Aku Pilgrim HL Gore-Tex
AKU Pilgrim HL Gore-Tex Review
So, I thought it was about time to write a review on a pair of gore-tex Aku Pilgrim boots I bought from Trekitt in Hereford some time ago.
Firstly i’ll state that this is the second pair of Aku Pilgrims I have bought with the first pair being the standard version rather than the high leg.
Aku are an Italian manufacturer and to be honest a brand i’d never heard of until I saw them on the shelves at Trekitt. In my opinion they are a no nonsense type of manufacturer, all there boots look rather simplistic in their design with clever and practical features a Ronseal type of boot if you like. Saying that they do use brands that you may be familiar with such as Gore-tex for the waterproof membrane and Vibram for the soles.
The Pilgrims have a few features which i’m a big fan of. Firstly the air8000, which is to do with how the materials are bonded and layered over each other. If I remember correctly it means that even though they are gore-tex they are very breathable.
Secondly, I love the protective rand that surrounds the boots. I’ve had quite a few pairs of walking boots over the years that seem to separate from the sole, however with both pairs of Akus there is no sign of it happening. It also protects the part of the boots which are most likely to suffer abrasion from rocks.
The boots use something they called IMS (integrated mid sole) this means there is shape to the footbed. Its like having an orthotic sole permanently in your boots which I love, however can imagine it wouldn’t suit everyone.
My first pair of these boots were the low version 6inches, however this time I went for the 9inch. This is due to the fact I spend a lot of time in the woods so wanted something for boggy conditions but also something with a bit more support for loose terrain.
When I first bought the boots I have to admit I thought I’d made a mistake going for the high leg version but after some time I found myself loving them. If you aren’t used to having taller boots it takes time to adjust to them. I recently took a trip to Norway hiking which prompted this review and was thankful for the higher boots in the snow!
To summarise;
I’ve used these boots for everything from going to work (as a freelance instructor and running my own business Sandeman Canoe Company) to hiking in North Wales and Norway and even camping out in the woods when doing bushcraft and I find them extremely comfortable.
These boots are really durable and made to last, when you consider that these boots are worn by the military you know that they’ve been put through their paces.
My one piece of advice if you are looking at these boots is to try them on first. Not only to check if you get on with the IMS but also to check volume. My first pair were a bit too big in volume and eventually after a good few years went at the stitching on the rand on the toe box. Thankfully Trekitt do fittings and can make sure you have the right fit.
I would highly recommend these boots and you can find them here;
