Last June, SSD flew to Chamonix, France to cover the unveiling of the Arc’teryx footwear line. Unlike anything we’ve seen before, the line consists of two basic types (Acrux = Low cut and Bora = Mid cut) made into eight shoe models with five for men and three for women. Now, they are available for order.
The key to the technology is ‘Arc’teryx Adaptive Fit’ (pronounced A squared): the combination of a stretchable liner and single-piece, seamless laminated outer shell that are manufactured separately but worn together for improved comfort, climate management and durability. In several models, these liners are removable. The upper is no slouch either. The construction contains no leather and is made up of a laminate consisting of:
• a non-woven DWR-treated microfiber for smooth internal surface
• a textile woven with PU coated Nylon yarn for air flow and abrasion resistance
• 0,2 mm TPU film build integral upper support
• 0,35 mm high abrasion TPU film reinforcement on more exposed areas
Once again, I want to remind everyone that these are not a LEAF product but rather a commercial Arc’teryx offering. Having said that, many LEAF customers are going to want these, particularly as they are available in generally subdued colors. However, these are NOT garrison boots and are very much boots meant for the trail and field.
Initially, the low top Acrux models were referred to as Alpha, so if you read my earlier stories, keep that in mind. The Mid height Bora continues to retain the same name. The Bora² Mid GTX Hiking Boot is available in Black with removable Cajun-colored stretch GORE-TEX liner although the insulated liner isn’t out yet. In addition to the removable boot liner, it also incorporates a Vibram sole made from the new Megagrip compound. Working in concert with the outsole, three-dimensional rubber components (individually shaped for every size available) protect heel and toe area from rock contact. Finally, an Ortholite-insole rounds up the outer shoe construction.
I’ve been wearing a pair of Acrux FL for several months. My pair is the unlined model, mesh and I find them quite comfortable, with the feeling of an approach shoe, meaning the sole is somewhat stiff. I’ve hiked quite a bit in them with no issues. As you can see, I even wore them without socks. With any show built on a European last, I recommend that you up up 1/2 size. That’s what I did and I have a good fit. Also, when you order these, if you are in the US, they will show you a US size on the product page but when you get into the shopping cart, they will revert back to UK sizing which is 1/2 size smaller than US sizes. Don’t be alarmed.
Tags: Arc'teryx
What I dont understand in this new design – if there is no tongue in the boots, the small debris will get under the lacing area edges and travel around the lining down to the insoles. Feet will be clean, but you got some dirt and sand inside. Or its not a problem here?
I never had an issue with my prototypes. However, the production models have a flap that runs across about 2/3 of the way up the laces that keeps junk out.
Above, good point, also do we know if they are resole-able?
Not easily
I suppose by the time the sole wears out, the rest of the material will be rather worn, I just resoled my Asolos after 6 years. You really get millage out of full grain leather, but also they are heavy.
Any idea whether these will be offered in the wide sizes? How accommodating will these boots be to wide feet?The recommendation for sizing up is not encouraging.
No wide sizing in my crystal ball.
The only question I have, is that the shoe is said to be waterproof, but as mentionned earlier, there is no tongue. So if i walk in water and it goes up to the laces, won’t it flood the shoe? Seems pretty pointless then.
I’m not sure what you’re asking.
From looking at pictures, the shoe is a two part system. Part one is the sock, which seems to come in a GTX, insulated, or plain liner version. Part Two is the shell. So while it seems water can enter the shell, your feel stay dry in the sock you put on. Its almost like the plastic cold weather boots some companies make where its a two part system. Arcteryx just seems to be more open. Hope that helps.
Yes thanks.
There’s a mention of these and a breakdown in the current Backpacker magazine Gear Guide. It’s not a full review, but they do mention the boots running a bit hot and that snow gets in between the outer shell and liner.
While I’m interested in these, I’m cautious about the separate liner.
I like the possibility of wearing the liner separately as a camp shoe at or when having to venture from the tent for a pee in the middle of the night
The taught ankle cuff looks like a potential hot spot. Does SSD care to share their experience with various types of socks ?
Socks, yes, I wear them. Always Merino but from a few different manufacturers. I’m not sure what you want to know about socks.
Did the shoes breath well while wearing socks or were they a bit sweaty ?
Does the collar of the liner feel ok when wearing calf length socks ? or does it become a hot spot ?
Are mid or heavyweight socks comfortable with the liners ?
Are the shoes ever intended to be worn without the liners ?
Thanks
I have the Acrux FL which are low cut and mesh. They breathe very well. I don’t have the Bora which is a mid cut GORE lined product. I ordered a pair last night so when they come in, I’ll let you know.
That’s what early adopters are for.
Their pain is our gain.
Not overpriced. Have you bought boots lately?
simple technology difference, as usual.
Arc’teryx makes an item chock-full of technology or processes that make for the top-end product everyone wants but the whiners don’t want to pay for.
Sure you can buy a rain jacket for MUCH less than an Alpha, but if you want a jacket that lasts ten years of rough use your hundred dollar rain shell isn’t even going to pass inspection. For that matter if you buy that hundred dollar rain shell and replace it every time it starts going bad under heavy use you will have spent well more than the Alpha would have cost over its lifespan.
Yep, these boots are pretty damned expensive and admittedly out of my price range, but I bet they are phenomenal and the people who want/need that level of performance/technology and have the scratch to throw at it will appreciate their purchase.
that was meant for FNB. SSD Admin already knows this.
In terms of styling they look very OTB-ish.
wouldn’t it be nice if New Balance didnt buy OTB and gut all the awesome boots? Wish I had gotten more Odins while I had the chance.
???
I wish they made the mids without Gore-tex. And I think the boots are reasonably priced. My last pair of winter Lowas were $400.
Looked nice, until I saw how the toe-box was shaped. Another shoe/boot that disforms our beautiful feet.
I don’t see how these boots can be taken serious by the true backpacker. This two piece system as seen on photos with no tongue is just begging for debris, like small rocks, branches and sand to get in, and though the booty is water resistant, what happens when you step in a creek or puddle by accident and the water goes in the shoe lace area. Well you’re feet are dry but now you have a half a litre of water sloshing in you’re boot.
What’s the solution for that, don’t step in water up to the shoe laces? What happens in heavy rain then, same thing, they flood, what am I missing, is this not a concern for anyone….
I asked about this on Arcteryx.com under the Q&A for the Bora2 boots – check out their reply.