La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX - Women's Review

The latest iteration of the Nucleo High II GTX prioritizes out-of-the-box comfort, ankle support, and stability, as well as Vibram traction for confidence throughout a variety of terrain.

Comfort

Our testers loved previous models of the Nucleo High II GTX and La Sportiva only improved the out-of-the-box comfort by widening the toe box and correcting the long and slim design that limited comfort to those with narrow feet. Even though there is more space in the toe box, our lead tester still felt as though her narrow foot remained in place and supported throughout many miles on the trail. We should mention that the fit runs large. Knowing this, we purchased the same size as our street shoe rather than sizing up a half size. The boot is also available in wide for those for whom the regular option doesn't fit. The ankle is perfectly padded, while the upper and the cuff provide enough flexibility to allow comfort in addition to a full range of motion, without an extended break-in period.

Unlike most fully leather traditional hiking boot designs featured in our review, the Nucleo High II GTX provides the support and stability you'd expect within a flexible and springy modern boot design that forgoes the extended break-in period, providing comfort direct from the box.

Support

The most recent iteration of the Nucleo High II GTX remains just as supportive as its predecessors, thanks to a well-padded ankle cuff that combines with two metal hooks that allow you to customize the fit and support to your preferences. The boot offers stability and support by hugging your ankle and holding it in place without limiting your full range of motion. Although it has a waterproof nubuck leather upper, the design offers more flexion for comfort without sacrificing ankle support. A combination of compression EVA molded midsoles and Ortholite insoles will put a spring in your step, while the polypropylene stiffener helps you tackle challenging terrain under load.

While the 6 1/2 inch ankle shaft is perfect at supporting the ankle and holding your feet in place within the boot, our lead tester with high arches still felt a need to purchase an after market insole before embarking on longer trips into the backcountry. Overall, the Nucleo High II GTX will provide comfort, support, and stability for most hikes.

Traction

The Vibram Nano XS-Trek rubber included in the Nucleo High II GTX design combines with an impact brake system to provide security underfoot, even while navigating demanding descents or aggressive climbs to that beautiful mountain pass. This traction combined with a wider base of support, deep and strategically-placed lugs, as well as flexibility in the midsole allowed us to stay sure-footed on all types of trails, even those slippery and polished slabs.

In previous testing periods, we've used these boots to provide traction and confidence while building trails and bridges near rivers, tackled 3,000 descents on slick stone, and tackled challenging approaches without failure in the outsole or impact braking system. So long as the deep lug pattern doesn't get filled with mud, snow, or decomposing granite, the Nucleo High II GTX provides adequate and reliable traction throughout a variety of terrain.

Water Resistance

The Nucleo High II GTX used to be our shining star when it came to maximize protection in waterproof performance, however, we were't as impressed with the latest iteration. Formerly our go-to for snowy hikes and backcountry missions during inclement weather, we now have to express some limitations in the design. It's tricky because both iterations include the top-performing ePE GORE-TEX SURROUND waterproof and breathable membrane, but previous models have provided much more protection. Our hypothesis is that La Sportiva's attempt to increase the breathability of the boot also diminished its waterproof performance. To be fair, we hiked for several hours over mushy snow and shallow stream crossings when we noticed the failure in the design. The boot passed our controlled bucket and stream tests with flying colors, not a drop on the interior of the boot.

The 5 1/2 inch flood level keeps you above snow and most shallow streams, while the insulated boot keeps your feet warm, so long as you don't saturate the nubuck leather upper, which can absorb moisture after hours in the snow. We no longer recommend the Nucleo High II GTX as the most waterproof option available on the market today. That said, it outperforms most other modern hiking boots and will likely keep your feet warm and dry so long as you don't spend hours in the snow like we did.

Durability

When compared to modern running shoe and hiking boot hybrid models scattered throughout our review, the Nucleo High II GTX sets itself apart when it comes to durability and longevity within its nubuck leather construction. A full Vibram rubber rand surrounds the substantial toe cap for protection on the trail, while the top-performing Vibram Vibram Nano XS-Trek rubber offers confidence on uneven and demanding terrain types. Thick laces along with metal eyelets and hooks never let you down while the EVA molded midsole puts a little spring in your step while protecting you from debris on the trail.

We hate to say it, but the latest iteration of the Nucleo High II GTX isn't as durable as its predecessors. While it did pass our controlled bucket and stream waterproof tests, our feet were soaked after only a couple of hours of hiking through the snow. We also noticed that the attachments that bond the toe cap and Vibram surround rand weren't as tightly welded as previous iterations, which may us wonder whether or not the rand would last as long. That said, the leather upper, double stitching, Gore-Tex Surround technology, and Vibram Nano XS-Trek sole still provided a lasting and durable performance during our spring testing period.

Weight

The Nucleo High II GTX is one of the heaviest hiking boot designs that we tested. Weighing 2 pounds for a US women's size 8, there are only a few other boots in our review that are heavier. That said, those heavier designs feel heavy underfoot, while the flexible upper and springy midsole of the Nucleo prevented overall fatigue, feeling lightweight and are a worthy tradeoff for the additional support and protection.

Overall, our testers think the Nucleo High II GTX is the perfect choice for those seeking a more rugged hiking boot that features a design built for the most demanding trails, even if it does weigh a little more than the super lightweight trail runner and hiking boot hybrids featured in our review.

Should You Buy the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX?

While the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX doesn't provide the same outstanding level of performance as its previous iterations, our testers still stand behind the current version and consider the design worthy of your investment. From the out-of-the-box comfort, to the excellent ankle support, to the springy midsole, to the solid Vibram outsoles that provide confidence underfoot, this boot is perfect for those seeking more demanding and rigorous day hikes or multi-day backpacking trips.

What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?

The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX is a perfect choice for those seeking a more traditional hiking boot without sacrificing all-day comfort. If you don't mind a longer break in period within a more stiff and rigid design, options like the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid or the Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex are worthy of your consideration thanks to their ankle support and durability. And if you're curious about a more modern Sportiva design that provides comfort, support, and traction within a nimble and agile design, check out the impressive La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX that outperforms its more modest pricetag. And finally if you're curious about our new favorite when it comes to waterproof performance, check out the La Sportiva TX Hike Mid Leather GTX.