Girls’s La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX Overview

Backside Line

The La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX are light-weight, sturdy climbing boots constructed for backpacking and day climbing in difficult terrain. The GTX SURROUND membrane makes the boots waterproof and permits breathability, whereas the nubuck leather-based higher supplies further sturdiness. 

The boots have stellar ankle help, and whereas they’re stiff the primary few occasions you put on them, they supply ample flex and a extra snug really feel after the break-in interval. They’re nonetheless not as versatile as different choices, however these boots actually shine when utilized in moist, rugged environments that require further help and safety. They’re greatest suited to hikers carrying mild to average masses (beneath 35 lbs) and are an excellent match for these prioritizing light-weight but extremely protecting climbing boots. 

Take a look at our greatest girls’s climbing boots information to match this mannequin with different high performers.

Consolation

The La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX gives a cushty but supportive design. They’re outfitted with EVA midsoles and 4mm Ortholite insoles for an additional delicate touchdown with every step, even throughout lengthy days on the path. The stiff ankle help might be considerably uncomfortable till you’re previous the break-in interval (about 10-12 miles), however after that, the 3D flex ankle hinge has an excellent steadiness of mobility and stability.

The boot’s design is barely heavier than ultralight or trail-running hybrids, however the tradeoff is the next degree of consolation and help, best for prolonged backpacking treks. We have been impressed with how snug these boots remained on strenuous trails and with a loaded backpack.

Sturdiness

These boots are constructed to final – They’re made with high-quality supplies, together with a nubuck leather-based higher, Vibram rubber rand, and a considerable toe cap for added safety. They’ve spectacular longevity and abrasion resistance. Even with a barely lighter weight than heavy-duty climbing footwear, they don’t sacrifice a lot sturdiness.

We have been impressed with the general development, particularly the double stitching across the higher, lacing system, and toe cap. These little development particulars go a good distance in defending the integrity of the boot over time and put on. Moreover, the Gore-Tex Encompass know-how maintains waterproofing efficiency even with continued publicity to moisture. Nonetheless, waterproofing is usually the primary a part of the boot that degrades, so treating your boot with an exterior resolution like Nikwax every season is really helpful.

Ankle Assist

The Nucleo Excessive II GTX has strong ankle help. It’s so strong that it could really feel too stiff initially, nevertheless it breaks in and softens with time. The ankle help is made up of a paddled ankle cuff and polypropylene stiffener. These work collectively to create a safe, stabilizing match across the ankle with minimal motion interference. As soon as damaged in, they’ve an excellent mixture of flexibility and help that lends to a extra pure foot movement and flex.

Throughout testing, we discovered these boots carry out properly on steep inclines and supply much-needed help with sudden lateral actions (fast side-to-side actions) which might happen when navigating round roots and rocks and even on steep inclines or switchbacks.

Traction

The Vibram Nano XS-Trek sole and impression brake system present extremely reliable grip and traction for the Nucleo Excessive II GTX. The only materials gives distinctive grip on numerous terrains reminiscent of moist, dry, and even free rocky surfaces. We made certain to check the traction on quite a lot of surfaces, together with rock scrambling, steep trails, and slippery riverbanks. In comparison with many different boots inside this class, they provided greater than sufficient grip and stability. The extent of grip offered by these boots can profit hikers who are inclined to cross different terrain, together with a mixture of moist and dry climates.

Climate Resistance

The Nucleo Excessive II GTX is a completely waterproof boot made with the GORE-TEX Encompass Membrane. We submerged these boots on river crossings, and even with continued publicity, they saved our ft dry. They proceed to be snug in several temperatures however do higher in cooler and snowy situations versus sizzling, humid ones.

The membrane, which is considerably breathable, does maintain onto moisture some and isn’t the perfect at stopping inside moisture build-up on sweltering days. We discover these a greater possibility for wetter, colder climates like New England, the Midwest, or the Pacific Northwest versus dry, arid climates the place breathability is extra desired.

Weight

For a boot of this caliber, they’re extremely light-weight. That mentioned, they’re not a light-weight or hybrid path shoe. They’re climbing boots by way of and thru. Meaning they are going to be heavier and bulkier than climbing footwear or path runners. The Nucleo Excessive II GTX boots weigh round 1 lb. 10.8 oz. per pair, relying on the dimensions. A lot of the majority of the shoe comes from the sturdiness of the supplies and added stability within the cushioning and ankle help.

Whereas some testers didn’t discover them very cumbersome in weight, hikers who’re extra used to zero drop and path trainers discovered them clunky. Should you’re used to lighter footwear, they are going to really feel heavier and extra sturdy, however they’re a bit lighter in comparison with climbing boots with related options. Due to that, we discover them to be an excellent steadiness of weight with out sacrificing any options.

Ought to You Purchase the La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX?

The La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX is a superb selection for hikers and light-weight backpackers who want a boot that balances consolation and help. Should you’re an everyday at tackling average to difficult terrain and wish a pair of trainers that received’t weigh you down and might deal with moist, unpredictable situations, these are value a glance. They’re extremely well-suited for hikers who like the texture of conventional climbing boots however need one thing extra fashionable and responsive. 

Nonetheless, in case you prioritize ultralight weight above all else or stick with well-maintained trails, there could also be choices that provide rather less bulk. Whereas the Nucleo Excessive II GTX supplies wonderful sturdiness, these searching for a minimalist climbing boot or preferring to hike in dry, heat situations might discover it overbuilt for his or her wants.

This boot gives strong worth for hikers who need dependable efficiency, consolation, and safety on extra rugged, moist trails.

What Different Mountain climbing Boots Ought to You Think about?

If the La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX Mountain climbing Boots are just a little to rugged for you, take a look at our Girls’s Mountain climbing Boot Information for extra recommendations.

Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid Overview: These boots are for hikers who prioritize a sturdy and supportive climbing boot constructed for lengthy, arduous treks. The Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid is barely heavier than the Nucleo Excessive II GTX, however they supply higher stability and traction, particularly when carrying a pack over 35 lbs. They are perfect for rugged terrain and multi-day hikes and have a shorter break-in interval than the Nucleos.

Merrell Moab 3 WP Overview: Should you’re searching for a extra budget-friendly possibility, the Merrell Moab 3 WP is a implausible selection. These might lack among the technical options the Nucleo Excessive II GTX gives, however they’re snug and sturdy boots at a a lot lower cost. These are good for day hikers or those that don’t want as a lot help.

Girls’s Salomon Quest 4 GTX Overview: If you’d like much more ankle help and stability on the path, look no additional than the Salomon Quest 4 GTX. These are heavier and extra sturdy than the Nucleo Excessive II GTX and ought to be a high choose for hikers chasing extra technical miles or carrying a heavy load. They’re constructed for excessive situations and are good for multi-day backpacking journeys that traverse tough terrain, however they’re probably overbuilt for many day journeys.