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Three Things To Know:
- Lightweight comfort and solid support - ideal for day hikes and longer walks
- GORE-TEX lining - keeps feet dry in wet conditions without sacrificing breathability
- Suede materials - high quality however not great for winter
Our Rating:
Comfort and Fit
Waterproofing and Weather Resistance
Durability and Materials
Weight and Flexibility
Grip and Traction
Check availability at Amazon, Alpine Trek.
I wanted to try the AKU Ultralight Original GTX boots after reading about their old-school-meets-modern design. I wanted something lightweight, waterproof, and well-built, without feeling bulky or overly technical. From the first few hikes, I could tell these hiking boots had a different feel–more refined, with a comfort that reminded me of well-worn favourites. Here’s how they’ve performed so far on the trail.
Comfort and Fit
The AKU Ultralight Original GTX women’s hiking boots follow in the footsteps of the original Ultra Light boot from Aku that was released 40 years ago. The new model combines the comfort and softness of modern fast hiking boot, with a more timeless and classic style.
I love the way the Ultralight’s look, preferring a more traditional style myself, and straight out of the box they were reassuringly solid but not stiff. The lasting board is a stiff component often made of plastic or composite material which sits between the insole and the midsole, adding support and cushioning against uneven surfaces – and the lasting boot in these shoes is 4-2 mm texon + tpu and extra flexible.
With great support on the ankles, the lacing system ties up snugly at the top.
Waterproofing and Weather Resistance
These boots have handled wet conditions better than I expected considering the amount of suede in the design. Thanks to the GORE-TEX lining, my feet stayed dry through morning dew, muddy patches, and light rain showers. The leather upper repels water well without feeling stiff or heavy. Even after slogging through damp trails, the boots kept moisture out while still letting my feet breathe enough to avoid feeling clammy. They’re not designed for deep water crossings, but for typical wet weather hikes, they’ve been solid and reliable.
Suede isn’t the easiest material to clean and can stain easily so these won’t be the best for overly muddy walks, and I would recommend using a protective spray, and letting the boots dry fully after a walk, and then brushing off the mud.
Durability and Materials
After several hikes on rocky and uneven trails, the Ultralight Originals have shown impressive durability. The full-grain leather upper feels tough yet flexible, resisting scuffs and scratches better than I expected. The stitching is solid, and the soles have held up well without signs of early wear. I appreciate how well-built these boots feel–they strike a nice balance between ruggedness and lightweight design, so I’m confident they’ll last through many more outdoor adventures.
As I said above, suede is tough but will stain and can be damaged by water, so regular treatment will be necessary, and I wouldn't recommend wearing these boots on particularly wet trails.
Weight and Flexibility
Weighing in at 420 grams per shoe for a size 5, these boots are a lot lighter than they look for such a traditional style. They don’t weigh me down, which makes longer hikes really easy.
The flexibility is impressive too, and my feet move naturally without being pinched or restricted thanks to the carefully designed sole and soft leather upper.
They’re a good balance between the support I want and the freedom to move comfortably on varied terrain.
Grip and Traction
I’ve put these boots through their paces on wet rocks, loose gravel, and muddy trails, and the grip has been solid throughout. The Vibram sole provides confident traction, helping me stay steady on slippery surfaces without overdoing it with an aggressive tread. It strikes a good balance for mixed terrain–grippy enough for most hikes but still comfortable on harder surfaces. Overall, they give me the confidence to tackle varied trails without worrying about slipping.
Value For Money
These are at the top end of most peoples budgets, and while they’re a solid boot, for that price I would want something that works in all four seasons, and without the potentially fallible suede.
Sustainability
The Ultralight Original GTX boots are made with 100% traceable materials, which is reassuring when considering the environmental impact of my gear. Additionally, AKU has partnered with the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) to promote eco-friendly initiatives.
Should You Buy It?
If you can afford the price and are looking for a reliable and stylish three season boot.
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Find more in our guide to the best walking boots.
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