The FC Eco 3.0 GTX from La Sportiva is a light to mid weight hiker designed for activities like day hiking or lightweight backpacking. As you would expect in a pair of $160 boots, La Sportiva used Vibram soles and Gore-Tex to keep water out. However, this is just the beginning. La Sportiva has put a lot of thought into the FC Eco 3.0 hiking boots.
The main reason you’d want to consider the FC 3.0 is the flexibility allowed in the boot. La Sportiva has gone a long way to make sure the boots aren’t too stiff for a light hiker. Even the toe box is constructed of a separate piece of leather so the boot will bend more naturally when you take a step. The midsole of the FC Eco 3.0 is made of varied densities of EVA foam to give you support where you need it and bend where you don’t.
Marketing speak aside, how does this boot compare? Straight out of the box, the FC Eco 3.0 is very comfortable. Walking with these boots on feels very natural. On the trail, they’re just as comfortable.
I took these boots out in the dirt, mud, snow, and on rock for a pretty thorough test. The Vibram soles gave grip everywhere I would expect. In 3 feet of melting snow, my feet were quite dry thanks to the Gore-Tex lining. The leather stood up well to more than its fair share of rock scrapes. My only complaint is that the seam around the heel can rub the back of the foot in thin socks. Otherwise, I was 100% satisfied with the FC Eco 3.0.If you’re in the market for a light hiking boot, but want more comfort than many boots provide, you might want to check out the FC Eco 3.0.
The La Sportiva FC Eco 3.0 GTX retails for $160.
Product sample provided by the manufacturer for review purposes.
