Best Hiking Boots · #8
Nucleo High II GTX
La Sportiva
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Gore-Tex Surround vents through the midsole — the coolest waterproof boot made.
Pros
- Exceptional breathability for a waterproof boot due to Gore-Tex Surround technology
- Reliable waterproofing keeps feet dry in consistently wet conditions
- Excellent traction from the Vibram Nano outsole on varied terrain
- Durable construction with quality materials suggests long-term reliability
- Comfortable fit and good ankle support for carrying a pack
Cons
- Heavier than some competitors, not ideal for ultralight hikers
- Initial break-in period may be required for optimal comfort
- Premium price point compared to some other mid-weight hikers
Best uses
- Wet weather hiking
- Multi-day backpacking trips
- Humid trail conditions
- Varied terrain trekking
Specifications
- Maker
- La Sportiva
- Model
- Nucleo High II GTX
- Waterproofing
- Gore-Tex Surround
- Weight (pair)
- Approx. 2 lbs 5 oz (men's 9)
- Upper
- Nubuck leather, Nylon inserts
- Outsole
- Vibram Nano
Pricing
Manufacturer list price · checked Jul 14, 2026
Prices move with sales and stock — confirm the live offer at the retailer below.
Full catalog listing & offersBest for
Wet weather hiking, Multi-day backpacking trips, Humid trail conditions, Varied terrain trekking
Where to buy the Nucleo High II GTX
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The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX takes a unique approach to waterproof breathability. Instead of relying solely on a traditional waterproof membrane in the upper, it integrates Gore-Tex Surround technology. This means the membrane extends around the entire foot, including underfoot, and is paired with a breathable midsole and side vents. The result is a boot that truly excels at keeping feet dry and comfortable in wet conditions, without the clamminess often associated with waterproof footwear. While not the lightest boot on the market, its construction offers a reassuring sense of protection and stability for varied terrain. It’s a solid choice for hikers who prioritize dry feet above all else, especially in humid or persistently wet environments, and are willing to carry a little extra weight for that advantage. This boot isn't just about waterproofing; it's about a complete breathable waterproof system that genuinely works.
Who It's For
This boot is designed for the serious hiker or backpacker who frequently encounters wet trails, stream crossings, or humid conditions. It’s particularly well-suited for those who have historically struggled with sweaty feet in waterproof boots and are looking for a genuine solution to improve breathability without sacrificing protection. If your hikes involve long days in diverse, often damp, terrain and you value foot comfort above minimalist weight, the Nucleo High II GTX is definitely worth considering. It offers a robust platform for carrying a pack and navigating technical sections without feeling overly cumbersome, provided you aren’t chasing ultralight objectives.
Construction & Materials
The upper combines durable nubuck leather with strategically placed nylon inserts, balancing abrasion resistance with some flexibility. The real innovation lies in the Gore-Tex Surround technology. Unlike traditional GTX liners, this system encapsulates the entire foot, with a permeable layer above the sole that allows moisture vapor to escape downwards and out through vents in the midsole. A Vibram Nano outsole with varied lug patterns provides reliable traction across a range of surfaces, from loose scree to muddy paths. The overall build quality is high, reflecting La Sportiva’s reputation for robust mountain footwear that can handle abuse.
Real-World Performance
Out on the trail, the Nucleo High II GTX delivers on its promise of breathable waterproofing. Feet stay remarkably drier in humid conditions compared to most other GTX boots. The ankle support is substantial without being overly rigid, offering good stability on uneven ground. The cushioning is adequate for long days, though not plush, maintaining a solid connection to the terrain. Traction from the Vibram sole is consistently good, instilling confidence on slick rocks and dirt. While the breathability is excellent for a waterproof boot, it’s still a waterproof boot; in truly scorching temperatures, no membrane will feel as airy as a mesh-only hiker, but this gets closer than most.
Weight & Packability
Weighing in around 2 lbs 5 oz for a men's size 9, these boots are not ultralight. They sit squarely in the mid-weight hiking boot category, prioritizing durability and protection over extreme weight savings. For multi-day backpacking trips where you might be covering varied terrain and carrying a significant load, the weight feels appropriate for the support and protection offered. Packability is standard for a high-cut boot; they're too bulky to easily stash inside a small backpack, but that's expected for this type of footwear. These are boots meant to be worn, not carried for long stretches.
Durability & Longevity
La Sportiva generally builds gear to last, and the Nucleo High II GTX appears to follow suit. The nubuck leather upper is tough, and the rubber randing around the toe and heel offers additional protection against scuffs and impacts. The stitching is clean and reinforced where needed. The Gore-Tex Surround membrane itself is integrated well, and the primary failure point for most waterproof boots (the membrane breaking down from creasing) is mitigated somewhat by the overall design. With proper care and cleaning, including re-treating the leather, hikers can expect several seasons of hard use from these boots, even in demanding conditions.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best hiking boots that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Fabric behavior over time
- Breathability, DWR life, loft retention, and how the piece performs after repeated washing.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
Nucleo High II GTX — frequently asked questions
- Is the Nucleo High II GTX worth it?
- We rank it #8 in Best Hiking Boots. Gore-Tex Surround vents through the midsole — the coolest waterproof boot made.
- What is the Nucleo High II GTX best for?
- Best for wet weather hiking, multi-day backpacking trips, humid trail conditions and varied terrain trekking. Standouts: exceptional breathability for a waterproof boot due to gore-tex surround technology and reliable waterproofing keeps feet dry in consistently wet conditions.
- What are the downsides of the Nucleo High II GTX?
- Heavier than some competitors, not ideal for ultralight hikers, Initial break-in period may be required for optimal comfort and Premium price point compared to some other mid-weight hikers.
- What are the key specs of the Nucleo High II GTX?
- Maker: La Sportiva · Model: Nucleo High II GTX · Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Surround · Weight (pair): Approx. 2 lbs 5 oz (men's 9) · Upper: Nubuck leather, Nylon inserts
- Who It's For?
- This boot is designed for the serious hiker or backpacker who frequently encounters wet trails, stream crossings, or humid conditions. It’s particularly well-suited for those who have historically struggled with sweaty feet in waterproof boots and are looking for a genuine solution to improve breathability without…
- Construction & Materials — what should I know about the Nucleo High II GTX?
- The upper combines durable nubuck leather with strategically placed nylon inserts, balancing abrasion resistance with some flexibility. The real innovation lies in the Gore-Tex Surround technology.
Compare side by side
Put the Nucleo High II GTX against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.