insole uses 5% recycled rubber and 15% foam taken from production waste.
While the traction of the boots suffers on wet rock, the Nucleo High II GTX is a pretty versatile and trustworthy design overall. The boots have a narrow fit, especially at the forefoot, but La Sportiva does offer dedicated wide sizes for those who require a roomier fit.
Competitive Landscape
Top hiking boots that compete with the Nucleo High II GTX include the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX and the La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX. Both offer strong waterproof performance, support, and durability for challenging terrain.
The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is lighter and undercuts the Nucleo slightly in weight but has a more flexible feel and doesn't sit as high on the ankle. The La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX, on the other hand, is more technical, designed for tougher, mixed terrain and scrambling, offering great stability and protection for demanding hikes.
Other alternatives include the Hoka Kaha 3 GTX, Merrell Moab 3 Mid, Keen Targhee IV, and Lowa's Renegade GTX Mid, each offering unique features such as lightweight comfort, affordability, wider fit, or impressive comfort and support.
Notable Comparisons
| Boot Model | Key Features | Comparison Notes | |----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX | Lightweight, Gore-Tex waterproof, All Terrain Contagrip sole | Matches the Nucleo High II GTX in being waterproof and supportive, slightly lighter; well-regarded as a balanced boot for various hikes[1][3][5]. | | La Sportiva Trango TRK GTX | Technical trekking boot with 3D Flex System ankle hinge, Gore-Tex Performance Comfort, Vibram Mulaz outsole for traction | More technical, designed for tougher, mixed terrain and scrambling; offers great stability and protection for demanding hikes, potentially more robust than Nucleo[2]. | | Hoka Kaha 3 GTX | Gore-Tex Invisible Fit, leather nubuck, Vibram Megagrip sole | Best overall pick for lightweight comfort and waterproofing, slightly heavier than Nucleo, known for cushioning[3]. | | Merrell Moab 3 Mid | Affordable, non-waterproof or with waterproof version, Vibram TC5+ sole | More budget-friendly but may lack Nucleo’s narrow fit and lightweight Gore-Tex benefits[3]. | | Keen Targhee IV | Keen.Dry waterproof, wide fit, TPU sole | Suitable for wider feet, good all-round durability but heavier than Nucleo[3]. | | Lowa's Renegade GTX Mid | More of a midweight boot at 2 pounds 7.2 ounces but features a similarly high cut and is one of the most popular options on the market for its impressive combination of comfort and support. One performance-related complaint is that the boot started to develop a separation between the toe rubber and leather upper after around two months. |
Women's Version
The women's version of the Nucleo High II GTX has an identical feature set to the men's model but is lighter and comes in two lighter-colored designs.
Other Considerations
While the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX is a fantastic choice for many hikers, it's not the best option for off-trail use, scrambling, or carrying a full load over long distances due to its lightweight build. Alternatively, the Asolo Falcon EVO GV and the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather GTX offer comparable technical chops but with slightly different features. The Lowa's Renegade GTX Mid is another popular option for those seeking a midweight boot with impressive comfort and support.
Ultimately, the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX is a versatile and trustworthy hiking boot that caters to a wide range of hikers, offering a unique blend of durability, support, and versatility at a competitive price point.
The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX's versatility extends beyond hiking, making it suitable for various outdoor activities such as backpacking and travel. Its premium features, including the Gore-Tex membrane and Vibram outsole, also make it an ideal choice for climbers who prefer a sturdy pair of boots for their expeditions. When embarking on a long journey, hikers might appreciate the presence of hiking boots, like the Nucleo High II GTX, in their outdoor gear as they provide the necessary support and waterproofing for comfort and safety.
