La Sportiva Aequilibrium Hike GTX: synthetic, light

Listing details

The upper is listed as synthetic, the insole as polyurethane and the sole as rubber. Water resistance is given as waterproof. The shaft height is listed as ankle, and the shaft circumference as 22 cm, which helps you judge how the collar will sit on your leg.

The listed weight is 1.5 kg, which does not fit well with the lightweight claim unless it covers the pair. Check the per-boot weight on La Sportiva's site if weight drives your choice.

All seasons are named in the listing, and lace-up closure is standard. Hiking boot is given as the form type, so despite the long product title mentioning shoes, this is an ankle-height boot rather than a low hiking shoe.

Synthetic boots in British conditions

Synthetic uppers are light and soft from new, so there is little breaking in. They dry faster than thick leather, which helps on multi-day trips when boots rarely dry out fully overnight. The membrane handles the waterproofing.

The downside is wear. Synthetic panels and stitching scuff more readily on rock and scree than full leather, and they cannot be waxed to restore water beading. A fabric proofing spray does that job instead.

Compared with La Sportiva's leather boots

The Nucleo High II GTX gives a high cut with leather upper and lining, better for walkers who want traditional support. The Trango TRK GTX is a leather boot aimed at rougher mountain days. The Aequilibrium Hike GTX is the lighter-feeling, modern choice, best for walkers who value comfort out of the box.

Who might prefer something else

If you scramble on abrasive rock often, a leather or suede boot will last longer. Walkers with wide feet should look first at the Ultra Raptor II Mid Leather Wide GTX, as this listing gives no width information.

The listing does not name the outsole rubber, so the grippy claim cannot be compared with other boots on paper alone.