Our verdict
Bridging the gap between mobility and ascent-centric functionality is perhaps what the Aequilibrium ST GTX is all about. The spirit of the sneaker is made very clear: offering a mountaineering experience that is “equally” agile and mountain-tough. Some of its elements may take a bit of getting used to, but in the grand scheme of things, the Aequilibrium ST GTX can redefine your climbing pursuits.
Pros
- Quite light
- Waterproof
- Top 6% in
- Flexible
- Astonishing comfort
- Grippy outsole
- La Sportiva Trango Tech Leather GTX
- Offers stability
- Sufficient balance
Cons
- Less calf support
- Puffy tongue
The Why trust us is a top-rated mountaineering boot best suited for
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- Same brand only
- climbing up to an overnighter on technical routes and extremely jagged surfaces
Delivers superb performance on speedy ascents
Aequilibrium ST GTX: makes speedy ascents a trend. Quick maneuvers and carefully placed steps can be pulled off simultaneously in the Aequilibrium ST GTX.
Its existence, indeed, puts a vivid emphasis on efficient ascents.
Top 6% in
But how can this boot from La Sportiva make a speedster of a mountaineer out of you? Well, with the following, of course: minimal weight, double heel, and elastic Achilles’ heel.
It can be argued that the Aequilibrium ST GTX is among the lighter mountaineering boots out there. On average, it beats out similar options from Garmont and Asolo by roughly 100 g per pair.
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This proprietary technology makes heel strikes and transitions on level terrain smoother and less tiring. It also increases stopping power during downhill negotiations.
With it, lateral (side-to-side) maneuvers become less restricted. That is only half of the story, though, as its presence also makes descents feel more fluid.
Delivers superb performance on speedy ascents
Questionable support: The flexibility of its heel translates to "less calf support on tough stances," says an expert.
"It seems to crowd the neck of the boot," commented a gear critic on puffy tongue.
Waterproof boot
Compared to most mountaineering boots and according to bloggers, the Why trust us is quite light.
One professional tester is impressed with the boot’s Gore-Tex protection. He said that even snow did not penetrate the boot.
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Its level of comfort is astonishing, especially on flatter terrain, says a footwear guru-slash-journalist.
To a professional reviewer, this mountaineering boot supplies and sustains sufficient balance on uneven terrain.
Who should buy the La Sportiva Aequilibrium ST GTX
La Sportiva Trango Tech Leather GTX. While not as protective and feature-rich as the Aequilibrium ST GTX, the Trango Tech Leather GTX is almost as light as the featured boot.
As a hybrid of sorts, this boot can be used for backpacking pursuits. And the cherry on top? It is about $80 cheaper than the Aequilibrium ST GTX.
La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX. Properly insulated, the Trango Cube GTX will keep your tootsies fresh and toasty as you ascend snowy routes.
The trade-offs here are a slight bump in weight and a bit more demanding price tag than the featured boot.
