How to Choose Hiking Boots

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Made to keep you moving, the lightweight men's AKU Trekker Pro GTX hiking boots have a relaxed, comfortable fit and natural stride control that's ideal for day excursions on uneven mountain trails.
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View all AKU Men's Backpacking BootsBest Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Footwear Height | Over-the-ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Waterproof | Yes |
Type of Waterproofing | GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membrane |
Upper | Suede/fabric/welded polyurethane film |
Lining | GORE-TEX Performance Comfort |
Midsole | Polyurethane |
Support | Nylon/EVA |
Outsole | Vibram Curcuma rubber |
Weight (Pair) | 2 lbs. 14.6 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Men's | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 |
U.S. Women's | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
UK | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 |
EU | 40 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 46.5 | 47 | 47.5 |
Foot Length (in.) | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.2 | 11.4 | 11.6 | 11.8 | 12 | 12.2 | 12.4 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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I have been using these boots for general hiking and on Search and Rescue calls in the Uinta Mountains, and these are now my go-to boot of choice. I like that the boot is fairly light and provides lots of stability. The mountains where we are have a great trail system but I find myself hiking off piste and have used these in everything from mud and muck to granite talus fields. I have a medium width foot and found the boots to be nice and roomy in the toe box. For me they fit true to size to a little long. All in all they get two thumbs up.
Heavy duty serious hiking boots. The sole is stiffer than I expected, stiffer than most hiking boots in this general category, leaning more towards an alpine boot. However, it is really comfortable stiff, easy walking with great stability and grip. The sole is very grippy. Toe box is roomy. They have a good fit that feels more finely tuned than other boots, comfortable. They reminded me of my asolo fugitive boots from 2000s, but are stiffer, less narrow, and the toe box is more roomy.
I never write reviews about products I just received but I thought some of my thoughts might help others when looking online at the AKU Trekker Pro GTX boots. These are not your normal American mid hikers. They are much more substantial. There is a saying: the more rugged the terrain, the stiffer you shoes' soles should be. With that in mind, I would classify these soles as C class, built for alpine trails, via ferrate, and easier climbing routes. If you don't know the stiffness classifications, you should think of these boots as having very little flex so they provide a very stable platform for your feet. Why is this important? I've learned the hard way: to much boot equals very unhappy feet. If you're going to be hiking gravel trails or average trails with minimal to moderate incline, this is too much boot. This boot feels like it's ready for some solid scrambling and long hikes on rocky and uneven terrain. I've never done via ferrata, but these boots provide a very stable platform and slightly tapered toes, so I'm sure they would be good to go. That said about the toes, the toe box on these boots is surprisingly roomie. I like that. Currently, I've had them on in the house, wearing a pair of medium Darn Tough socks, and I can tell these guys are going to need some breaking in. The body is stiff, which is what you'd expect from boots like these. That in mind, these boots aren't coming out of the box and going to Rocky Mountain National Park, except in a car or on a set of well blistered feet. Be prepared for break in time. They feel like maybe a week in town walking around and maybe some light hiking, and they'll be ready to go for bigger adventures. I'm surprised that my heals aren't held a little more tightly in these boots. I have a pair of Mammut approach shoes that grip my heals perfectly, so I may suffer from unreasonable expectations. I have small movement in these boots and will have to see how that works out in the coming days. The boots will only see the inside of my house just in case they don't work out. I expect I'll know if they are keepers in 3 days or so. After trying these on at an REI near my house, I ordered a half size up. That was a good choice. I hope all of this helps. By the way, I give five-star reviews to equipment I've lived with for a year and that has net my expectations. Count a four-star here as really good. 👍🏻
I have been using a pair for less than a year and I like them. I was very satisfied until last hike had blister on my big toe after checking inside the boots there is a layer by my large toe is bulged inwards or delaminated interfering with my big toe. Laces coming loose is problematic with these boots.
Took these on a 3-day backpacking trip past weekend and they were very stiff. The toe box was a bit wide for me they seemed big for the size. Had trouble keeping the laces tight near the ankle.