The Serai GTX from Italian brand AKU is arguably the most 'serious' of the winter boots on review. A technical B3 crampon-compatible climbing boot, the Serai GTX is designed to take users to higher elevations and onto ice and rocky ridges.
Despite its intended purpose as a technical mountaineering, rock and ice climbing boot, the Serai GTX is surprisingly lightweight. Weighing in at 840g per boot, the Serai GTX won't hold you back in the high alpine and will keep you well protected en route to the summit. The Primaloft thermal insulating liner keeps things toasty on the inside when it's getting on the arctic end of wintry on the hill and the GORE-TEX liner ensures feet stay dry too.
As you would expect, the Serai GTX is a fully stiffened boot - exactly what you need when travelling on firm snow when you may need to kick steps to secure safe passage. This stiffness is provided by a combination of innovative technologies including a carbon fibre lasting board, honeycomb aluminium core and EVA. Essentially, lots of super techie stuff that works together to keep things light yet rigid underfoot.
Other features that impressed included the Vibram Nepal sole unit with good deep lugs, the mini snow and debris repellent gaiter at the top of the boot, and the durable Kevlar upper. We also liked the understated style of the boot which will likely appeal to those looking for something less neon and shouty.
Fit-wise the Serai GTX are on the narrow side which helps to deliver precision when required but might not work for those with wide feet. As always, try before you buy.
