![]() ![]() In the lab, we tested the boot for flexibility by bending it to 90° with a force gauge. Our feet felt agile on flat paths and gripped well on the ascents. In this case, we were amazed to find the midsole measures 21 HA, softer than the average of 29 HA. We use a durometer to measure the softness of the midsole. The Ultraboost foam midsole gives maximum comfort from the start and we noticed a spring in our step while hiking. Our feet tired much more slowly, meaning we could walk further for longer. At just 13.8 oz (393g) it’s nearly the same as a hiking shoe and 25% lighter than the average for hiking boots. It’s hard to imagine a lighter hiking boot than the Terrex Free Hiker. To top it all off, with its unique design and patterning, the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker is sure to turn heads! This featherlight boot is amazingly comfy from the off and has a superb grip and ground feel. Check out the company’s Nucleo boots at REI.After doing our lab tests and going on a few hikes, we found the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker to be the best lightweight hiking boot. The company says it designed the Nucleo High GTX for hikers who need a medium-duty boot “for day hikes in rugged terrain.” Backpackers in need of a versatile waterproof boot that breathes well and supports moderate loads are also candidates for the Nucleo. La Sportiva offers a comprehensive line of boots and footwear. The brand’s Impact Brake System on the outsole functions to cushion and catch on terrain underfoot when hiking fast downhill. La Sportiva worked with Vibram to create the outsole, called “Nano.” The brand touts it for trail hiking to mild scrambling situations. It’s made to grip dirt trails, talus, and rock. The aggressive tread pattern made of sticky rubber is unique. This is because mesh and synthetic material compose the uppers, not leather.Īs noted above, the Nucleo uses a solid ply of nubuck leather to add significant durability against abrasion and wear, which sets this boot apart from other Gore-Tex Surround Products. Some footwear with Gore-Tex Surround lacks the durability seen in boots like the Nucleo. For comparison, similar boots often weigh 3 to 5 ounces more apiece. Lightweight Hiking Boot Choiceįor leather hiking boots, the Nucleo is lightweight. The same holds true on dewy, early-morning hikes or light mountaineering in snow. ![]() Go ahead and walk through shallow streams or puddles. Gore-Tex Surround provides full waterproof protection and improves airflow around the foot. The result is underfoot breathability, whereas most footwear offers no air movement where the sock compresses against the insole. But Gore-Tex Surround incorporates a woven polyester or polyamide mesh insole that allows air to pass beneath the Gore-Tex bootie insert. Gore-Tex has long been used in hiking boots. La Sportiva balances the leather with breathable, protected mesh (see “Nano Cells” section above) to give you the best of both rugged protection and breathable comfort.įootwear Breathability From Gore-Tex Surround It is resistant to wear and a good choice for hiking boots. Nubuck leather is a rugged performer with a velvet-like surface. This system protects the mesh yet allows air to circulate around the bottom of the foot, letting feet breathe. You can see a fine (breathable) mesh material through the PU web. La Sportiva injects a polyurethane “web” onto the mesh upper to form what it calls Nano Cells. The Nucleo is for sale now at REI, in men’s and women’s models for $199. GearJunkie got a pair to inspect for this breakdown. This year, La Sportiva upped the ante with its Nucleo hiking boot by combining Gore-Tex Surround and a proprietary feature, Nano Cells (see the web pattern on the image above). The waterproof/breathable membrane Gore-Tex Surround increases breathability in footwear. Hiking boots can get clammy, especially on warm days. But the quest for breathability in waterproof boots has taken a step forward in recent years. A ‘macro membrane’ pattern serves as a visual cue (and a functional feature) on the Nucleo High GTX boot, which La Sportiva claims is its most breathable boot to date. ![]()
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