La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX - Women's Review

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.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

Thanks to a modern design that allows for some flexion in the boot, these modern hikers are comfortable right out of the box. The EVA midsoles and the high padded ankle make these boots stand out amongst other more traditional hiking boots that we tested. The soft nubuck leather upper and the 3D flex ankle hinge allow the boot to be less rigid and encourage more foot mobility without sacrificing support.

The 4mm Ortholite Insoles also help this boot to score well in terms of comfort by creating a supportive and comfortable feel underfoot. While La Sportiva is known for its narrow design, we found that the Nucleo High II GTX was able to accommodate most foot shapes. However, if necessary, there is a wide option available for order. Overall our testers were satisfied with this more traditional hiker with a modern upper that kept us comfortable on the trails, especially when carrying a heavy pack.

Support

The nubuck leather upper and the durable lacing system work together to create the type of support that prevents you from rolling your ankle while moving down the trail. Overall our testers were impressed with the support offered by this more traditional hiker.

Traction

Equipped with a Vibram Nano XS-Trek sole and an impact brake system, the Nucleo High II GTX provided excellent traction and grip, which kept us sure-footed on all types of trails.

We were so confident in the grip of these boots that we even wore them while building bridges in the Owens River Gorge so we could assess our favorite climbs. With the spring runoff high and the water moving quickly, we could trust our feet over the slippery wet volcanic turf in order to get the job done.

Water Resistance

The same day that we built the bridge in the Owens River Gorge, we're happy to report that we were the only ones on the crew whose feet remained dry after working so closely to the river. This is thanks to what La Sportiva calls their Nano-Cells technology. It works together with the unparalleled Gore-tex Surround membrane, providing waterproof protection while also allowing the foot to breathe and release excess moisture.

We even submerged our feet in Rock Creek near Crowley Lake, California, to see how well these boots would perform, and we're happy to report that our socks stayed dry and our feet stayed warm, even after minutes beneath the water. The Nucleo High II GTX performed so well in this metric that it was clear we needed to recognize them with an award for the impressive waterproof technology.

Weight

The Nucleo High II GTX ranks amongst the heaviest boots that we tested. Weighing in at 2.14 pounds for a US women's size 8.5, they are surpassed in weight by very few other models.

Most of the hiking boots in this review are trail run/hiking boot hybrids which highlight ultralight performance over the bulk of a more rugged hiking boot. With that in mind, it is no surprise that the Nucleo High packs a little more weight within its traditional design. Our testers don't consider the weight a dealbreaker, especially considering the trade-off for premium waterproof protection and stability on the trails.

Durability

This is another metric where the Nucleo High II GTX really shines. Impressive durability is offered through the upper, which is surrounded by nubuck leather, a Vibram rubber rand, and a substantial toe cap. This is definitely a benefit worth mentioning when considering a traditional hiker versus a trail run/hiking boot hybrid which can sometimes lack durability due to weight savings.

In addition to the nubuck leather, the Gore-tex Surround technology, and the Vibram Nano XS-Trek sole also help boost durability. Also notable is the double stitching encompassing the construction of the entire boot and the lacing system, which is also wrapped in nubuck leather and solid metal latches. Overall our testers were impressed by the durable construction of this boot.

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.

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.