The AKU Rocket DFS GTX shoes have been designed for fast hiking. It is suitable for a range of trails and especially for technical terrain. I have been testing the footwear in Scotland.
Features include:
- Vibram Traction Lug technology that AKU claims will “improve traction and grip by 25% thanks to the special design”.
- Vibram® megagrip
- 6mm lug depth
- Double density pu midsole
- Last board (Stiffness): 2.0 mm polypropilene + die cut eva
- AKU Dual Fit System (DFS) technology, which allows you to vary the degree of precision of fit with two different lacing systems
- Fibre upper with crossed rib structure that’s protected by a 3D print layer
- Gore-Tex® performance
- Footbed: Ortholite® hybrid – partially recycled
- Men’s weight: 370g per shoe on average; women’s weight: 310g per shoe on average
- Men’s sizes: UK3 to 13; women’s: UK3 to 9.
The footwear also has AKU Elica Natural Stride System technology to “promote biodynamic efficiency”.
Elica is described as an “exclusive AKU system that integrates the last, insole, midsole and tread to trace the anatomical shape of the sole of the foot. It has been certified that the Elica technology promotes comfort, reduces impact with the ground and effort when walking.
My thoughts: AKU Rocket DFS GTX fast hiking shoe
This is a fairly stiff hiking shoe that is great for more technical terrain. When walking long distances on rocky paths and trails and in the mountains, a stiffer sole can be a real bonus. The sole protects the foot from rocks and other natural debris underfoot and also promotes confidence and offers good traction when walking up and downhill.
But, while it has a stiff sole, the shoe doesn’t feel uncomfortably inflexible. In fact, AKU have given a lot of attention to comfort.
The fit is good. The length is perfect and the shoe is neither too wide, not too narrow. The in-sole feels nicely cushioned and again it’s not too cushioned, nor too hard underfoot.
There is a belt-and-braces lacing system. First, you tie the traditional laces and then you can secure further with the elastic lacing system. The result is a shoe that moulds well to your foot and doesn’t come loose when walking.
If walking long distances, rubs and blisters often come from a shoe that doesn’t fit well. The AKU Rocket doesn’t allow the foot to move unnecessarily and so there is no slippage at the heel, for example.
Although a stiff sole, there is still some give in the upper and this means the shoe feels comfy when walking. It’s not flexible like a trail running shoe, which I often choose to wear for walking in the hills and mountains, yet I didn’t feel like my stride was compromised.
I can’t tell you if the shoe promoted my biodynamic efficiency, however, the shoe does feel good and it is comfortable.
The upper is durable and robust. This is an advantage if you plan to be walking in mountains where there are lots of rocks and vegetation. The footwear is likely to be hard wearing.
The Gore-Tex lining is another bonus although it’s important to note that Gore-Tex lining can wear in time compared to footwear users made of leather.
There are plenty of protection features on the uppers, too, including a full rubber rand, plus heel and toe cap protection.
The soles have 6mm lugs and good grip. The grip worked well on a range of terrain and in different conditions, from wet and muddy to dry. If you know you’ll be walking on rough terrain and in scree, for example, this is a shoe that will work hard for you.
I would like to see a bit more grip design at the heel of the sole. The heel is a bit more rounded than I would have hoped for and there a no deeper lugs.This means that grip will be a bit limited on terrain that has loose stones and rocks.
There is a good choice of colours and sizes, for both men and women, and despite being a stiff, durable and hardworking hiking shoe, the weight of the footwear is favourable. I didn’t feel like I was wearing a heavy shoe, even though it is robust.
I have only a few other criticisms. Firstly, I found the ankle cuff rubbed a bit under my ankle bones. I have quite flat feet and a large foot size so it might be my feet rather than the shoe. I recommend you try it on before buying.
These are shoes and not boots, obviously, and this means that you are likely to have debris and wet ingressing the shoe at the ankle cuff. You could wear guitars to avoid some of this, or choose a boot.
The price is quite high for a walking shoe. It’s worth shopping around to find a better price.
Conclusion: The AKU Rocket DFS GTX fast hiking shoe is a fairly robust and durable hiking shoe that would work well on mountain terrain, especially, in my opinion, in the summer mountains of Europe. While quite a stiff soled shoe, it fits comfortably and the attention to detail is great. Try on before you buy to make sure it fits perfectly.