The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is the better value at $209.40 as of November 3, versus $258.95 for the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX as of November 1. Choose the Scarpa for technical scrambling, rock grip and a precise fit. Choose the La Sportiva for a wider last, more cushioning and a women's-specific fit.
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Choose the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX if you want a wide-fitting women's boot with a cushioned EVA midsole and Gore-Tex Surround breathability for long backpacking days.
Choose the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX if you want a stiff, low-profile mountain hiker that grips rock and takes basic crampons, and you can live with a narrow fit.
| La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX | Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $258.95 at the listed store as of November 1 | $209.40 at the listed store as of November 3 |
| Weight per boot | 16.8 oz / 476 g | 545 g (about 19.2 oz) at size 42 |
| Upper | Synthetic with ePE Gore-Tex Surround lining | 1.8mm Perwanger suede leather |
| Midsole | Compression-molded EVA | PU plus 3 densities of EVA |
| Outsole | Vibram Nano XS-Trek with Impact Brake System | Vibram Drumlin / Mont |
| Fit | Tempo Wide last, women's sizes 38-47.5 | BZH last, men's sizes 40-48, runs small and narrow |
| Crampon use | Not rated for crampons | Works with crampons for basic mountaineering |
| Cushioning | EVA midsole aimed at backpacking comfort | Firm, limited cushioning on long descents |
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| Spec | La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX | Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 16.8 oz / 476 g | 1090g per pair size 42 |
| Lining | ePE Gore-Tex® Surround™ | GORE-TEX® (Performance Comfort Footwear) |
| Midsole | Compression Molded EVA | PU + 3D EVA-MP |
| Last | Tempo Wide | BZH |
| Sizes | 38 - 47.5 (half sizes) | — |
| Sole | Vibram® Nano XS-Trek Compound with Impact Brake… | — |
| Construction | Strobel lasted | — |
| Laces | 100% Recycled polyester | — |
| Weight (Pair) | 2 lbs. 1 oz. | — |
| Footwear Height | Over-the-ankle | — |
| Gender | Women's | — |
| Boot Style | Hiking boots | — |
| Spec | La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX | Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Boots | — |
| Closure Style | Lace-up | — |
| Outsole Material | Vibram® Nano XS-Trek Compound | — |
| Safety Features | Protective toe cap | — |
| Shaft Height | Mid-duty | — |
| Age Group | Adult | — |
| Lining Material | ePE Gore-Tex® Surround™ | — |
| Occasion | Hiking, Outdoor | — |
| Theme | Outdoor | — |
| Sole Material |
Owners rate the Zodiac Plus GTX well, calling it comfortable from the first wear and stiff enough for technical ground. Most praise the Vibram grip and GORE-TEX waterproofing, while complaints center on small sizing, a narrow fit and fast sole wear.
| Vibram® Nano XS-Trek Compound |
| — |
| Sole Support | Impact Brake System™ | — |
|---|
| Sole Style | Impact brake system (Vibram Nano XS-Trek sole) | — |
|---|
| Sports | Hiking | — |
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| Traction Features | Impact Brake System™ | — |
|---|
| Weather Highlights | Waterproof | — |
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| Weather Proofing | Waterproof | — |
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| Department | Women's | — |
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| Solution For | Wet conditions | — |
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| Typical Users | Hikers | — |
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| Toe Material | Vibram Rubber | — |
|---|
| Size Options | — | 40 - 47 (half sizes); 48 (whole size) |
|---|
| Weight Reference | — | 545g; 1lb 3.2oz (1/2 pair size 42) |
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| Upper | — | 1.8mm Suede Perwanger |
|---|
| Outsole | — | Vibram® Drumlin / Mont |
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| Cuff Height | — | High |
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| Primary Material | — | Leather |
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| Waterproof Breathable | — | Yes |
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| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
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