Personal Thoughts on the Arc’teryx Acrux LT Boot Review
I have been wearing the Arc’teryx Acrux LT Boots for a couple of months now, I’ve used them around the yard, out on the town, and in the mountains for some light mountaineering. The Acrux is designed to be used with a semi-automatic crampon with a protruding welt on the heel of the boot. I only own a pair of Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons, that worked very well with the boots. The sole and 3mm carbon plate shank are very stiff and offer great stability when scrambling or toeing. I wouldn’t recommend them for long walks, but they are great for light hiking and mountaineering. The boot is extremely lightweight and feels durable after a few months of use. As for the long-term durability, you’ll need to check back for updates. The uppers provide a high ankle support and a soft flexible fabric that is abrasion-resistant and covered in Gore-Tex.I found the boot a little on the colder side with it designed around lightweight and allowing the Gore-Tex to breathe through the waterproof boot you’ll need to add your own insulation. The collar of the boot extends high on the foot to prevent snow and water from entering in the boot. The boots are easy to get on and off with the lacing and opening design. That combined with the technical fabric makes it a flexible boot for many different applications.
The lugs are open and provide good traction and clearing. The Vibram rubber is as expected, soft enough to provide good traction but hard enough to wear well.
The lacing system has a good design with nylon loops that extend to the toes as well as a locking d-ring to hold the bottom half of the boot snug. These boots also pair well with the Arc’teryx Gamma Lightweight pants.
Sizing and Fit of the Arc’teryx Acrux LT Boot
The Arc’teryx Acrux LT is covered in men’s sizes 5 through 13 in half-size increments for popular sizes, and women’s sizes 6 through 14 also in half-size increments for popular sizes. I typically wear around a size 10. I ordered a size 10 and felt I could have stepped down to a 9.5. However, with a thicker sock, the size 10 feels just right with some room for swelling.
Pros of the Arc’teryx Acrux LT Boot
- Fit and Sizing: Many users appreciated the boot’s adherence to standard sizing, recommending buyers to start with their usual size and adjust as needed for a personalized fit.
- Climbing and Alpine Performance: The boot is praised for its outstanding climbing precision and support in alpine environments, making it suitable for ice climbing and mountaineering.
- Durability and Design: The use of Superfabric® and a rigid sole contributes to the boot’s durability and performance on volcanic and rough terrains.
- Comfort: Most users reported minimal to no break-in time required, with the boot being comfortable straight out of the box, even for those with narrow feet.
- Waterproofing: The GORE-TEX material provides reliable waterproofing, keeping feet dry in wet conditions.
Cons of the Arc’teryx Acrux LT Boot
- Insulation: The boot lacks insulation, making it less suitable for extremely cold conditions or winter use.
- Sole Rigidity: While beneficial for climbing, the rigid sole might be too stiff for some users, making the boot uncomfortable for long treks or hikes on less technical terrain.
- Width and Fit: Some users found the boot to be too narrow, potentially causing discomfort for individuals with wider feet.
- Breathability: Although waterproof, the boot’s breathability could be an issue in warmer conditions, leading to discomfort.
- Price: The high cost of the boot may not be justifiable for all, particularly for those not engaging in technical climbing or alpine activities regularly.
Overview of the Arc’teryx Acrux LT Boot
The Arc’teryx Acrux LT GTX is a lightweight, durable hiking boot designed for trekking and mountaineering. Key features include the waterproof Gore-Tex lining which keeps feet dry without overheating. The boot also has a solid midsole which provides responsive cushioning and a Vibram outsole with self-cleaning lugs for excellent traction on varied terrain. For support, the Acrux LT GTX utilizes an external plastic heel counter and internal shank, while its minimalist design prevents rubbing and hot spots. Other details like the quick-pull lacing system allow for easy on and off, making this a versatile boot ready for the trail and climbing. Its blend of comfort, protection, stability, and breathability make it an appealing choice as a fast and light hiking and mountaineering boot.
Arc’teryx Acrux LT Boot Specification
The Acrux LT GTX is a lightweight alpine climbing boot optimized for precision and protection during technical ascents. It features a streamlined design using SuperFabric textile panels with micro-plate technology to resist abrasion at critical wear points while minimizing weight. At the core is a rigid 3mm carbon plate with PU foam insert running heel to toe to provide stiffness and enhanced edging capability. This plate works in tandem with the boot’s Vibram rubber outsole and its sticky rubber lugs to give grip on rock and ice. The upper also utilizes durable and waterproof Gore-Tex fabric. Additional details include an integrated lace locking system, a protective toe cap, and a gusseted tongue. Its thoughtful construction balances climbing performance and mobility at a light 550g per boot plus or minus depending on the size.
Arc’teryx Acrux LT Boot Features
The Acrux LT GTX is a lightweight, waterproof hiking boot packed with technology to optimize comfort, protection, and traction during fast-paced trekking. It features a Gore-Tex liner for waterproof breathability and SuperFabric panels guarding against abrasion. An EVA midsole cushions every step while the responsive full-length carbon plate provides stability. The boot has an aggressive Vibram Mont outsole with self-cleaning lugs for traction across varied terrain. A streamlined 3D molded toe cap enhances protection without added weight. Other technical details like the quick lace system, anti-debris gusseted tongue and integrated lace locking system allow quick on/off while securely locking the foot in place. Its crampon compatibility also extends its functionality beyond warmer seasons. Balancing features like its precise foam lasting board and minimal break-in period, the Acrux LT GTX looks built to excel across miles on the trail.
