Arc’teryx Acrux LT GTX £300

A sleek and stylish boot with striking looks, the Acrux LT certainly grabs the attention. But then, you’d expect nothing less from Arc’teryx. There’s technical ability here too though – this was the stiffest boot on test and the most competent performer on steep ground.

The 3mm carbon plate in the midsole gives minimal heel-to-toe flex, which enables you to stand on the tiniest ledges with confidence. It’s great for climbing and scrambling, with a very close precision fit and a narrow toe, which also features an extended ‘climbing zone’ for edging.

For a mountaineering boot, it’s also remarkably lightweight. This has been achieved by fusing a thinner Vibram Litebase outsole and PU midsole to ultralight woven polyester uppers.

Instead of a full rubber rand, a TPU film overlay provides abrasion resistance. It’s undoubtedly innovative. And there are still plenty of winterready features, including a GoreTex liner, grippy lugs, rubber toe cap, gusseted tongue and a heel welt for fitting C2 crampons.

IF WE’RE BEING FUSSY

In many ways, this is a remarkable boot. But it’s perhaps a bit too niche to be particularly well suited to UK winter use, unless you’re tackling the most technical climbs. Their stiffness means they’re not the most forgiving underfoot. The narrow fit won’t suit all foot shapes. The fabric uppers don’t feel the toughest, nor do they offer the best protection or support.

■ WEIGHT 760g (size 12)

■ UPPER Superfabric Polyester Weave, rubber toe cap and TPU rand

■ MEMBRANE Gore-Tex

■ SOLE Vibram Litebase Mont

■ MEN’S SIZES 4.5-12.5

■ WOMEN’S SIZES n/a

Verdict

Extremely lightweight, precise and capable B2 boots that are well suited to steep terrain and technical climbs, but fairly unforgiving for longer walks.

“Sleek, stylish & very lightweight”