Link

AKU Link: what it is (and why it exists)

• Family intent: Light, precise trekking shoes designed for medium trekking and easy equipped trails, where you want confident foot placement and all-day comfort without moving into heavier boot builds.
• Design philosophy: Keep the upper clean and secure for a controlled feel, then back it up with durable protection (rubber rand) and a traction-first outsole for mixed conditions.
• Where it sits: A technical hiking shoe family that bridges everyday trail use and more demanding hill days—ideal when you prefer a lower cut but still need real grip and weather protection.

The Link build pillars

• 1) Gore-Tex® More Seasons (Link GTX): Waterproof/breathable lining specified to block water while allowing moisture vapour to escape, aimed at wet UK conditions across a wide temperature range.
• 2) Suede + AIR8000® upper: Upper is specified as suede 1.6 mm + AIR8000® for durability with enhanced breathability, plus rubber protection for abrasion resistance.
• 3) Vibram® Pepe outsole: Outsole specified as Vibram® Pepe for dependable traction on mixed ground (mud, loose trail, compact paths), with the family tuned for control and precision.
• 4) Cushioning + stability platform: Midsole specified as die cut EVA + PU to balance cushioning and underfoot support for longer days.
• 5) Comfort footbed: Footbed specified as Custom Fit Soft for comfort and shock-absorption feel during sustained walking.

Materials and character (family-level)

• Protected hiking shoe build: Toe and heel are protected by a robust rubber rand designed to resist abrasion on rocky ground and rough paths.
• Comfort-focused tongue construction: Link is described with a floating tongue combined with a Gore-Tex elastic sockliner to increase wearing comfort (model-dependent; see Link GTX descriptions).
• Made for mixed UK days: The family’s personality is “light but serious”—precise on uneven trails, supportive enough for long walks, and ready for wet-weather use in GTX form.

How Link answers real buyer concerns

• “I want a shoe that feels precise, not sloppy.” Link is positioned as light and precise with a cosy/secure forefoot fit, aimed at confident foot placement on uneven ground.
• “Will it cope with wet, muddy paths?” Link GTX combines Gore-Tex® waterproofing with a Vibram® Pepe outsole for mixed-ground traction; choose based on your route and surface conditions.
• “Will it stay comfortable over a full day?” The die cut EVA + PU midsole and Custom Fit Soft footbed are specified to support long-wear cushioning and comfort.
• “Do I need a boot instead?” If you want more ankle coverage or carry heavier loads regularly, move up to Trekking/Hiking Boots; if you want lower-cut precision with protection, Link is the fit.

How to choose within the Link family (practical guide)

• Choose GTX for wet conditions: For frequent rain, saturated ground and muddy trails, choose Link GTX with Gore-Tex More Seasons.
• Choose by route type: Link suits medium trekking and easy equipped trails—when you want a more technical, controlled feel than everyday walking shoes.
• Choose by cut preference: If you prefer a lower cut for agility and comfort, Link is the family; if you want more coverage, choose Trekking/Hiking Boots.

Fit & sizing guidance

• Start point: Use your normal EU size as your baseline.
• Return-reduction tip: If you sit between sizes, decide based on sock thickness and whether you prefer a snug, precise feel or a slightly roomier walking fit.
• Women’s version: Link is available in a women’s version (model-dependent availability on site).

Care & longevity

• Let footwear dry naturally after wet use; avoid radiators and direct heat.
• Brush off dried mud and grit to reduce abrasion, especially around the rubber rand and stitching zones.
• If your model uses Gore-Tex®, keep the upper clean to support moisture transfer and breathability.

FAQ's

• What is AKU Link designed for? Medium trekking and easy equipped trails, with a light, precise feel for confident foot placement.
• Is Link GTX waterproof? Yes—Link GTX is specified with Gore-Tex® More Seasons. Check the product page for the exact waterproofing system.
• What outsole does Link GTX use? Link GTX is specified with a Vibram® Pepe outsole.
• What is the upper made from? Link GTX is specified with suede 1.6 mm + AIR8000® and rubber protection.
• Is Link a boot replacement? Link is a trekking shoe. If you want more ankle coverage/support feel for longer days with heavier loads, choose Trekking/Hiking Boots.

You May Also Like:

• Fast Hiking (shop by activity)
• Trekking/Hiking Shoes (shop by activity)
• Approach & Scramble (more technical ground)
• Alterra family
• Gore-Tex® technology (waterproofing explained)
• Vibram® sole technology (traction explained)
• AIR8000® (breathability explained)
• Fit guidance (fit explained)
• Size guide (find your perfect fit)