The Trekker Lite III GTX Ws hiking boot from AKU put to the test

AKU Trekker Lite III GTX Ws
Photo: Julien Lux, Outdooractive Editors

• Category: ladies, ankle-high
• Color: grey-violet (also available in anthracite-violet, grey, aquamarine, black-magenta and violet-grey)
• Size: 42 (available from size: 35 - 43)
• Closure type: Lacing
• Area of use: Day hikes
• Material: Suede upper + AIR800®; Gore-Tex® Performance Comfort lining; Vibram® Curcuma sole; Double Density Die Cut EVA midsole
• Weight: approx. 445 g
• Footbed: Custom Fit Soft
• Stiffness: 6-4 mm nylon + EVA Microporosa (Medium)

Photo: Julien Lux, Outdooractive Editors

I was out and about in dry conditions as well as in light rain and still slightly snow-covered or icy ground. Sometimes I was scrambling uphill and sometimes steeply downhill. The grip of the Vibram sole was impressive!

Although you intuitively feel cautious when you put on new shoes, you quickly realize that your concerns disappear in the wind. Not once did I slip anywhere! I was able to enjoy the hike without thinking too much.

I was particularly impressed by the versatility of the sole. The deep, grippy tread offers excellent grip on loose gravel paths, muddy forest trails and even on damp rock. The Vibram sole provides a high degree of safety, especially on steeper sections where every step has to be right. Even in icy sections, the shoe provided noticeably more stability than many other models I have worn so far. This reliable traction makes the Trekker Lite III GTX Ws an ideal companion for demanding tours in changing conditions.

Photo: Julien Lux, Outdooractive Editors

One of the most important criteria that a boot has to fulfill for me is the stability of the ankle. A good hiking boot not only offers comfort, but above all stability. Otherwise, there is a risk of twisting your ankle when hiking on uneven terrain. An ankle-high boot is perfect for this. It encloses the foot ideally and yet it was still fully flexible.

I was particularly impressed by the successful balance between stability and flexibility. The robust construction of the Trekker Lite III GTX Ws provides a firm hold without being stiff. Thanks to the reinforced heel and side sections, the foot remains securely in position, even on stony paths or narrow ridges. At the same time, the sole construction enables a natural rolling movement, which significantly increases walking comfort, especially on long tours. The shoe offers protection against twisting your ankle without restricting your mobility - a real plus for demanding hikes.

Photo: Julien Lux, Outdooractive Editors

Getting the perfect mix of waterproof and breathable is not easy. I want to keep my feet dry on long hikes. The shoe has to be adapted to the conditions - hot temperatures or rainy weather can quickly throw a spanner in the works. With the Trekker Lite III GTX, however, this is not a problem. My feet stayed dry all day, even in light snow and rain.

The shoe owes this to its GORE-TEX membrane, which reliably keeps out moisture while allowing moisture to escape from the inside to the outside. The breathable construction ensures a pleasant foot climate, especially on strenuous tours when your feet start to sweat due to the high altitude or warm temperatures. Even after wearing them for several hours, my feet didn't feel damp or overheated - a decisive advantage for long hikes or multi-day tours. Comfort is maintained, whether in rain, snow or sunshine.