The Gear:
The FC ECO 4.0 GTX from La Sportiva is a high top, lightweight waterproof hiking boot. It is designed for moderate to rugged terrain and medium to heavy backpacking loads. The board lasted upper is comprised of nubuck leather and 100% recycled nylon mesh. The lining is Gore-Tex/Dri-Lex Bristol 40% Recycled Nylon. The ECO 4.0 has a Dual-density ECO Trailon/ 2mm LaSpEVA/ TPU shank midsole and a Vibram River sole with Impact Brake System Eco-Step.
The Test:
I've been hiking with the ECO 4.0 for over 6 months now. I used the boots for both backpacking excursions and rougher day hikes. They are well made and comfortable, with no visible flaws such as sloppy stitching or glue work. The ECO 4.0 broke in relatively quickly, and after half a year's worth of hiking, has shown no signs of coming apart.
The boots have very well placed flexible mesh in spots that historically cause blisters. The Vibram River soles provided plenty of grip, and the lining kept my feet completely dry in wet conditions and creek crossings. My only gripe is with the laces, that have a tendency to loosen a bit after a few miles.
The Bottom Line:
The La Sportiva FC ECO 4.0 GTX boots have proven to be durable and comfortable over the last 3 seasons of hiking. I had the luxury of reviewing the low top ECO 2.0 hiking shoes a few months back, and have found the ECO 4.0 to be every last bit as good. In fact, my in-laws recently moved to the Portland area and were in need of waterproof footwear. My father-in-law and I share the same foot size, so I opened my closet and told him to pick his favorite. After making his way through my extensive collection, he claimed the well-worn ECO 4.0 boots as his own.
FC ECO 4.0 GTX features and specs:
- WEIGHT: 30.95 oz/ 594 g
- LAST: Trango 2
- CONSTRUCTION: Board Lasted
- UPPER: Nubuck Leather/ 100% recycled Nylon Mesh/ Uretech
- LINING: Gore-Tex/Dri-Lex Bristol 40% Recycled Nylon
- MIDSOLE: Dual-density ECO Trailon/ 2mm LaSpEVA/ TPU shank
- SOLE: Vibram River with Impact Brake System Eco-Step
Price: $170
For more of Adam's writing, reviews, and photography, visit AdamSawyer.com
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