La Sportiva  Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boots - Women's

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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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Location Image for Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boots - Women'sLocation Image for Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boots - Women's

Features

  • Durable nubuck leather uppers provide protection while the integrated Nano-Cell™ technology delivers maximum breathability to keep your feet cool
  • Nano-Cell™ technology works with the GORE-TEX SURROUND waterproof membranes to enable unprecedented breathability underfoot
  • Compression-molded midsoles provide superior cushion, support and a noticeable bounce in every stride for all-day comfort
  • Vibram® Nano outsoles with Impact Brake System™ provide maximum traction and grip on trails
  • Available in Regular and Wide sizes to accommodate a broader variety of foot sizes and shapes

Imported.

View the La Sportiva Nucleo Product LineView all La Sportiva Women's Backpacking Boots

Technical Specs

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

Size Chart

La Sportiva Footwear - Women's
33 EU33.5 EU34 EU34.5 EU35 EU35.5 EU36 EU36.5 EU37 EU37.5 EU38 EU38.5 EU39 EU39.5 EU40 EU40.5 EU41 EU41.5 EU42 EU42.5 EU43 EU
U.S. Women's2.533.544.555.55.5+66.577.57.5+88.599.59.5+1010.511
EU3333.53434.53535.53636.53737.53838.53939.54040.54141.54242.543
Mondo2424.524.52525.52626.52727.5

Sizing Notes

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.

Reviews
319 reviews with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars

71% 140 of 198 reviewers recommended

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Most Helpful Favorable Review

33 people found this review helpful
5 reviews with an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars
3 years ago
Fantastic overall, with some issues
I used this boot for EVERYTHING. They only lasted a year, but as a Park Ranger, I put more than 1k miles on these boots. I wore them for work, play, and everything in between. Typically, I'll go through 2-3 boots in a season (8 months). These lasted the year, which I was (sadly) very pleased with. Lets start with the good: This is an incredibly comfortable, lightweight boot - light enough to run in from time to time. (Some people have commented on the rivets rubbing on their ankle bone - I did not have that experience) Minimal break-in period. Breathable in the summer, warm and dry in the winter. They were super water proof, the tread on the bottom was great for grip in scree fields, the ankle support was just stiff enough without being cumbersome, and I would rate durability at an 9/10 - took me 13 months to blow them out, but again, I am hard on boots. With the good, comes the bad: The laces didn't last a week. I ended up swapping the laces for ariat laces and didn't have a problem after. REI Engineers: PLEASE improve the laces on this boot. The rubber tread was so soft that it wore very fast. It wore to a point - and lost some of its incredible grip on all surfaces - but was still functional. Not sure that is really a complaint - I will resole my next pair before I blow them out. I would not sacrifice the great grip for a more durable tread with less grip. Overall, I REALLY loved this boot, and will be buying again.
RJess
CO

Most Helpful Critical Review

39 people found this review helpful
5 reviews with an average rating of 1.0 out of 5 stars
3 years ago
Poor craftmanship
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.
Blandine
Tucson AZ
Anonymous
Location:PNW
Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'5"
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 9
Rated 3.0 out of 5 stars
3 years ago

Extremely comfortable, light hiking only.

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.

Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'5"
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 9

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liliana
Location:Washington
Age:25–34
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 10
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
2 years ago

These have gotten me through so many adventures!

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.

Age:25–34
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 10

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Rexy
Location:Orlando FL
Age:35–44
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'6"
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 9
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
3 years ago

Awesome boots

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.

Age:35–44
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'6"
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 9

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Les32375
Location:Southeast Michigan
Age:65–74
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'5"
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 9
Rated 2.0 out of 5 stars
1 year ago

Would that they had lasted longer!

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.

Age:65–74
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'5"
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 9

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Andy
Location:Santa Fe, NM
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 8
Rated 2.0 out of 5 stars
4 years ago

only lasted 250 miles

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.

Typical Shoe Size:Womens 8

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Rita
Location:Livermore, CA
Age:25–34
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'6"
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 8
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
4 years ago

Best shoes ever!

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!:)

Age:25–34
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'6"
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 8

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Breeski
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 8.5
Rated 3.0 out of 5 stars
3 years ago

Comfortable but not durable

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.

Typical Shoe Size:Womens 8.5

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KHS16
Location:Tennessee
Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'8"
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 9.5
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
3 years ago

Must Have

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.

Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'8"
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 9.5

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Blandine
Location:Tucson AZ
Age:55–64
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'2"
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 9
Rated 1.0 out of 5 stars
3 years ago

Poor craftmanship

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.

Age:55–64
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'2"
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 9
courtrm33
Location:Los Angeles, CA
Age:35–44
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'5"
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 8.5
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
4 years ago

incredible boots for backpacking!

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.

Age:35–44
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'5"
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 8.5

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