AKU boots are good.

They’re really good.

We first came across them through Mountain Rescue.

AKU are excellent at supporting Mountain Rescue teams in the UK – for that reason alone you should buy AKU boots.

We’re part of Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team, we get a discount when we buy AKU boots. Lots of our team have moved away from ‘better know brands’ into AKU boots.

Everyone that’s bought them, loves them. Most people in the team are wearing the Trekker Pro or the SuperAlp GTX.

Wearing AKU Boots

One of the reason we decided we liked AKU so quickly was comfort.

These boots are comfortable out of the box and get MORE comfortable as you use them.

AKU boots manage to be snug without squeezing or pinching anything, they feel great on your feet.

The Trekker Pro, in particular, seems to breath really well – apparently this is down to some impressive material tech. They feel nice to wear, especially in the UK when warm(ish) and wet is entirely normal.

They pair very well with Darn Tough Socks, which can feel a bit overwarm in other boots.

Fitting is true to size, cushioning is good, support is great and folk with a variety of foot shapes (including wide feet) are happy.

The tread is sticky, we’ve learnt to trust them on steep slabs and wet rock, we have confidence in them

We have some strange shaped feet in our Mountain Rescue team and everyone is really happy with the fit and comfort.

Durability & Quality

The quality of construction in AKU boots is brilliant.

Gore-Tex lined, Vibram soles, and decent leather and synthetic uppers, the boots have dealt with everything that we’ve thrown at them so far.

Solid stitching and reinforcement in high-stress areas – we reckon AKU are a solid investment if you’re looking for boots that can take some abuse over the years.

The SUPERALP GTX and TREKKER PRO in particular seem really well designed for use in the UK – quality and design is at least as good as Scarpa boots, probably better.

Technical Stuff

Custom Fit: Some models include an Exoskeleton frame or IMS (Internal Midsole System), which offer real added stability, especially on uneven ground and scrambles.

AIR8000: AKU’s proprietary breathable fabric allows for enhanced airflow, “up to 11 times more breathable than conventional footwear”, helping to keep your feet dry and loads more comfortable.

GORE-TEX: Waterproof protection without losing breathability – combined with fabric tech that focusses on airflow means your socks should be mostly dry at the end of a long day.

Vibram Soles: Decent grip and durability, we trust these boots on all but the most greasy rock.

Design

AKU boots seem, primarily, built for functionality – and we like that.

BUT they also look good – modern and well designed with good lines.

Function, form and practical design.

Price

AKU boots are not cheap. Prices range from £200 – £300 before any discounts, which is broadly comparable, if not a bit cheaper than Scarpa and La Sportiva.

They are an intelligent investment, they’re not cheap – but they are good value.

We’re happy to pay a little extra for boots that are made in Europe.

Also – the Italians do seem to consistently make excellent boots.

Pros

• Great durability and solid construction
• Excellent comfort and support
• Great traction and stability
• Reliable waterproofing and breathability
• Lighter than comparable Scarpa boots
• BRILLIANT traceability

Cons

• Not cheap
• Can be hard to find (especially to try on).

If you’re in the mountains loads, especially for work, and you’re looking for a boot that will look after you and last a while, AKU boots are probably for you.

Guided Mountain Walks: https://explorewildwales.co.uk/mountain-walking/

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