User Review: La Sportiva K2

Reviewed February 3, 1999 by Erik Stenbakken

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Materials: Nubuk leather
Use: Alpine Climbing -- heavy load backpacking
Break-in Period: 1 month
Weight: ?
Price Paid: US $240

Bought these from a place in Jackson after stumbling around the Tetons in flimsy boots for a week. Though they took a bit to break in (like wearing them daily for a month or so for a few hours at a time), they are probably the most comfortable footwear I now own -- except maybe my running shoes.

They've held up remarkably well in all conditions: rough granite, scree, snow, hard/steep snow & crampon, mud, water/ice, snowshoe use and just about everything short of extended expidition use (which I have not done).

My feet are narrow, so these fit very well. I needed a pair of Superfeet inserts/insoles to fit me better, as the arch in the liners was inadequate. They are best waterproofed with the new Nikwax brush on with water stuff (sounds wrong to wet a boot first and *then* apply the waterproofing but it's the best system I've ever used. Beats Sno-Seal all to bits.)

For a looser, more comfortable fit when on easy trail or carrying a light load, I leave the top two lace hooks vacant. For demanding terrain, I lace them tight, as I'm an ankle-blower. Never sprained one wearing these.

Sold my friends on them as well as my wife (who bought the lower version, Makalu, I believe). My friends who climb 14ers obsessively say these hold up MUCH better than any other boot they've thrashed (tried).

I highly recommend them for narrow-foot, heavy use minded person.

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