AKU

I cannot tell you to get these, or that they're the most comfortable thing ever, or yadda-yadda-yadda--I only know my feet! I'm not going to effuse in some predictably enthusiastic way over something I willingly and gladly paid for, as that would be a bit biased. However, I do own both colorations and did not purchase them at the same time. Stock photos and the scant few vid-reviews fail to give the full scope of how nice these boots look, feel to the touch and to the foot.

Being new to the world of upper echelon boots (I am admittedly a Timberland graduate), I asked Google, Reddit, and YouTube as much as I could about robust tactical footgear--and got every type of answer imaginable; considered every previously unfamiliar-to-my-ear brand from AKU to Zamberlan, and decided on these the moment I saw them--I just knew. The recommendation that drew me here [to the brand and the site] was the nearly universal high praise given to the ''Pilgrim'' model, yet I was really interested in an 8" hi-top build due to having other items in the Mid-size category. I wanted something that was not for relaxed casual out-and-about attire, neither for ruggedly intense hiking or hunting, nor for heavy and hazardous work at the construction site or loading dock. If you do AirSoft, paintball, or LARP, these would more than suffice but you should probably go cheaper, instead of merely playing games with a serious boot. This is definitely a serious boot.

On style, AKU knocked it out of the park, easily. On practicality, it seems the speed-lacing system in particular provides the best set-it-and-forget-it form over traditional laces (which will loosen, snag, and tear), and even the polarizing BOA (I have nothing with this type, and I truly want to like it, but I do not have complete confidence in reliability yet). With the speed-laces, you can tighten the zones you want while also tucking the excess out of the way without worry of anything getting caught or feeling funny against your shin and ankles (there's a sturdy lace guide, the lace ends themselves are fused together, and the tongue has a storage pouch). If worst came to worst for a catastrophic failure, you could simply tie the laces in a traditional fashion.

The soles have deep lugs that I am expecting to hold up over time, but I am not anticipating trekking over frozen ground or through snow. The stiffness does not noticeably dominate maneuverability--yet then again, these are 8" boots, not really made for sprints or court/field sports, they are foot tools: use the right tool for the right job. At this point, I have only walked around with them across carpet, so I cannot attest to how quiet they are...yet. AKU says these were specifically designed with the martial professionals in mind (this is not my profession), that would include perhaps even unarmed security, so use appropriately.

Lastly: I do have a narrow long foot; typically, my Timberland's and Nike's feel comfortable in 10.5, but I ordered both Sentinel's in 11 and am also wearing them exclusively with Darn Tough T4033's, so just a heads-up. YMMV.

Good day,
I recently was in Thailand for a two week training. I brought one pair of boots, my AKU NS 564 Spider ll.
After ten days of rigorous training and four days of trekking through the sites the boots held up so fantastically I felt moved to write a review. The Spider NS 564 boots have proven to be a high quality product providing comfort, support, durability. An added plus is the look of the boots provide versatility, whether you are wearing a pair of jeans or you are in the field.

Очень не хватает петли(петель) на задней части. Тяжело надевать.

Have been wearing them as approach shoes in -5c temperatures, decent warmth and protection.

Another review suggested a squeek however, mine are fine! Overall a great shoe!

I purchased these a while back and decided to wait and review after the 100 mile mark of wear. They are one of the best leather and Gore-Tex combination boots I've ever worn. After prolonged use they are still sturdy, comfortable and have solid traction under foot on rocky terrain. I have worn many other lighter duty pairs of AKU boots and though I measure a US 10, I have found a 1/2 size smaller (US 9.5) to be my perfect fit with the brand. I am an E width but find medium boot has a generous toe box that accommodates perfectly. Highly recommended.

I wear Aku hiking boots and absolutely love them. I have the rock climbing shoes for higher traction and just bought the street shoes. Every single pair are extremely comfortable

Tribute II GTX - Men's

No break-in period needed. Boots felt great all day.

Love both my AKU and the latest Adapta SD GTX.

Wear everyday. Most comfortable shoes I have ever worn.

What happens when you need to be on your feet outdoors in challenging terrain with body armor and it's cold and snowy out? You put away the pilgrims and you reach for the Griffons! I think these were called something else back in 2013 when I got my first pair. They're stiff enough to give you sure footing in the Rocky Mountains, and warm enough to keep your feet comfortable too. My original pair wasn't as stiff and didn't have the full rubber rand. My second pair did and it just made the boot even better. I wear these when I'm going into challenging winter terrain but the situation doesn't require a full on mountaineering boot or crampons. I'm onto my third pair now because I have friends with sticky fingers! I absolutely love these boots. I have worn them in the mountains, in military service, and now in law enforcement in a small mountain town in the Rockies. I have never managed to damage these boots, they have never left me with cold feet, and the support they offer in challenging terrain is fantastic. The real beauty is that this comes in an incredibly lightweight package. They are lighter than all other boots in this category and they fit great due to the last Aku uses. When it's cold outside, the Griffons are always there for me.

I have been wearing the pilgrim since its development days. I had friend in the UK who sent me a pair his unit was trying out and it was love at first ruck march. Basically they were looking for something as comfortable as the Spider but could hold up to the demands of special operations, specifically the ability to support moderate military loads. The Pilgrim does this brilliantly! It's a little stiffer than the Spider but just as comfortable and brilliant when you add those moderate loads. I have worn these in a very wide variety of environments to include military training and operations, light mountaineering, law enforcement, construction and more. I'm wearing a pair right now on a construction site in Kansas. They were fantastic when I was using them doing rope access construction in Seattle! Basically, any time I need something a little stiffer than the Spider, out come the Pilgrims.

A couple notes given some of the other reviews I have seen and my overall experience:
1. There is a goretex version and a non-goretex version. I love both and wear them in the appropriate environments.
2. Quality Control: With one and only one exception, the Pilgrim has been as bulletproof as the Spider. I did have a pair 2 years ago where the stitching came apart within 2 weeks of wearing them. This was the only instance of a Quality Control problem I have ever seen with AKU in 13 years and I have never seen another one since.
3. Durability: The Pilgrim is every bit as durable as the Spider, which in my experience has been legendary. The only reason I go through Pilgrims faster than Spiders is because I now work in construction and the abuse I subject them to is frankly insane and unreasonable. The kicker is that I wear Pilgrims in construction because I cannot find another boot for less than $700 that is both insanely comfortable and will last longer than a couple months. I can wear a pair of pilgrims for 4 years before I have to replace it. The average work boot lasts less than 4 MONTHS for me. So yeah, they're rugged as ****.

I could go on but you get the idea. These are boots I can't live without and wholeheartedly endorse.

I've been wearing the NS-564 since 2012 when the NS-564 and the Spider were two different models and you had to know the right people to get either one of them. I have worn them in every environment except the jungle and in a wide variety of activities from light summer mountaineering to intense tactical training, construction (don't tell OSHA!), and as a daily driver. These boots have never, ever let me down. They are always supportive and frankly the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn, period. It might sound hyperbolic but it's true, I can't imagine life without a pair of these on my feet. This sentiment is shared by everyone I have ever known who has a pair. It's a drug, we're addicted, and we will never stop!

To be very serious though, these boots are shockingly good and the cult-like following they have is for darn good reasons. I would also like to share that they are incredibly durable. I threw away my first pair after 8 years because I had literally worn the soles off of them. The second pair I had, I destroyed after doing roofing and solar installation work for a year after wearing them as a daily driver for 6 years. Most boots only last 6 months in that environment (asphalt shingles are literally sandpaper). I still have the other two pair I bought years ago and they're still going strong despite the abnormal amounts of abuse I put them through. You can't go wrong with them. As long as Aku keeps making these, I will always have two pair in my inventory!

These boots are honestly great for every season. They’re highly breathable, and my feet stay dry much longer than with a Goretex boot.

The fit is comfortable and precise. The heel cup is great, and this boot handles going down steep slopes very well.

Absolutely love these Boots as always! such a great product! very comfortable and crazy water proof!