images/La Sportiva

Gone are the days when businesses were considered environmentally friendly by just having recycling bins in the workplace. The demand for green business practices has rocketed to the forefront just as Ryan Miller, U.S. hockey heroine, became a household name within a fortnight.

Cheers to Miller and his band of teammates for skating to a silver, but La Sportiva has struck gold with the use of recycled products in the newly release FC ECO Series of hiking boots. The end product is footwear that highly utilizes recycled materials including a Zero-Waste EVA midsole and uppers that uses recycled materials in the mesh, laces and webbing.

The La SportivaFC ECO 3.0, a mid-cut boot, was put through the rigors to see if they rose to the quality expected from La Sportiva. The La Sportiva FC ECO performed expectantly well on the trails. The boot was comparatively lighter than most mid-cut boots. The heel cup was a little stiff at first but loosened up to a comfortable feel with extended use.

As advertised, the boot naturally adapted to varying surfaces and trail conditions smoothly. The deeply set lugs in the outer sole gives you're the traction expected from Vibram. The outersole works locks step with the lightweight construction of the FC ECO 3.0 and propels you along the trail. The FC ECO stood-up to the rippling water during creek crossing and impressed with its waterproofing ability.

Overall, the FC ECO 3.0 lived up to its advanced billing. La Sportiva originally announced the release of the FC ECO line in the summer of 2009, and the line has received its share of pre-release hype. La Sportiva is applauded for their gold medal worthy eco-friendly practices that are prominently featured in the FC ECO line.

The La Sportiva FC ECO 3.0 is geared for longer day hikes and shorter overnight trips. The boot retails for $160 and carries La Sportiva's limited 1-year warranty.