Weight: 1440g (m), 1300g (w)

Best for: Varied tramping and transalpine conditions venturing into steeper terrain. 

Overview

Lightweight materials combined with stiffness and semi-automatic crampon compatibility make the Rocket GTX an energy-saving, nimble boot for transalpine travel. The Gore-Tex-lined breathable textile uppers are overmoulded with thick TPU for foot and scuff protection and have a rubber rand. Built on Kayland’s expertly shaped Ergo Tech last, it has a semi-rigid synthetic shank and a Vibram Curcuma mountain sole.   

Performance

The Rocket is standard width, with a precise fit that eliminates dead spots for a light-footed feel and positive trail feedback, which made them a fast favourite for me. The cuff and upper are stiff enough to be supportive but pliant enough for a contoured fit and flexibility. The textile uppers are open weave for breathability and dry quickly. TPU overlays and a generous rubber rand give the upper support, abrasion resistance and foot protection, but the exposed textile is showing wear and tear after contact with sharp rock. The outsole has excellent traction, but being one of Vibram’s softer mountain compounds, it’s also slightly faster wearing. The PU midsole has both medium and firm zones of softness, providing comfortable all-day walking without compromising control and edge-holding ability. 

What we like

Comfortable responsive fit, compatible with semi-automatic crampons, light and fast drying.  

Limitations

Upper textile is abrasion-prone, medium sole durability.

Why buy the Kayland Rocket?

If your adventures involve long days, off-track travel and the varied surfaces of transalpine trips, this boot is a nimble option, particularly on steeper terrain that calls for confidence in your footing. It’s light for its stiffness, but this comes at the cost of durability to the uppers.

Overall score: 84%