LA SPORTIVA AEQUILIBRIUM SPEED GTX Review: The ultimate all-around mountain shoe, resistant to trails, mud, rocks, and snow, now even lighter

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Sportiva, a mountaineering boot manufacturer that I've always enjoyed for being at the forefront of breaking new ground, has now released another groundbreaking boot that opens up new doors. This is the newest addition to the AEQUILIBRIUM : the AEQUILIBRIUM SPEED GTX . I'd been eagerly awaiting its release, and finally received word this fall that it had arrived in Japan, so I borrowed a sample from the manufacturer and immediately tried it out.

The Equilivium series, which means "balance" or "equal" in Japanese, is based on the concept of providing a high level of balance, without compromising on the many functions required of hiking boots, such as strength, lightness, comfort, and safety. It is truly a cutting-edge hiking boot that combines the best of outdoor shoes

This latest model, released two years after the birth of the Equilibium, is said to be an ambitious piece that maintains the high level of balance of previous models while striving for even greater agility. Since I personally the previous model the AEQUILIBRIUM ST GTX

So, I would like to review this new mountain shoe right away, but what I am particularly interested in is how it compares to the standard model "AEQUILIBRIUM ST". Since not much has been said about this, I would like to dig deeper

Key Features of LA SPORTIVA AEQUILIBRIUM SPEED GTX

Sportiva's AEQUILIBRIUM SPEED GTX is an incredibly lightweight and versatile low-top shoe with built-in gaiters designed for swift movement over a wide range of off-road terrain, including technical terrain. The low-top inner shoe features an ergonomic last that conforms to the shape of your foot and quick laces for a superior fit. The flexible, water-repellent gaiter is surrounded by a lightweight, durable TPU material, minimizing weight while providing exceptional durability. The unique integrated midsole-outsole sole package provides shock absorption, smooth center of gravity transitions, and high propulsion, providing stability, grip, and traction even when moving at high speeds over challenging terrain such as steep slopes, mud, rocks, and snow. This shoe is ideal for stubborn alpine hikers seeking not only strength on tough terrain but also ultimate lightness and speed. It can also be equipped with semi-automatic crampons.

Recommended points

• Low-cut inner shoes that offer a comfortable fit and playfulness
• One-piece outer gaiter that combines flexibility, protection and waterproofing
• Amazingly light while still providing high levels of protection
• The one-piece sole provides a good balance of grip in muddy areas, ease of climbing on rocky terrain, and ease of running on trails
• 100% recycled quicklace for easy on and off

Points of interest

• Poor breathability means the inside tends to get stuffy in hot weather
• Expensive price

Main specifications and evaluation

Detailed Review

Comfort: A comfortable fit, a slightly loose toe box, and padded ankles - everything is perfect

the AEQUILIBRIUM SPEED GTX (hereafter referred to as SPEED ) is a shoe with a one-piece construction, with the outside covered in a gaiter, which prevents sand, pebbles, branches, water, snow, etc. from getting into the shoe while walking. Inside the gaiter is a low-cut shoe, and the shoelaces are fastened with a cord lock, a type known as a "quick lace system" (see photo below).

The way to put them on is simple: first fully open the zipper on the gaiter, put on the low-cut shoes, tighten the quicklace, and finally tighten the zipper on the gaiter. The operation is easy and the gaiter doesn't get in the way or make it difficult to tighten, making for a very smooth setup. The quicklace also didn't loosen up during the process

I don't have much experience with shoes with integrated gaiters, but as soon as I put my feet in I was relieved to find that the upper was more flexible than I expected, with just the right amount of cushioning against my skin

The gaiters have subtle padding on the backs of both ankles, making them incredibly comfortable to wear. There's no need for break-in period, and they feel great from the day you buy them. The soft stretch fabric around the ankles fits snugly against your skin, preventing chafing while you move (see photo below)

A roomier and more comfortable toe box than the original

The ergonomic shoe last used throughout the Equilivium series appears to be in good condition this time around. The toe and heel sections of the shoe are three-dimensionally designed to fit the shape of your foot, providing an exceptional fit that feels as though the shoe is snugly attached to your entire foot

Compared to the original Equilivium, the toe box feels roomier, allowing for easier movement of the toes inside the shoe. However, the basic comfort remains the same, and I feel this difference in impression is due to changes in the quality and thickness of the fabric, rather than a major change in shape. Preferences are a matter of preference, but for this model, which will likely involve a lot of quick and intense movement, I personally found this moderate "play" to be a positive

Weight and durability: Made even lighter by stripping everything down to the bare minimum

This is what I was most pleased about. The original Equilivium wasn't particularly heavy for a hiking boot, but for better or worse, it still had the weight of an alpine boot. However, the new SPEED has been lightened by nearly 100 grams, making it almost as heavy as a trekking boot (though of course it is still a full-fledged hiking boot that can handle both rocky terrain and snowy ridges). And because of the excellent fit, the weight doesn't even feel that heavy.

Of course, being this light means there are trade-offs. For example, the shoe itself is low-cut, which means less support around the ankle. It also appears that the fabric and surrounding protection have been adjusted to lighter and simpler materials. The original Equilivium used fairly sturdy fabric and thick TPU protective material, similar to that used in the company's high-end alpine boots, the TRANGO TOWER GTX, while the SPEED has been changed to a thinner and lighter TPU material (see photo below).

However, even though it has been simplified, the SPEED 's protection is far from being poor and is still sturdy. Compared to the first generation, it is more difficult to walk with a heavy load or pass through steeper ridges, but when you weigh the resulting lightness, agility, and flexibility, it is not a shame.

Ease of walking and running: The outstanding stability that was previously available has been enhanced with the addition of "lightness" and "flexibility."

With growing expectations, I decided to test its true value by walking, running, and climbing in an actual field. I tried it on the Hatcho Ridge of Mt. Ryokami. Here, I could try everything from climbing fairly serious rocky terrain to walking and running on mountain trails

First of all, the "no weaknesses that allow stable and comfortable walking on any terrain" that impressed me with the original Equilivium remains the same. From uneven dirt and gravel to slopes with poor grip due to tree roots and mud, and even on rocky terrain where you have to climb by putting your toes on small holds, the shoes deliver ample performance that allows you to easily lean your weight on them

The only thing I haven't tried is on snowy roads, but I tested it last time with the first-generation Equilivium, and since the structure is almost the same, I assume there won't be any major differences. Incidentally, the SPEED also has a welt on the heel, allowing for the attachment of semi-touch crampons (see photo below). This makes it safe to use on snowy or icy roads.

Water-repellent stretch gaiters and GORE-TEX booties provide excellent waterproofing

In addition to the traditional stability, the excellent flexibility allows for faster and smoother foot movement

This otherworldly lightness and unparalleled stability on any terrain alone the AEQUILIBRIUM SPEED GTX well worth the price, but the SPEED lies here. The sole is surprisingly flexible, unlike its bulky appearance, allowing for smooth foot movement and surprisingly light running on the trail. The video below shows me walking quickly over a narrow ridge, but in reality, running naturally would be possible on a wider path. There was no thumping of the soles of my feet like with hiking boots, and the feeling was just as smooth as that of hiking shoes.

One of the factors that makes smooth walking possible is the "double heel system" that has been adopted since the first generation. The edge of the heel is cut at an angle, which encourages the foot to smoothly shift its center of gravity forward after landing on the heel (see photo below)

Furthermore, the sole is more flexible than the original model, allowing the forefoot to bend more easily, allowing for quicker, more powerful steps, making high-speed movement more comfortable (see photo below)

This certainly makes it less likely to get stuck on rocky terrain (compared to the first generation), but if you're carrying light luggage you won't feel uneasy, and these shoes are still more durable on rocky terrain than trail running shoes or soft trekking shoes

The lug pattern on the sole is the same as the original Equilivium, deep and large overall, providing braking performance, stability, and traction even on difficult surfaces like rocks and mud, and the lug pattern has been calculated to allow stable landings on rocky terrain where you often have to stand on your toes (see photo below). I particularly love the outstanding stability of the heel brake, which allows for a comfortable and stable landing even on steep slopes, and I loved descending snowy slopes with the original Equilivium

Concerns: Heat and stuffiness

The AEQUILIBRIUM SPEED GTX achieves high standards in all aspects, including light weight, ease of walking, and protection, but the only thing it lacks is breathability. This was the only thing I was dissatisfied with about these shoes. When I took them off after a half-day walk in the low mountains in October, my socks were wetter than usual with sweat, and there was a slight amount of condensation on the inside of the gaiters (see photo below).

Even if the inner low-cut shoes themselves are equipped with a GORE-TEX membrane, the gaiter itself is not breathable, and there are very few gaps for the water vapor inside due to sweat to escape, which is why this situation is thought to be occurring. I don't know if this is the fate of shoes with integrated gaiters, but at the very least, you should be careful when walking in low mountains in the middle of summer with these shoes

Summary: Ideal for hikers who want to hike lightly and aggressively in the mountains even in autumn and winter

Through testing, we found the AEQUILIBRIUM SPEED GTX is a mountain shoe that maintains the comfort and grip of the original Equilibium while sacrificing some durability and stability to gain greater lightness, flexibility, and lateral propulsion.

The original Equilivium boasted all-around performance, combining toughness and lightness that allowed it to be used anywhere on the planet, but it still retained the rigidity and protection of an alpine boot, and it was not really a shoe to actively "run in." In that sense, this new gaiter-integrated shoe could be said to have opened up a new frontier for mountaineering boots: "alpine shoes you can run in."

In any case, this is a new best choice for hikers who want to traverse rugged, rocky ridgelines like those in the Alps and Yatsugatake with as light a step as possible. On the other hand, for those who prefer long-term high-altitude trekking with heavy loads, such as traversing the Alps in summer with a 20kg pack, or for those who prioritize stability over speed, the original Equilivium is a better fit overall. The tendency for these shoes to get stuffy was unexpected, and the best season is still autumn and winter, excluding the harsh winter. They are versatile and useful on routes that range from low altitudes to ridgelines above the tree line. While not recommended for obviously hot places like low mountains in midsummer, they can be used year-round with care. These shoes, which can be resoled, are a recommended pair for hikers who enjoy active mountaineering, such as fastpacking, as they can be relied on for a variety of occasions

   

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