How to Choose Hiking Boots

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Light and super-comfortable leather hiking boots with GORE-TEX SURROUND® technology, the women's La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX boots blend durability, breathability and waterproofing for the trails.
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Imported.
View the La Sportiva Nucleo Product LineView all La Sportiva Women's Backpacking Boots| Best Use | Backpacking  | 
|---|---|
| Footwear Height | Over-the-ankle  | 
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up  | 
| Waterproof | Yes  | 
| Type of Waterproofing | GORE-TEX SURROUND waterproof/breathable membrane  | 
| Upper | Nubuck leather  | 
| Lining | Synthetic  | 
| Midsole | Compression-molded EVA  | 
| Support | 2.5 mm polypropylene stiffener  | 
| Outsole | Vibram Nano XS-Trek rubber compound  | 
| Can Be Resoled | Yes  | 
| Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 6 oz.  | 
| Gender | Women's  | 
| Sustainability | From a Climate Neutral Certified brand  | 
| 33 EU | 33.5 EU | 34 EU | 34.5 EU | 35 EU | 35.5 EU | 36 EU | 36.5 EU | 37 EU | 37.5 EU | 38 EU | 38.5 EU | 39 EU | 39.5 EU | 40 EU | 40.5 EU | 41 EU | 41.5 EU | 42 EU | 42.5 EU | 43 EU | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Women's | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 5.5+ | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 7.5+ | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9.5+ | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 
| EU | 33 | 33.5 | 34 | 34.5 | 35 | 35.5 | 36 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 
| Mondo | 24 | 24.5 | 24.5 | 25 | 25.5 | 26 | 26.5 | 27 | 27.5 | 
For boots: Add one half size to your street shoe size. You should be able to slip one finger behind your heel when you are standing up with the boot unlaced and your toes touching the front. If the boot is too short, your toes will get smashed walking downhill. Too long and your heel will slide up and down and give you blisters.
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These boots were extremely comfortable from the first wear. Very light-weight, good arch support, good ankle support. Never had any kind of long-lasting waterproofing, and I tried two different pairs. I was constantly re-waterproofing but where the toe bends it would not take and stay and the material flexed. These boots would likely be fine for light use, weekend light hiking, nothing too crazy. I wore them every day for 3-10 miles on established trails on the weekends, 3-6 miles 3-5 days a week off trail for work through brushy, deadfall, rocky, ground, up and down riparian ravines, across steep slopes with rocky scree, and all over heavily brushy ground. They lasted 3 months before ripping terribly in the low "venting" area near the arch. So 4-5/10 for me. Good boot for light or occasional use, but absolutely not suitable for any serious regular hiking, or hiking off of well established trails.
2.5 years of extensive use on the 1st pair before I just bought a 2nd pair. 1st pair is still in pretty good condition considering the wear and tear I’ve put them through and will still be used on mostly dry hikes, but they are no longer waterproof. They are super comfortable and the ankle and foot support is phenomenal, they’ve definitely saved me from a rolled ankle multiple times.
Florida girl here, letting you know that these boots are great for many different terrains. I went through sand, mud, and rocky terrain and they were perfect. Got them a little wet and even washed them off with a hose and there is no wetness or water inside of them. They are also so very very comfortable! I could walk all day in them. Love em! They weren't on my radar either and I tried on many different style of boots and hiking shoes and these were so soft and just the right width that it felt like I was walking on clouds as soon as I stood up. Definitely worth the money.
I truly love these boots. Comfort, support, waterproofness - it's all there. Except... These boots are less than 2 years old and the toe cap on the right boot has separated on either side, so I now have 2 holes and have to toss them. Theses are not inexpensive boots and should have lasted longer.
I put 250 miles on these boots over 5 months and they're already worn out. There are rips, cracks and tears on the leather and fabric. There has been significant tread wear already. On the last hike I took with them, I slipped several times on wet rocks. The material on the toe box has been upended on both boots. Also shoelaces broke after 100 miles of use. Really disappointing. I had the original version of these shoes and loved them.
These are truly the best hiking boots I’ve ever had (and with my lifestyle I’ve had a lot). I’m currently on a three months long camping/hiking road trip. The shoes are so comfortable I rarely take them off. They’ve withheld heavy rain (and kept my feet super dry), hot desert sun, rock scrambling, below zero temperatures. Last week by accident they’ve been put to the ultimate test, and that’s what made me write this review. I’ve been hiking in Utah and got stuck in a very muddy ground (the one that sucks you in). I sinked by my knees before I managed to get out. The shoes were covered in a very sick layer of mud, but they didn’t let any in! I didn’t even have the shoelaces properly done and my feet stayed completely mud free. I was very very impressed. I washed them thoroughly in warm water and now they look like new. I just hope the goretex cover wasn’t compromised. The best part of it is that these shoes were recommended to me by an REI employee because they didn’t have the ones I wanted originally. I usually don’t trust sales people and do my own research but I was short on time and just went for it. I am eternally grateful to the sales guy (I’m sorry I wish I remembered his name) in REI in Dublin, CA. I also get the frustration of others about the shoelaces, they are truly not the best quality. But the quality of the shoes makes up for it! Happy hiking!:)
I bought these for hiking in the mountains. I hike about 10 miles a day for work. Within the first week the rubber part connecting to the fancy web looking design started peeling and it went downhill fast from there. They are shredded, have holes, and have the inner layers of the boots exposed. They're still wearable but any dampness and my foot is wet. They are the most comfortable and supportive hiking boot I've ever worn, but I don't recommend these to anyone doing actual hiking where you are depending on a reliable boot. Day trips with some casual hiking, sure. Anything more than that and they'll fall apart. I wish the leather material went all the way down the boot. They don't require any break in time which is nice and my feet were never sore after hiking in these. No blisters either! I wore them everyday for about a month but now only wear them occasionally. If the sides weren't fabric these would be incredible.
Thanks to the REI membership I have been able to try several boots but none as good as these ones. I’ve had Solomon, Brooks, Oboz, Merrells, Keens. There was always a break in period, some blisters to fight, poor grip, etc. These La Sportiva felt great from the very first mile. I went with the wide fit. Best decision ever. They do stretch some but works well. Already have put over 150 miles in the Smokys NP and they work perfectly. No blisters. Our last hike was 19 miles and other than soreness. Toes were in perfect condition. VERY WARM. Hikes as low as 10* through snow and ice. Toes very warm. Great traction. Very lightweight.
After 20 + years, and many many miles, I parted from La Sportiva Hiking boots. The part that wrap around the ankle (top of the boot) for whatever reason, is not cushioned anymore and the worse part is it has 4 exposed INSIDE rivets to anchor the outside hooks for the shoelaces! Beware, they will be positioned right on your ankle bone. The old model (picture included) has the rivets hidden inside, well cushioned and invisible. The new model, as a proof to cut corners maybe, definitively poor craftsmanship, has all the rivets exposed. I tried with thicker socks to protect my ankles, but no difference. The excellent REI staff and return policy helped me to find another pair of hiking boots, with a comfortable "ankle neck" and NO exposed rivets. To note, all other brands have their rivets under a protective cushioned wrap, which is an important component of comfort! I am extremely disappointed of the new "construction" of what has been a wonderful boot. But as a Park Ranger putting lot of miles in my boots, I have to quit La Sportiva. To note again: I could not find any pictures on LaSportiva site of the 4 rivets inside the ankle wrapper.
I could not be happier with this purchase. I bought these last minute right before a backpacking trip through Yosemite. I was nervous to try new hiking boots without having time to break them in…but these were excellent immediately. They offer superb support with breathability which is a must for me. I also fell into the Merced River at one point and my feet managed to stay dry! :) also, I did Half Dome for the first time in these shoes and the traction was remarkable. Get these now! FYI my normal shoe size is 8.5 and I got a 9.5 in these and I’m super glad I did for the ups and downs of elevation in Yosemite.