Jeffrey U. from United States, WA Public Profile

I find boots to be a particularly personal item. Fit and comfort are crucial, especially in a hiking boot that may be worn in fairly rugged conditions and for many hours a day. These boots may not be right for everyone, but they are simply a great fit for my girlfriend. She describes them as her most comfortable shoes (and she has a LOT of shoes). She wears them primarily on day hikes, but has done some backpacking in them carrying a light load. This is the second pair she's owned. The first pair lasted about two years and then seemed to lose some of its comfort and ceased to be waterproof. In searching for a replacement, she tried several other boots, including other La Sportiva models and didn't really care for them. Finally, I just ordered another pair of the Nucleo's for her. She tried on the new boots and instantly new that they weren't going back. About three days after she got them, she wore them on a 12-mile hike with no foot challenges.

In her experience, the boot runs a bit small - consider ordering a larger size than you typically wear. They do not require a break-in. Soles are grippy. I wish they were a bit more durable.

Very warm for it's weight/bulk. Fairly trim fit, but sizing seemed to contemplate that there would be baselayers underneath. Nice details such as strip of material behind zipper to block wind. Very nice zippers & zipper pulls. Minor complaint that stiffener in hood tends to get bent and doesn't completely in-kink, but this is minor (and frankly affects the appearance only, and not function). Have not purchased this brand before and find the garment particularly well designed.