The AKU Rocket DFS GTX sneakers have been designed for quick climbing. It’s appropriate for a variety of trails and particularly for technical terrain. I’ve been testing the footwear in Scotland.

Options embody:

• Vibram Traction Lug expertise that AKU claims will “enhance traction and grip by 25% due to the particular design”.
• Vibram® megagrip
• 6mm lug depth
• Double density pu midsole
• Final board (Stiffness):  2.0 mm polypropilene + die minimize eva
• AKU Twin Match System (DFS) expertise, which lets you fluctuate the diploma of precision of match with two totally different lacing programs
• Fibre higher with crossed rib construction that’s protected by a 3D print layer
• Gore-Tex® efficiency
• Footbed: Ortholite® hybrid – partially recycled
• Males’s weight: 370g per shoe on common; ladies’s weight: 310g per shoe on common
• Males’s sizes: UK3 to 13; ladies’s: UK3 to 9.

• RRP £200, though they footwear is offered for much less in a variety of outlets. 
• See: AKU and Amazon

The footwear additionally has AKU Elica Pure Stride System expertise to “promote biodynamic effectivity”.

Elica is described as an “unique AKU system that integrates the final, insole, midsole and tread to hint the anatomical form of the only of the foot. It has been licensed that the Elica expertise promotes consolation, reduces influence with the bottom and energy when strolling.

My ideas: AKU Rocket DFS GTX quick climbing shoe 

This can be a pretty stiff climbing shoe that’s nice for extra technical terrain. When strolling lengthy distances on rocky paths and trails and within the mountains, a stiffer sole could be a actual bonus. The only protects the foot from rocks and different pure particles underfoot and in addition promotes confidence and provides good traction when strolling up and downhill.

However, whereas it has a stiff sole, the shoe doesn’t really feel uncomfortably rigid. Actually, AKU have given plenty of consideration to consolation.

The match is sweet. The size is ideal and the shoe is neither too extensive, not too slender. The in-sole feels properly cushioned and once more it’s not too cushioned, nor too onerous underfoot. 

There’s a belt-and-braces lacing system. First, you tie the standard laces after which you’ll be able to safe additional with the elastic lacing system. The result’s a shoe that moulds nicely to your foot and doesn’t come free when strolling.

If strolling lengthy distances, rubs and blisters typically come from a shoe that doesn’t match nicely. The AKU Rocket doesn’t enable the foot to maneuver unnecessarily and so there isn’t a slippage on the heel, for instance.

Though a stiff sole, there’s nonetheless some give within the higher and this implies the shoe feels comfortable when strolling. It’s not versatile like a path operating shoe, which I typically select to put on for strolling within the hills and mountains, but I didn’t really feel like my stride was compromised. 

I can’t inform you if the shoe promoted my biodynamic effectivity, nevertheless, the shoe does really feel good and it’s snug.

The higher is sturdy and sturdy. This is a bonus for those who plan to be strolling in mountains the place there are many rocks and vegetation. The footwear is prone to be onerous carrying.

The Gore-Tex lining is one other bonus though it’s vital to notice that Gore-Tex lining can put on in time in comparison with footwear customers fabricated from leather-based. 

There are many safety options on the uppers, too, together with a full rubber rand, plus heel and toe cap safety. 

The soles have 6mm lugs and good grip. The grip labored nicely on a variety of terrain and in several circumstances, from moist and muddy to dry. If you understand you’ll be strolling on tough terrain and in scree, for instance, this can be a shoe that may work onerous for you.

I want to see a bit extra grip design on the heel of the only. The heel is a little more rounded than I might have hoped for and there a no deeper lugs.Because of this grip will probably be a bit restricted on terrain that has free stones and rocks.

There’s a good selection of colors and sizes, for each women and men, and regardless of being a stiff, sturdy and hardworking climbing shoe, the load of the footwear is beneficial. I didn’t really feel like I used to be carrying a heavy shoe, regardless that it’s sturdy. 

I’ve only some different criticisms. Firstly, I discovered the ankle cuff rubbed a bit underneath my ankle bones. I’ve fairly flat ft and a big foot measurement so it could be my ft reasonably than the shoe. I like to recommend you attempt it on earlier than shopping for.

These are sneakers and never boots, clearly, and which means you’re prone to have particles and moist ingressing the shoe on the ankle cuff. You possibly can put on guitars to keep away from a few of this, or select a boot.

The worth is sort of excessive for a strolling shoe. It’s value procuring round to discover a higher value. 

Conclusion: The AKU Rocket DFS GTX quick climbing shoe is a reasonably sturdy and sturdy climbing shoe that will work nicely on mountain terrain, particularly, for my part, in the summertime mountains of Europe. Whereas fairly a stiff soled shoe, it matches comfortably and the eye to element is nice. Attempt on before you purchase to ensure it matches completely.