Product · La Sportiva
La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX: leather, slip resistant
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The Nucleo High II GTX is a leather hiking boot that La Sportiva's listing describes as slip resistant. Amazon gives a leather upper, a leather lining, a polyurethane insole with EVA foam cushioning, a rubber sole, an ankle-high cut and a waterproof rating. In our waterproof men's boot guide, it is the leather-lined La Sportiva for walkers who want comfort and grip on mixed paths.
- Upper
- Leather
- Membrane
- Gore-Tex
- Lining
- Leather
- Listed waterproofing
- Waterproof
In its favour
- The listing names a slip-resistant sole as a special feature, useful on wet slabs and muddy tracks.
- Leather upper and leather lining are both stated, behind a Gore-Tex membrane.
- Cushioning is listed as moderate with an EVA foam insole, a balance for all-day walking.
Good to know
- Italian brands often size differently from UK makers, so check La Sportiva's chart before ordering.
- The listing gives 1.45 kg without saying if it is per boot or per pair.
Our take
What Amazon lists
Cushioning is moderate and the surface recommendation is dirt. The season field reads spring, which seems narrow for a leather-lined Gore-Tex boot. The listed item weight is 1.45 kg, and the page does not say whether that is one boot or a pair.
Slip resistant is the only special feature named, but the listing does not identify the outsole compound or tread pattern behind that claim.
Leather lining in a hiking boot
A leather lining is soft against the foot, handles sweat well, and lasts. With Gore-Tex added, it keeps water out while staying comfortable on long days. It does make the boot warmer than textile-lined models.
Clean the boots after each walk, stuff them with paper to dry, and condition the leather regularly. Leather-lined boots repay care with a long life and a fit that improves with wear.
Nucleo High II against the Bhutan MFS and Ranger II
The Meindl Bhutan MFS GTX is also leather lined with Gore-Tex and is listed as made in Germany. Both suit walkers who want warmth and comfort; fit will decide between them.
The Scarpa Ranger II Active GTX is another leather-lined classic, listed for winter. The Nucleo, with moderate EVA cushioning, may feel softer underfoot on long tracks.
Who should look elsewhere
Walkers who run warm should consider a fabric-lined boot such as the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid. Those who need a named Vibram sole should look at the Scarpa Terra GTX.
Fit is the other thing to check. The listing gives no width, and leather-lined boots leave a little less room inside than textile-lined ones, so try them with the thick socks you would wear in winter.
Buyers choosing for a partner should note that a women's Nucleo High II GTX sits in our women's waterproof guide with a similar leather-lined build.
Verdict
The Nucleo High II GTX suits walkers who want a leather-lined Gore-Tex hiking boot with moderate cushioning and a slip-resistant listing. If you prefer Meindl's fit, compare the Bhutan MFS GTX, and for a cooler fabric-lined boot, the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid is the alternative.
Compared with alternatives in: Best waterproof walking boots for men
Amazon listing title: La Sportiva Mens Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boots