La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX

I own/wore two pair on the Appalachian Trail and have zero complaints for the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX. The Vibram tread holds up well and self-cleans mud/debris. Spectacular traction on wet rocks and smooth surfaces.

Fit: My custom orthotics added a huge plus to the comfort of the shoe for long distance hiking.

Support: The design of the tread allows one to negotiate rocky terrain and not create pinpoint stabbing to your heel, arch, and toe box.

Temp Control: With the proper socks, these boots kept my feet very warm in sub-freezing temps and likewise, in warmer temps my feet weren't drenched from sweating.

Construction/Durability: From dry sandy conditions to wet, rooty, rocky, mossy, muddy or wet environments these boots performed as advertised and did not experience any breakdown or tears from environmental conditions.

As stated above, I have worn two different pair of these boots on the Appalachian Trail on long distance section hikes. I can even wear them around my residence for any occassion and keep my feet feeling comfortable all day long.

Background

Being prior military, fire/law enforcement, I have worn many types and styles of footwear. I find La Sportiva's to be my new go-to footwear for just about any occasion.

Too narrow, 12 wide did not fit.

Normally wear 12 or 12 wide. Narrow heel. Emailed La Sportiva they told me their wide in this shoe (and the Raptor BTW) is only wide in the toe box area. Since La Sportiva have a reputation for being narrow I figured they might fit my narrow heel wide toe foot. But there are issues.

Most mondopoint 12 hiking boots are 29.5; La Sportiva is less than 29.5; So La Sportiva is definitely smaller if you go by USA size. 12.5 USA is bigger than 29.5 But I was getting a little heel slip in the 12, and even in the wide version my left foot was too long (hitting the end of the shoe), so figured 12.5 would not fit either.

So I gave up. Mailing them back. The clips and the narrow laces are not too bad. If the boots had fit I would have kept them despite the odd setup, but it is definitely out of the mainstream. They feel like high top basketball shoes but with a Vibram sole.

Great idea—if only they fit. 

Background

Been through lots of boots lately trying to find a replacement for my worn out Alico boots for backpacking. Buying used because they are cheaper, broken in, and I can really try them out before committing (at REI anyway).