FEATURES
Terre alte means ‘highlands’, and the AKU Terrealte GTX boot is designed for mountaineering and high altitudes. The result is a more robust design than others, with a stiffer upper and stiffer sole for use with crampons all day. The upper is made from suede leather and synthetic Air 8000 plus a Gore-Tex waterproof lining and a full rubber rand. The outsole lugs and heel breast are not quite as aggressive as others though. 5/5
FIT
The size range for men is 5-13 with no specific women’s option. The fit is close, and this neatly held my foot. The toe area is slightly narrower than some designs and feels very precise. The ankle cuff is also close-fitting and supportive but allows less forward flex. 3/5
COMFORT
The AKU Terrealte GTX’s close fit manages to be very comfortable, and even that supportive ankle cuff is comfier than some lower-priced options. When walking on level ground the sole does roll quite nicely, but other boots with softer ankle cuffs are slightly better in terms of comfort. With crampons fitted and when mountaineering this feels great though, so it is just on easier terrain that its support becomes a drawback. 4/5
IN USE
This is more of a mountaineering design than some others here and it is heavier as it is stiffer. It takes a crampon with a heel clip – and this is when the AKU Terrealte GTX performs best, as it is when you have crampons on that you need all its support. Without crampons the sole lugs are not quite as good for grip as others, as they are less aggressive and the stiff ankle cuff is less comfortable. 4/5
VALUE
The AKU Terrealte GTX is well-priced for the extra stiffness and support it offers the mountaineer, and is clearly better than others for its intended use. 4/5
VERDICT
If you want a good men’s general mountaineering boot for use high on the mountains with crampons the AKU Terrealte GTX is great. 4.0/5
Review by Graham Thompson
First published in Trail magazine January 2017