
In the end, we found the boots to be nimble for their protection and grip. While this does increase breathability in the boots, it is still overwhelmed in hot weather. The “macro membrane” mesh on the side of the boots points to the Gore-Tex Surround construction. The membrane does breathe, though, making them usable year-round if you need the protection and durability all months. This is hardly unique to La Sportiva. Your feet will sweat in a boot with leather uppers and a Gore-Tex membrane. Though usable, you’re better with a mesh upper, trail-running shoes, or even sandals when temps hit 80 degrees or higher. Hot days are not a candidate for waterproof boots. One tester, who weighed 250 pounds with a loaded pack on, noted he could feel the tread “shifting” slightly underfoot when on hard rock. The tread is low-profile except on the edges, where, when weighted, it protrudes slightly out from the base of the shoe. You can edge moderately with the sole, making them usable for scrambling and low-angle climbing. The rubber is a tacky formula that sticks to stone. The sole is flexible, making them comfortable as you stride and step on rocks or roots. La Sportiva is known for its climbing shoes and boots, and these hikers borrow some of the design cues from those categories. These are not stiff, old-school hiking boots. From the March slush to springtime stream crossings our editors noted that water flowing or falling around the boots stayed outside the boots. The boots are lighter than average, at about 20 ounces per foot. The thick uppers protect without bogging down. And once the snow melted, they proved to be nimble and fast hikers. The boots’ aggressive tread bit into snow, snagging purchase on slippery hills. While not a dedicated winter boot, the Nucleos performed on snow, and for early-spring hikes, through slush and moderately icy conditions. The boots saw snow, streams, hard-packed trail, and loose rock. Our editors tested these boots between February and May. Dubbed the “Impact Brake System,” it’s designed to provide extra cushion on heel strike and prevent slipping by digging in on steep terrain. One innovation: To add traction, La Sportiva used a scalloped hard rubber compound on the heel. The heel is not overbearingly high, and the build is lighter than average. A comfortable EVA foam midsole sits atop the Vibram tread. It’s a build that accommodates weekend backpackers, peak-baggers, and even thru-hikers who need something more rugged than trail-running shoes. La Sportiva notes the Nucleo is “perfect for hikers who want a medium-duty boot” and backpackers looking for a waterproof option that “breathes well and supports moderate loads.”

In short: They are solid all-around hikers for almost all conditions with an adaptable outsole and a new kind of Gore-Tex technology that keeps water out (but also traps heat, making the boots warm on summer days). We wore the boots through winter and spring, through wet and dry conditions, and into summer now as the temps spike high. With an impact-absorbing heel, grippy sole, and a Gore-Tex Surround membrane, the Nucleos are capable and durable.
#La sportiva nucleo full
We reviewed the boots - full name: La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX Hiking Boots - over several months. La Sportiva designed its Nucleo as a do-all hiker, balancing fit, light(ish) weight, and a bespoke Vibram outsole built for steep terrain or fast trail. Sometimes all you need is a solid, reliable boot.

Aggressive tech in an unassuming package, La Sportiva Nucleo boots are waterproof and stocked with upgrades for mountains and trails.
