We’ve teamed up with Italian brand AKU this month to give you the chance to win their latest offering for 2026 – the Adapta Lite GTX Hiking Boots. Built for fast and light mountain missions – from what we’ve seen so far, there’s a lot to like here.
The AKU Adapta Lite GTX boots are designed for hikers who want lightweight performance, without sacrificing any of the protection or support you get from an older boot – something like the AKU Superlap Nubuck GTX boot, for example.
At approximately 530 grams per boot, they are the lightest model in the Adapta range, and feature a combination of suede leather and ripstop nylon in the upper to keep the shoe both durable and dynamic.
The materials are very deliberately placed throughout the upper – suede on wear points for durability and protection, ripstop nylon on the main panels to reduce weight without reducing that structured feel. For added breathability, there is also Air8000 mesh in the ventilation zone where the foot generates the most heat.
Underfoot, the durable board is 4mm nylon – thinner than boards across the wider Adapta range, allowing the sole to flex naturally through each step rather than working against it. The dual-density PU midsole and Vibram outsole are made by direct injection in AKU’s Montebelluna factory: no adhesives, no glue layers, no pollution points. This further reduces the weight of the shoe and also improves overall durability as the adhesives and glues are less likely to wear or deteriorate over time.
AKU recommends these shoes for day hiking, weekend hikes, short-distance backpacking, and fast-paced adventures over moderate terrain. Think: the Lake District, Snowdonia, Bannau Brycheiniog, or the Cairngorm Plateau. Places where agility and comfort are more important than stiffness and bombproof protection.
They also recommend the Adapta Lite GTX for trail shoes or hikers making the move from light hikers to a mid-cut walking boot for the first time: “The Elica last and flexible 4mm board make the transition to ankle support easier than stiffer construction.”
