Product · La Sportiva
La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Women: leather lined
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Cold, wet days call for a warm boot, and the women's Nucleo High II GTX is the most leather-heavy option in our women's waterproof boot guide. Amazon lists a leather upper, a leather lining, a leather insole, a rubber sole, an ankle-high cut and a waterproof rating, with Gore-Tex in the name. It suits women who walk through autumn and winter and want a boot that feels soft and warm inside.
- Upper
- Leather
- Membrane
- Gore-Tex
- Outsole
- Rubber
- Lining
- Leather
In its favour
- Leather upper with a leather lining and leather insole are all listed, a hard-wearing build.
- Gore-Tex is named in the title, giving a waterproof liner behind the leather.
- Listed for all seasons, so it can serve as a year-round women's walking boot.
Good to know
- Italian sizing can differ from UK brands, so check La Sportiva's chart before ordering.
- The outsole is listed only as rubber, with no compound named.
Our take
Listing details
The seasons field reads all, and the item weight is 1.35 kg, without saying whether that is per boot or per pair. The heel type says kitten heel, which is clearly a data error for a hiking boot.
The material field mentions EVA alongside leather, which suggests an EVA midsole for cushioning. The outsole compound is not named, so walkers who want a specific Vibram sole should look elsewhere or check La Sportiva's own details.
Leather inside and out
A leather lining and leather insole are less common in women's boots than textile. They feel soft from the first wear, handle sweat well and gradually take the shape of the foot. With Gore-Tex in between, the boot should stay dry while remaining comfortable on long days.
The downside is drying time. A leather-lined boot holds moisture longer after a wet walk, so stuff it with newspaper, leave it at room temperature overnight, and condition both the outer and the lining every few weeks in the wet season.
Nucleo High II Women beside the Renegade Ws and Terra GTX Women
The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Ws has a textile lining and a Vibram sole. It runs cooler and dries faster, which suits summer walkers. The Nucleo is the warmer choice for winter.
The Scarpa Terra GTX Women is listed at 465 g with a Vibram Energy II sole. It is lighter on paper and firmer underfoot. Choose the Nucleo for comfort and warmth rather than low weight.
Who should look elsewhere
Women who run warm may find a fully leather-lined boot hot from late spring onwards. Those who want a named outsole, or a very light boot for fast summer walks, will be better served by the Scarpa or Lowa options.
The men's Nucleo High II GTX is also in our waterproof men's guide for anyone buying a matching pair for a walking partner.
Verdict
The Nucleo High II GTX Women suits women who want a warm, leather-lined Gore-Tex boot for autumn and winter walking. For a cooler boot with a Vibram sole, choose the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Ws, and for a lighter leather boot with a firmer platform, the Scarpa Terra GTX Women is the alternative.
Compared with alternatives in: Best waterproof walking boots for women
Amazon listing title: La Sportiva Womens Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boots