Chuckman
Senior Member
It seems about every few weeks someone starts a "what hiking boot do you wear?" thread. A lot of good information gets passed, but it's hard to find these threads when it's time to consider a hiker. Let's start a review thread, and we can just add to it.
I just purchased La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX
https://www.sportiva.com/activity/activity-hiking/nucleo-high-gtx.html
I have had Danner (too narrow), Scarpa, Merrell (crappy fit and construction), Lowa, and Garmont. I have always wanted to try La Sportiva as they have an excellent rep. Of these I wore Scarpa and Garmont the best.
The Nucleo's won the "2017 Gear of the Year" award. They are fairly light (16.8 oz), have "Gore-Tex Surround", considered a medium-weight hiker and backpacker boot. This weekend I wore them around the house with a couple different pair of socks. I wear 10.5 so got a 44 in these. Some reviews say to go a half-size higher; I do not think that is necessary. Plenty of room in the toe box, not too snug across the arch. The MSRP is $199, but REI has last year's model for $148.
I have worn the Scarpa Kailash for serious backwoods, heavy-pack wilderness travel, but I just don't do that any more, and it is a heavy boot, just uncomfortable for weekend trips and day hikes. I look forward to putting some miles on them and posting another report.
I just purchased La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX
https://www.sportiva.com/activity/activity-hiking/nucleo-high-gtx.html
I have had Danner (too narrow), Scarpa, Merrell (crappy fit and construction), Lowa, and Garmont. I have always wanted to try La Sportiva as they have an excellent rep. Of these I wore Scarpa and Garmont the best.
The Nucleo's won the "2017 Gear of the Year" award. They are fairly light (16.8 oz), have "Gore-Tex Surround", considered a medium-weight hiker and backpacker boot. This weekend I wore them around the house with a couple different pair of socks. I wear 10.5 so got a 44 in these. Some reviews say to go a half-size higher; I do not think that is necessary. Plenty of room in the toe box, not too snug across the arch. The MSRP is $199, but REI has last year's model for $148.
I have worn the Scarpa Kailash for serious backwoods, heavy-pack wilderness travel, but I just don't do that any more, and it is a heavy boot, just uncomfortable for weekend trips and day hikes. I look forward to putting some miles on them and posting another report.