Absolutely my experience too, went on a 2 days hike with some technical sections involved without breaking them in, no issue at all, no pain, no blisters, super comfortable. I wouldn't rate the sole as very stiff, but that's probably also the design point to differentiate them from real cat C boots which would be less comfortable on long distances. For more technical climbs the high stand might be not optimal, but otherwise the best allrounder i ever had...glacier passages, steep scree slopes, technical sections up to UIAA 2+, long distance hike, they proved to be suitable and comfortable
Good review, I have ice climbed in them. So light and they are maneuver with your foot, awesome !! Souls don’t wear out. I have 100s of miles in mine. I have the leather version
Thanks! I've felt the same way about the tread, countless miles and terrain and they are still in tip top shape! And that's awesome that you've ice climbed in them, I haven't used them for that yet, but I will say it's why I got the G-Tech for ice climbing (same last as the aequilibruim)
Hi! Could you please tell what crampons do you use or can recommend to pair with these boots? I heard that due to their sole profile crampons compatibility might be an issue. What's your take on that? Thanks!
Great review man! I have same shoes and they are amazing for high technical mountaineering boot, very comfortable and membrane is fantastic, doesn't ever smells bad from you feet.
Hi Kellen, Thank you for the review! I have a big favor to ask: can you please tell me what was the hottest temperature on which you've used these boots for trekking and if your feet got sweaty (how much) or not? I was planning to buy Aequilibrium Hike GTX for summer hiking and trekking, but my size is currently unavailable in my country so I was thinking of Aequilibrium Trek GTX (with leather). Then I saw your video and I am taking ST GTX into consideration. What do you think?
Probably the hottest temperature I've used them would be around 32 C, and they didn't really get sweaty. The GORE-TEX that they used in this boot is one of the more breathable versions of GORE-TEX and that's been apparent throughout the past few years. I will say thought that the leather version will probably retain a bit more heat than the synthetic version, not a whole lot but you'll definitely notice it. But just be aware that the Aequilibrium ST is still a mountaineering boot, so there's a good chance that it'll be stiffer than the Trek version. But if you don't mind a stiffer boot the ST would definitely be a great boot!
Great review. I have a question. Is a full lining goretex sock? Because I have a pair of Scarpa Kailash and the liner covers everything except the tongue.
I’ve been in some colder temps with the Aequilibrium, probably the coldest was 15°F, and it’s hard to really say if they are warm enough to handle it. I think in general they can handle it if you are constantly on the move and have a warm sockS. But I also think as soon as you slow down or even stop the cold will definitely start to settle in. It’s kind of a weird area because they are labeled as a mountaineering boot, but they also appeal to the fast and light crowd. So they don’t really have any insulation in them, but they are protective enough to handle a variety of different climates and scenarios.
@@TheBelaytionship I understand. Probably the Top version is more suited for a winter use, with the drawback of a decreased breathability and less comfort in general when moving fast or in above freezing temperatures.
Thanks Kellen, another great review. I’ll have a look into these shoes but an initial question, since your review have you worn these shoes again on your treks and if so how have they been performing? Also what is the updated model to this shoe? Thanks😊
Yeah since then I’ve worn them a bunch, and they still continue to be a great boot! Super comfortable and precise, and I’ve actually ran in these boots and they worked really well! So this boot model is still current, as it just released in 2020. And it’s actually getting a new model to the lineup. Currently the line consists of the Aequilibrium ST GTX, Aequilibrium LT GTX, and the Aequilibrium Top GTX (that’s the one with the built in gaiter) but new for 2023 is the Aequilibrium Speed GTX. It’s basically a shoe boot hybrid, I’ll drop a link to it below. But that’s the Aequilibrium range! (Aequilibrium Speed GTX) www.mountainblog.eu/product/la-sportiva-aequilibrium-speed-gtx-summer-2023/
@@TheBelaytionship sounds good. Like I said going to look into these and hopefully make the purchase. How have the Aequilibrium been in winter conditions, waterproofing etc? My intention is to wear these with proper hiking socks such as Stance so I don’t get cold and wet feet!
@@IrfanOomer They perform pretty good in winter conditions, the Top model probably performs the best out of them all in terms of waterproofing and snow performance just because that’s what that boot was designed for. But all of them have a super burly GTX liner that provides great protection. And I’d definitely recommend you wear hiking socks with any of the Aequilibrium boots, they have a slightly more roomier fit to accommodate thicker socks. So when you wear hiking socks they fit great!
It's about the same in terms of width, the biggest difference between the Nepal last and the Aequilibrium last is the volume, the Aequilibrium is very low volume.
Hey, thanks for all your content. Been loving all the information. Can you help me with the sizing?? I wear a 41 in phantom tech latest version. I remember using 42 in Nepal cubes a few years back but i wasn't sure if it was a good fit back then. Phantom techs in 41 fit me really well though. Any info would be appreciated 👍
I would probably go with a 41 if that’s what you have for the phantom tech. The Aequilibrium fits more closely to the phantom tech than the Nepal, mostly due to the phantom tech being a lower volume boot. The Aequilibrium might ever so slightly be wider in the toe box and narrower in the heel compared to the phantom tech
Is this okay as a regular hiking/backpacking boot for all season hiking? - Not all my hikes require scrambling or mountaineering, as Im looking for an overall good boot for regular and technical hiking - My current Zamberlan leather boots are a bit heavy, still like these it seems, but they are great and I like them. But, they are coming to an end of its life, and would like to get something better. Also, what about resoling the boot?
Yo! Surprisingly I feel like I can say the most when it comes to your question! To answer it straight up, yes, these boots will work for hiking/backpacking, and that's actually what I use them mostly for! I should also mention that my pair of boots before the Aequilibrium were the Zamberlan 996 Vioz GTX, and I have no regrets switching to the Aequilibrium. One thing that you'll notice with the Sportiva boots is that they are stiff and supportive without the added weight, and that's something that the Zamberlan boots don't do well. To answer your question about resoling, I'm not actually entirely sure. La Sportiva does say that this boot can be easily resoled as it's sole is a one piece design, but as for finding a place to resole the Aequilibrium that's where it gets challenging, as I haven't found a place here in the states that will resole them...yet. I do however think this will change as the Aequilibrium series is becoming one of Sportiva's flagship boots, so more popularity hopefully comes with more places being able to resole these boots.
@@TheBelaytionship yeah, I have the same boots right now. I really like them. They are comfy, durable, stiff, but the sole is trash. Ripping apart. I can resole, but I'd rather find a lighter boot that is as stiff and has a better sole designed for climbing and preferably a clip on rear.. if I can use this as year round as my main boot from moderate to hard hikes, I'm in! Hopefully it fits well. And yes, I heard it can be resoled. Hopefully la sportiva can do it with the original sole rather than a 3rd party.
I'd say that they break in a little bit, it's not extremely noticeable as they are still really stiff, but I think they have a bit more give now than when they were fresh out of the box
Hi what about the vibram sole? in some other review i've read that due the soft material of the mesh in the heel area, the sole literally worn and had visibile scuff/chunks taken out. Is it possible?
It's all dependent on the type of terrain you walk on and how you walk. What I can say is that for the past 2 years I've put a lot of miles on my Aequilibriums and the the soles are in great condition. The most abrasive rock I've put them through is limestone, and limestone has a reputation for cutting soles up, but my boots handled it just fine. Obviously though if you are walking on granite all the time and drag your heels your are going to see increased wear and tear on the soles. But even if you do wear them out fast the Aequilibrium boots can be resoled at a La Sportiva authorized resoler
I'd say if you've got a slightly wider foot they'd fit great. Obviously I'd encourage to try them on first but overall the Aequilibrium fits pretty wide for Sportiva
Ok, so I’ve been thinking how I want to tackle this, first thing I will say is have you had any experience with La Sportiva shoes? If so, great, then whatever size you are with Sportiva expect the Aequilibrium to fit a little more roomier (for sock accommodation) If you don’t have experience with Sportiva, I’d advise you to go out to a local gear shop that has Sportiva shoes and try a pair on, most shoes from Sportiva fit pretty similar. But definitely check the European size on your current shoes because if you’re a size 9 US that translates directly to a 42. As for reference I wear a 44, and that translates to a 10 1/2+ in US. So a 43 would be a normal 10 1/2 US
The problem with La Sportiva is they have 99% of all products too tight ,to be you i would fist find store where they sell some and try some,example i have asolo boots 43,5 but la sportiva i have 44,5 cos they are too small and tight
Yes, absolutely. Stiff with plenty of edging power, yet flexible enough to smear. If you're primarily smearing, you'll be slightly happier with an approach shoe with Megagrip rubber, but if you have a healthy mix between edging and smearing, you'll be happy with them.
So Sportiva did design this boot to be a 3 season mountaineering boot, so it’ll handle the snow. I’ve used it a fair amount in the snow and it performs great! Just be aware that the rubber compound used for the boot is meant for durability, so you do loose some traction when it comes to snowy terrain
I can't still figure out how people can like La Sportiva. Their shoes have horrible sizes and they are too narrow. Everytime I wanted one , it didn't simply fit so for my feet I prefer Scarpa.
That's interesting! So I know people have had a problem with Sportiva being narrow, but for me their shoes feel wide. And I've also tried to get into Scarpa shoes but for whatever reason they just don't fit my feet. But that's the cool thing about footwear, it all comes down to preference!
Absolutely my experience too, went on a 2 days hike with some technical sections involved without breaking them in, no issue at all, no pain, no blisters, super comfortable. I wouldn't rate the sole as very stiff, but that's probably also the design point to differentiate them from real cat C boots which would be less comfortable on long distances. For more technical climbs the high stand might be not optimal, but otherwise the best allrounder i ever had...glacier passages, steep scree slopes, technical sections up to UIAA 2+, long distance hike, they proved to be suitable and comfortable
Good review, I have ice climbed in them. So light and they are maneuver with your foot, awesome !! Souls don’t wear out. I have 100s of miles in mine. I have the leather version
Thanks! I've felt the same way about the tread, countless miles and terrain and they are still in tip top shape! And that's awesome that you've ice climbed in them, I haven't used them for that yet, but I will say it's why I got the G-Tech for ice climbing (same last as the aequilibruim)
Hi! Could you please tell what crampons do you use or can recommend to pair with these boots? I heard that due to their sole profile crampons compatibility might be an issue. What's your take on that? Thanks!
Hello 👋 from India 🇮🇳
Gr8 content and a informative video
Keep up the good work 👌
Great review man!
I have same shoes and they are amazing for high technical mountaineering boot, very comfortable and membrane is fantastic, doesn't ever smells bad from you feet.
Thanks! I’m glad you are also enjoying your boots, and I’m with you! That membrane is awesome!
Hi Kellen,
Thank you for the review!
I have a big favor to ask: can you please tell me what was the hottest temperature on which you've used these boots for trekking and if your feet got sweaty (how much) or not?
I was planning to buy Aequilibrium Hike GTX for summer hiking and trekking, but my size is currently unavailable in my country so I was thinking of Aequilibrium Trek GTX (with leather). Then I saw your video and I am taking ST GTX into consideration.
What do you think?
Probably the hottest temperature I've used them would be around 32 C, and they didn't really get sweaty. The GORE-TEX that they used in this boot is one of the more breathable versions of GORE-TEX and that's been apparent throughout the past few years. I will say thought that the leather version will probably retain a bit more heat than the synthetic version, not a whole lot but you'll definitely notice it.
But just be aware that the Aequilibrium ST is still a mountaineering boot, so there's a good chance that it'll be stiffer than the Trek version. But if you don't mind a stiffer boot the ST would definitely be a great boot!
Great review. I have a question. Is a full lining goretex sock? Because I have a pair of Scarpa Kailash and the liner covers everything except the tongue.
It's got a full lining! Kinda weird that some boots only do the partial, but you don't have to worry about that with the Aequilibrium.
Great review! Did you try the aequilibrium with cold temperatures (let's say, something around 5°F)? Are the shoes warm enough to deal with it?
I’ve been in some colder temps with the Aequilibrium, probably the coldest was 15°F, and it’s hard to really say if they are warm enough to handle it. I think in general they can handle it if you are constantly on the move and have a warm sockS. But I also think as soon as you slow down or even stop the cold will definitely start to settle in.
It’s kind of a weird area because they are labeled as a mountaineering boot, but they also appeal to the fast and light crowd. So they don’t really have any insulation in them, but they are protective enough to handle a variety of different climates and scenarios.
@@TheBelaytionship I understand. Probably the Top version is more suited for a winter use, with the drawback of a decreased breathability and less comfort in general when moving fast or in above freezing temperatures.
@@giacomobianchini8559 Exactly
Thanks Kellen, another great review. I’ll have a look into these shoes but an initial question, since your review have you worn these shoes again on your treks and if so how have they been performing? Also what is the updated model to this shoe? Thanks😊
Yeah since then I’ve worn them a bunch, and they still continue to be a great boot! Super comfortable and precise, and I’ve actually ran in these boots and they worked really well!
So this boot model is still current, as it just released in 2020. And it’s actually getting a new model to the lineup. Currently the line consists of the Aequilibrium ST GTX, Aequilibrium LT GTX, and the Aequilibrium Top GTX (that’s the one with the built in gaiter) but new for 2023 is the Aequilibrium Speed GTX. It’s basically a shoe boot hybrid, I’ll drop a link to it below. But that’s the Aequilibrium range!
(Aequilibrium Speed GTX)
www.mountainblog.eu/product/la-sportiva-aequilibrium-speed-gtx-summer-2023/
@@TheBelaytionship sounds good. Like I said going to look into these and hopefully make the purchase. How have the Aequilibrium been in winter conditions, waterproofing etc? My intention is to wear these with proper hiking socks such as Stance so I don’t get cold and wet feet!
@@IrfanOomer They perform pretty good in winter conditions, the Top model probably performs the best out of them all in terms of waterproofing and snow performance just because that’s what that boot was designed for. But all of them have a super burly GTX liner that provides great protection.
And I’d definitely recommend you wear hiking socks with any of the Aequilibrium boots, they have a slightly more roomier fit to accommodate thicker socks. So when you wear hiking socks they fit great!
@@TheBelaytionship cheers Kellen
I have a pair ordered from Moosejaw @ 25% off! I can’t wait to get them!
How does the forefoot area compare to the Nepal? Is it wider or narrower? Lower or higher volume? Thanks for the review!
It's about the same in terms of width, the biggest difference between the Nepal last and the Aequilibrium last is the volume, the Aequilibrium is very low volume.
Hey, thanks for all your content. Been loving all the information.
Can you help me with the sizing?? I wear a 41 in phantom tech latest version. I remember using 42 in Nepal cubes a few years back but i wasn't sure if it was a good fit back then. Phantom techs in 41 fit me really well though.
Any info would be appreciated 👍
I would probably go with a 41 if that’s what you have for the phantom tech. The Aequilibrium fits more closely to the phantom tech than the Nepal, mostly due to the phantom tech being a lower volume boot. The Aequilibrium might ever so slightly be wider in the toe box and narrower in the heel compared to the phantom tech
Thanks a lot
Is this okay as a regular hiking/backpacking boot for all season hiking?
- Not all my hikes require scrambling or mountaineering, as Im looking for an overall good boot for regular and technical hiking - My current Zamberlan leather boots are a bit heavy, still like these it seems, but they are great and I like them. But, they are coming to an end of its life, and would like to get something better.
Also, what about resoling the boot?
Yo! Surprisingly I feel like I can say the most when it comes to your question! To answer it straight up, yes, these boots will work for hiking/backpacking, and that's actually what I use them mostly for! I should also mention that my pair of boots before the Aequilibrium were the Zamberlan 996 Vioz GTX, and I have no regrets switching to the Aequilibrium. One thing that you'll notice with the Sportiva boots is that they are stiff and supportive without the added weight, and that's something that the Zamberlan boots don't do well.
To answer your question about resoling, I'm not actually entirely sure. La Sportiva does say that this boot can be easily resoled as it's sole is a one piece design, but as for finding a place to resole the Aequilibrium that's where it gets challenging, as I haven't found a place here in the states that will resole them...yet. I do however think this will change as the Aequilibrium series is becoming one of Sportiva's flagship boots, so more popularity hopefully comes with more places being able to resole these boots.
@@TheBelaytionship yeah, I have the same boots right now. I really like them. They are comfy, durable, stiff, but the sole is trash. Ripping apart. I can resole, but I'd rather find a lighter boot that is as stiff and has a better sole designed for climbing and preferably a clip on rear.. if I can use this as year round as my main boot from moderate to hard hikes, I'm in! Hopefully it fits well.
And yes, I heard it can be resoled. Hopefully la sportiva can do it with the original sole rather than a 3rd party.
@@TheBelaytionship are three boots as stiff as the zamberlan? Because I like the stiffness.
@@michaelfrymus they're definitely as stiff as the Zamberlan
Hi, can you please write us what ice corners you use on these boots?
Thanks in advance!
Hey, do they break in a little bit? Or they stay stiff like new?
I'd say that they break in a little bit, it's not extremely noticeable as they are still really stiff, but I think they have a bit more give now than when they were fresh out of the box
Good review
Hello bro,
The watch on your wrist, what is it?
It’s the Garmin Instinct
Hi what about the vibram sole? in some other review i've read that due the soft material of the mesh in the heel area, the sole literally worn and had visibile scuff/chunks taken out. Is it possible?
It's all dependent on the type of terrain you walk on and how you walk. What I can say is that for the past 2 years I've put a lot of miles on my Aequilibriums and the the soles are in great condition. The most abrasive rock I've put them through is limestone, and limestone has a reputation for cutting soles up, but my boots handled it just fine.
Obviously though if you are walking on granite all the time and drag your heels your are going to see increased wear and tear on the soles. But even if you do wear them out fast the Aequilibrium boots can be resoled at a La Sportiva authorized resoler
thank you very much for your detailed answer! @@TheBelaytionship
It has vibram sole
I have a slightly wider foot. Would these work ?
I'd say if you've got a slightly wider foot they'd fit great. Obviously I'd encourage to try them on first but overall the Aequilibrium fits pretty wide for Sportiva
What about the size? I’m 9 US I’m thinking to get the 43, what do you think?
Ok, so I’ve been thinking how I want to tackle this, first thing I will say is have you had any experience with La Sportiva shoes? If so, great, then whatever size you are with Sportiva expect the Aequilibrium to fit a little more roomier (for sock accommodation)
If you don’t have experience with Sportiva, I’d advise you to go out to a local gear shop that has Sportiva shoes and try a pair on, most shoes from Sportiva fit pretty similar.
But definitely check the European size on your current shoes because if you’re a size 9 US that translates directly to a 42. As for reference I wear a 44, and that translates to a 10 1/2+ in US. So a 43 would be a normal 10 1/2 US
The problem with La Sportiva is they have 99% of all products too tight ,to be you i would fist find store where they sell some and try some,example i have asolo boots 43,5 but la sportiva i have 44,5 cos they are too small and tight
are they good for Ferrate? thank's
I'd imagine so, they're definitely stiff enough to handle it
Yes, absolutely. Stiff with plenty of edging power, yet flexible enough to smear. If you're primarily smearing, you'll be slightly happier with an approach shoe with Megagrip rubber, but if you have a healthy mix between edging and smearing, you'll be happy with them.
@@angrybirder9983 grazie
Why does it look like green screen?
How this shoes are on snow? Is anyone who.have test it on harsh sbow condition?
So Sportiva did design this boot to be a 3 season mountaineering boot, so it’ll handle the snow. I’ve used it a fair amount in the snow and it performs great! Just be aware that the rubber compound used for the boot is meant for durability, so you do loose some traction when it comes to snowy terrain
Wilson Deborah Garcia Sharon White Edward
I can't still figure out how people can like La Sportiva. Their shoes have horrible sizes and they are too narrow. Everytime I wanted one , it didn't simply fit so for my feet I prefer Scarpa.
That's interesting! So I know people have had a problem with Sportiva being narrow, but for me their shoes feel wide. And I've also tried to get into Scarpa shoes but for whatever reason they just don't fit my feet.
But that's the cool thing about footwear, it all comes down to preference!
I love Sportiva boots and shoes and I have a wide foot. This boot is amazing light and durable!!
Good review