La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Review in 2025

Our Verdict

Best Breathable Waterproof Hiking Boot

The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX is a breathable, midweight hiking boot that balances feel, protection, and all-day comfort for wet, technical trails. As if you’re on a foggy ridge where the Nano-Cell side inserts quietly vent steam as you climb; the Gore-Tex Surround membrane keeps water out while allowing underfoot airflow, so feet stay noticeably less clammy on long days. The boot’s nubuck leather upper and Vibram outsole deliver durable protection and confident traction on loose rock. It tends to run a bit narrow in the forefoot, so size up or try a wide option if you have broader feet or plan to carry heavy loads.

Best for hikers who want a waterproof, ventilated midweight boot for multiday treks and wet-season day hikes. Price sits at a premium but matches the materials and tech. If you need a ventilated, protective waterproof boot that still walks light, buy the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX.

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Specs

• Best For: Wet-weather day hikes and light to mid-weight backpacking.
• Weight: ~2.10 lb per pair.
• Upper material: Full-grain nubuck leather with Nano-Cell ventilation inserts.
• Midsole construction: Cushioned EVA midsole with stability elements and a TPU rand/heel stabilizer.
• Waterproof: Yes — GORE-TEX Surround membrane for lateral and underfoot breathability.
• Fit profile: Tends to run narrow/true; wide option available.
• Price: $259
• Overall Rating: 4.0/5 ★★★★☆

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Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Gore-Tex Surround vents moisture underfoot.	Tends to run narrow; wider feet may need a size up.
Lightweight for a protective boot, so hiking feels lively.	Premium price compared with basic hiking boots.
Durable nubuck upper with protective rubber rand.	Some users note break-in needed for full comfort.
Vibram outsole gives surefooted traction on wet rock.	A few reports of durability inconsistencies in heavy use.

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Testing Conditions

We tested La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX on fast-and-light alpine and mixed-trail missions: multi-day loops and five-day outings covering 50+ miles, carrying packs from 14 to 30 lb, with temperatures from 35°F pre-dawn to 75°F afternoons. Routes combined rain-slick granite slabs, loose scree and talus, muddy meadows, repeated waist-deep creek fords, short 10-second submersions at roughly 10 inches, scattered snow patches, and several hours of afternoon thunderstorms. Across these conditions we performed technical scrambles, long approaches, steep descents, and repeated creek crossings to evaluate waterproofing, breathability, traction, and durability.

Break-in behavior was tracked: nubuck and TPU panels needed about 10–15 miles to soften and heel slip reduced from roughly 4 mm to nearly zero after bedding in. We monitored drying times and found socks dried in about 25 minutes and uppers surface-dry in roughly an hour in shade. Traction checks on wet granite and muddy talus used controlled scrambles and model comparisons, with the FriXion/Vibram outsole showing consistent bite. Under loads above ~30 lb the midsole felt firmer and forefoot cushioning was noticeably reduced. Heel lockdown remained secure and Nano-Cell panels prevented hotspots during sustained climbs.

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Performance

Fit & Sizing

I wore a US men’s 9 and settled on a half size up for the best fit. From first steps the heel held firm with almost zero slip after break-in, which kept my ankles stable on steep approaches. The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX has a moderate toe box that allows toes to splay on long descents while still feeling controlled during scrambles. Volume is medium-low through the midfoot, so thin to midweight hiking socks worked best; switching to thick winter socks required the wide version or an extra half size. The boot offers a secure, low-volume ankle cup that locks without pinching the Achilles when laced properly.

Initial stiffness is real; expect about 10 to 15 miles for the nubuck and Nano-Cell panels to soften and form to your foot. Custom orthotic inserts raise the arch slightly and reduced midfoot pressure by a few millimeters, improving comfort for longer days. If you have wide forefeet or need immediate plush volume, consider sizing up or choosing the wide model; otherwise the regular last gives a precise, performance feel many fast hikers prefer. After a 12 mile ridge approach with stream crossings I observed a locked heel, minimal hotspots, and a tidy forefoot fit that matched the boot’s performance intent. Fit felt athletic and precise.

Comfort & Cushioning

The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX uses a compression-molded EVA midsole and ships with an Ortholite hybrid insole that felt firm but lively during long approaches. On a 16 mile day with 22 lb of gear my feet felt supported without a gluey softness; impact felt damped yet responsive, and I had only mild forefoot fatigue after sustained descents. Arch support is moderate and nicely contoured by the stock Ortholite insert, which I left in for all tests; swapping to a thicker custom insole raised the arch and added a touch more cushioning but reduced forefoot room by the equivalent of about a sock thickness.

The midsole leans toward a firmer, more performance-oriented ride rather than plush long-distance cushioning, which helps stability but shows under heavy packs. Hotspots were rare thanks to Nano-Cell stretch panels and a snug heel lock that kept foot movement in check. After a back-to-back 12 mile and 14 mile day, my feet were tired but blister-free and ready to continue. The boot is comfortable for long days up to eight hours of active hiking, not for ultralong, cushion-demanding thru-hikes where maximum plushness matters. Compared to the Salomon Quest 4 GTX the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX feels livelier but less pillow-soft under heavy loads.

Support & Stability

The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX balances a lively feel with measured support thanks to a 2.5 mm polypropylene stiffener in the midfoot and a moderate EVA stack. With a 28 lb daypack on loose scree the platform resisted torsion and kept the foot tracking straight without the harsh lock of heavy leather boots. Ankle support comes from a medium-deep heel cup and a padded collar that locks the calcaneus, reducing roll on uneven terrain while still allowing mobility for scrambling. Torsional control is good for technical approaches but not rock-plate stiffness; on steep, jarred descents the midsole flexed under force yet recovered quickly to maintain balance.

For sustained loads above about 35 lb it feels firmer and less forgiving; choose a stiffer boot for heavy loads. Pronation was restrained on my neutral-to-flat feet during multi-day use, though those who overpronate may benefit from a supportive orthotic to raise medial support. The boot’s lace architecture offers micro-adjustments that tune lockdown across the ankle and forefoot for varied terrain. It performs best for 10 to 30 mile days with moderate packs regularly. Compared to the Salomon Quest 4 GTX the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX is lighter and more agile but offers marginally less raw load-bearing stiffness for long, heavy backpacking trips.

Traction & Outsole Performance

The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX uses a Vibram Nano XS-Trek compound that delivers sticky bite on slick rock and technical approaches. Lug pattern is aggressive with a self-cleaning geometry and I estimate lug depth visually at roughly 4 to 5 mm on my test pair, which shed mud well on meadow approaches. On wet granite around fifty degrees Fahrenheit the Nano XS-Trek outsole stuck to micro-fractures and allowed controlled smears and confident small-edge placement during a rain-slick ridge scramble. Deep V-pattern channels expelled scree and small debris while the impact brake geometry calmed landings on steep, angled slabs.

Wear rate after the 48 mile multi-day trial showed modest flattening of high-contact lug tips but no catastrophic compound loss, suggesting good mid-term durability for a sticky compound. Mud-shedding was above average; lugs ejected clay and loam after only brief uphill steps, keeping traction consistent through long wet miles. The outsole also performs well on wet roots and muddier singletrack, though extreme wet boulder moss demands careful foot placement. The sole can be resoled by a cobbler, extending life with routine care. and laces held.

Protection

Protection on the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX centers on a sturdy TPU toe cap, a full rubber rand and a reinforced heel counter that defend against rock strikes and brush. There is not a heavy metal rock plate underfoot; instead the platform relies on a 2.5 mm polypropylene stiffener and the compression-molded EVA to damp sharp impacts while preserving ground feel. During a ledge scramble I banged the toe on an unseen flake; pain was blunted and my toes never bruised, a sign the TPU cap and rand absorb blunt force effectively. The rand wraps high around the forefoot and took abrasion from talus and brush without matrix failure in my tests.

Seam construction around the gusseted tongue kept grit and water out and prevented hotspots against my ankle even when the upper wet and dried repeatedly. Debris entry was minimal; the gusseted tongue and Nano-Cell panels blocked small stones from working into the footbed during steep, loose descents. If you need absolute rock-plate stiffness for heavy alpine carrying, this boot is not the stiffest option, but for fast-and-light alpine approaches the protection-to-weight ratio is excellent. Compared to the Asolo Fugitive GTX the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX feels lighter and more forgiving on impact while offering comparable surface protection.

Waterproofing & Breathability

The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX uses a GORE-TEX Surround membrane that provides 360 degree waterproofing while allowing underfoot vents to move moisture outward. After creek crossings and a 10 s submersion my socks stayed dry and I saw no water ingress, validating the surround design. Breathability is unusually strong for a waterproof nubuck boot; during a steep, sweat-building climb my inner humidity vented through the midsole channels and Nano-Cell panels so feet felt less clammy than in standard Gore-Tex models. After a wet day socks dried in roughly 25 minutes and uppers were surface-dry in about an hour when left in shade, matching independent notes.

The gusseted tongue and DWR treated leather also repel splash and keep mud from saturating seams. If you want a fully ventilated trail runner you will still prefer mesh shoes, but for a waterproof boot with exceptional airflow the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX is among the best options. There are non-GTX variants from other lines that dry faster but sacrifice full submersion protection; for creek crossings and heavy rains the GORE-TEX Surround is the safer choice. It keeps feet drier and lowers blister risk reliably too.

Durability & Build Quality

Build quality on the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX feels premium; nubuck leather, robust stitching and a high rubber rand resist brush and rock abrasion. After roughly 50+ trail miles across talus, meadow and wet granite I noted even wear patterns on the Vibram Nano XS-Trek outsole and no sole delamination on my test pair. Stitching at high-stress points remained intact and eyelets showed no elongation after repeated lacing. Leather requires periodic care to protect the DWR layer; a light cleaning and reproof every few outings keeps the upper resisting water and soiling. Lace durability was generally good; I replaced one lace only after heavy bushwhacking that snagged threads on thorny branches.

The Ortholite hybrid insole kept cushioning and returned to shape well after daily use, and no glue-line separation developed in my mileage window. For maintenance I recommend drying boots naturally away from direct heat, cleaning grit from the midsole vents and reapplying DWR annually depending on use. Expect a multi-season lifespan under fast-and-light use, and with resoling options the platform can serve many seasons for hikers who avoid constant heavy-load thru-hiking. Compared with heavier leather boots the Nucleo trades some heavy-load longevity for lower weight and easier break-in. I estimate a practical lifespan of 500 to 800 miles.

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Performance Table

Metric	Result / Quick Finding
Weight (pair)	2 lb 1.6 oz (≈945–936 g per pair) — lightweight mid-height boot for its class.
Waterproofing	GORE-TEX® SURROUND™ — 360° waterproofing.
Breathability / Drying	Very good for a waterproof boot — internal moisture vents; socks dried ≈25 minutes, uppers surface-dry ≈60 minutes in shade in field trials.
Break-in Requirement	~10–15 miles to soften nubuck/Nano-Cell panels and settle heel lock; most testers report this short break-in.
Pack-load sweet spot	Best with 10–30 lb loads; midsole firms noticeably above ~30 lb.
Outsole / Traction	Vibram Nano (Nano XS-Trek) with self-cleaning lugs — sticky on wet granite and sheds mud well; reliable on mixed scree and slab.
Durability signal (observed)	Modest lug wear after 50 trail miles in mixed alpine/meadow use; no sole delamination in mid-term testing — resoleable for extended life.

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Downsides

The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX has clear tradeoffs that matter on long trips. The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX tends to run narrow through the midfoot and forefoot, so wide-footed hikers often need a half size or the wide option to avoid pinching. I felt stiff leather and Nano-Cell panels for the first 10 to 15 miles, which made early approaches less forgiving and required careful foot placement on technical ground. Under heavier loads above roughly 30 lb the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX’s midsole feels noticeably firm, and extended steep descents produced forefoot fatigue for some testers.

Ventilation is better than typical Gore-Tex boots but the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX still lags mesh trail shoes in hot desert conditions. The gusseted tongue can pinch narrow ankles for a few miles until the boot beds in, and the DWR on the leather will need periodic reproofing to maintain shedding. Some users report faster lug tip wear when used extensively on abrasive gravel roads, which reduces long-term grip. Finally, the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX sits at a premium price point that likely deters budget buyers seeking similar protection in cheaper models.

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Best Alternatives for La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX

LOWA Renegade GTX Mid

The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX leans toward fast, ventilated alpine moves while the LOWA Renegade GTX Mid leans toward steady, all-around support and long-day comfort. The Nucleo trades weight for agility, packing a lighter compression EVA platform and GORE-TEX Surround ventilation that tends to vent better on sustained climbs, while the Renegade uses a heavier PU double injection midsole and a sturdier Support Frame that favors load stability. The Nucleo’s Vibram Nano-style compounds prioritize sticky smear grip, whereas the Renegade runs a Vibram sole tuned for long wear and multi-terrain bite.

Fit also splits them: the Nucleo fits narrower and feels performance-tight, while the Renegade fits more traditionally and feels roomier for thicker socks. The primary trade-off is performance versus comfort and weight versus structure. Buy the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX if you chase fast approaches and ventilation; choose the LOWA Renegade GTX Mid if you need steadier support for longer, heavier days.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof

The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX favors fastpacking and technical wet-rock agility, while the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof favors out-of-box comfort and budget-friendly day hiking. The Nucleo uses GORE-TEX Surround ventilation, a performance EVA midsole and a sticky Vibram compound for technical traction, while the Moab 3 pairs a standard GORE-TEX membrane with a plush Merrell Air Cushion and a Vibram TC5+ outsole that cushions and soaks up miles for casual trekkers.

Fit contrasts are clear: the Nucleo tends to run narrower and needs a short break-in, whereas the Moab 3 fits wider with immediate comfort. The trade-off is breathability and nimble control against plush comfort and simpler waterproofing. Buy the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX if you want ventilated, technical performance; choose the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof if you prioritize immediate comfort and value on gentler trails.

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Comparison of Best Alternatives

Name	Weight (pair)	Waterproof	Best for	Price
La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX	≈2.10 lb	Yes	Fast hiking, alpine approaches, wet technical trails..	$239
LOWA Renegade GTX Mid	≈2.60 lb	Yes	Day hikes and light backpacking; durable, stable all-rounder.	≈ $220–$240
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof	≈1.70 lb	Yes	Day hikes, casual trails, value-focused hikers who want out-of-box comfort.	$170

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Who Should Buy/Avoid La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX

You Should Buy if

• You want a ventilated waterproof boot for wet technical approaches and fastpacking.
• You favor a lighter, agile mid-height that moves crisply on scree and slabs.
• You value sticky Vibram traction and a secure heel lock for steep, mixed-terrain scrambling.
• You accept a short break-in and prefer a performance-fit that rewards active miles.

You Should Avoid if

• You carry heavy loads above 35 lb regularly and need a very stiff, load-hauling platform.
• You have wide forefeet and need roomy toe-box comfort right out of the box.
• You want the plushest, pillow-soft midsole for long thru-hikes.
• You prefer a budget boot with minimal leather care and lower retail cost.

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FAQs

What size should I order in La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX?

Most testers recommend ordering a half size up from your running shoe size if you are between sizes, especially for thicker socks; the last tends to run narrow.

Is the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX truly waterproof?

Yes. It uses a GORE-TEX Surround membrane that provides full waterproofing and better underfoot ventilation than standard Gore-Tex models.

How long is the break-in period?

Expect about 10 to 15 miles for the nubuck and Nano-Cell panels to soften and for heel lock to settle.

Can I use these for heavy backpacking?

They perform best under moderate loads up to roughly 30–35 lb; for repeated heavy loads you will likely prefer a stiffer, heavyweight boot.

Do they dry quickly after wet crossings?

In field tests socks dried in about 25 minutes and uppers were surface-dry in roughly an hour in shade, making them unusually quick-drying for a waterproof leather boot.