Aku boots

[wasatchcomm]

anyone with experience with these boots
european made available at amazon
look like some great boots

 

[mtwarden]

no experience, but I've looked hard at the Superalps- they look like they would check most of the boxes for me, but was hoping to read a few reviews especially concerning sizing- I've got semi-wonky toes and need a large toebox

hopefully someone has tried them

 

[Akicita]

I hate to chime in on a brand I have never worn however I am very familiar with AKU mountaineering boots, as they are competitor to a boot brand I have done R&D for. They are an Italian headquartered and designed boot company that manufactures most of their boots in Romania to keep cost competitive. It has been several years since I had one in my hands but I do recall how impressed we were with the overall design. They were made well with double stitching, isolated lacing systems and correct Gortex liner construction. I would say they are on par with some of the other big Euro boot makers with very minor differences in materials and craftsmanship. I would put them well above , Salomon, Merrell, Vasque and - On par with Lowa, Salewa, Arcteryx, Asolo and - Below- La Sportiva and Scarpa.

Unfortunately we did not evaluate any of the mid or light hikers so I cant answer to fit or "toe box". I can however say from experience that most if not all Euro boot makers design their boots with a narrower "last" than other manufacturers and for good reason. Most people are accustomed to big comfortable shoes for daily wear and have not conditioned their feet to accept a narrower last fit for more demanding or even extreme use as typically experienced in mountaineering. The Euro boots are designed with narrow last in order to lock the whole foot in place throughout the entire last. A narrow last along with proper isolation of lacing with stiff soles will minimize neuroma trauma injuries to the nerves between the metatarsals.

I can only speak to my experience, conditioning and mindset of which I find that quality Euro mountaineering boots have left me with far fewer, foot, pronation and knee issues. . . Aku would be a brand I would consider for these reasons.

 

[KClark]

I picked up a pair 8-9 years ago, they have been excellent boots and have high miles on them but have packed with them only a few times, still they're in great shape for their age. No pulled stitching or busted seams, soles are getting worn off though. I agree they are a step above Merrell and Vasque.

I would buy Aku boots again.

 

[wasatchcomm]

awesome feedback
thanks guys
the superalps are what i have been looking at as well
i like to try new things
love my lowas, but their could be the perfect boot out their just have to find it

 

[wasatchcomm]

look at campsaver and you can get a great deal on the superalp and the utah

 

[Stykbow64]

I have a pair of the GTX Pilgrims that I love. Had them for over three years now with probably 1000 plus miles on them. No issues hauling 100ish lb loads and they have held up extremely well. The toe box is a little narrow and I've noticed the pinky toe on my right foot will occasionally fall asleep because of it. That is probably my only gripe with them and it only seems to be an issue when I wear them for work and I have my feet up between calls. They're my go to. Backpacking/rucking, backpack hunting, and winter work boot(I'm a paramedic so I'm on my feet quite a bit). I did put a pair of superfeet greens in them this past fall and it was a large improvement over the stock insole as well. Sizing seems to be pretty accurate as well; mine are 9 1/2s and I normally wear 9-10 depending on the boot.


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[mtwarden]

The toe box is a little narrow


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Unfortunately for me, that's likely the kiss of death for me- I have to have a very roomy toe box, not an easy thing I'm finding

 

[Stykbow64]

Unfortunately for me, that's likely the kiss of death for me- I have to have a very roomy toe box, not an easy thing I'm finding

I will say that at least on the pilgrim the laces do go quite far down so there is some flexibility with toe room if needed. And honestly at least on me they may be a little small as the brannock device says I am a 10 and I'm in a 9 1/2. But I have never had a blister or hot spot with them...


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[Trogon]

I had a pair of the Utah GTX boots that served me well for at least 6 years of heavy use. I really liked the lacing/tongue system of that boot. The Superalp NBK HI looks like a great hunting boot. If the price was right I would not hesitate to try them.

 

[nickstone]

I've been curious about these too, they've had a bunch for pretty cheap on sierra trading post lately

 

[Ramcam]

I have a old pair that need to be resoled.They have been a great boot no problem with stitching still look great.