AKU Utah High GTX Mountaineering Boots Reviewed

I’d by no means heard of Aku, a good model from the Northern half if Italy in Treviso so had no bias to their merchandise.

Desperate to strive the Utah High GTX Mountaineering boots out immediately I needed to chorus my self from any lengthy intervals of time spent in them so as me for to interrupt them in with out inflicting any blisters.

Execs: Cons:
  • Very supportive
  • Heat
  • Vibram sole grips on just about something
  • Snug to put on
  • Take time to put on in
  • Heavy 

So the time had come for me to actually put some mileage on the Utah boots and I made a decision {that a} 2-day hike up one the tallest peaks near me can be one of the best ways to see how this product festivals. The target is the summit of Mt Currie 2591m / 8550ft peak about 20 minutes North of me.

First impression of the boots is the craftsmanship and a focus to element. These are handmade with what I can solely describe as care put into crafting the boots. From the well-adhered sole to double stitching of the leather-based to the serial quantity stamped on the within of the tongue, there exhibits signal of somebody’s labour of affection. After slipping my ft in and tightening the laces up 2 very noticeable issues hit me. Damm these are comfortable and boy have they got a little bit of weight to them. The speedy assist of my foot and ankle may be very prevalent with a direct following of the work out I feel I’ll get simply strolling round.

Now speaking additional in regards to the weight I feel is a should. Sometimes large, supportive and stiff mountaineering boots are heavy. It’s the trade-off of getting that safety that your ankle and foot are safe and protected from the hazards {that a} set of regular mountaineering have. Rolled/sprained ankles are the most typical factor that may occur which you don’t need if you’re out someplace distant and even near residence.

Additionally whereas being very supportive the only and general stiffness of the boot may be very good. With the ability to belief that the tip of the shoe can maintain one’s weight whereas scrambling up a face may be very comforting and reassuring. Couple that with an extremely grippy sole from Vibram and you’ve got a successful mixture. I misplaced monitor of the variety of instances that I used to be relieved that the boot gripped and didn’t present any indicators of slipping whereas my mates boot’s gave them some troubles. So the trade-off is a barely heavier boot than perhaps you might be used to however very a lot price it in my expertise.

Being a leather-based boot and with that a lot materials going round and over your foot it can take a while to settle in and mildew it’s self to the wearer. I discovered that the primary couple of instances I did small hikes I seen some sizzling spots and needed to cease for a wee break to let issues calm down. This I did discover irritating at first however as soon as I acquired previous that break-in interval it was well worth the wait.

I spent a complete of about 15 hours someday sporting the boots on a return leg from a hike and I used to be very glad that I had taken the time to let the boots and my ft settle to one another.

So would I’m going via that course of understanding what it might be like 100% sure. These are my new favorite footwear for getting out and exploring the wilderness had been most different technique of transport can’t.

Uncover AKU