User Review: La Sportiva Men's Karakorum

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September 21, 2009

K2herman (Guest)

Rating:
Materials: leather upper
Use: Rough trail w/heavy pack!
Break-in Period: 5 days? Recommend more to be safe!
Weight: 4 lbs
Price Paid: $270

I purchased this boot at REI after trying several La Sportiva models via Zappos--ran out of credit card! (I've had a pair of Makalus for 11 years but my foot is now too big for them.) Not all La Sportivas fit alike!! At least with my feet.... :-)

I wore the Karakorams for about five days prior to my trip for maybe a total of 5 hours, street walking only. Headed out to the Hoover wilderness/Toiyabe NP on Sep 18 with a 40+ pound pack. 5.5 miles to camp and 2400 ft elevation gain--Horse creek trail. Lots of rock and some very steep loose rock. The boots kept me sure footed at all times! I had to loosen my right boot once as my feet began to swell about 2.5 hrs in. After establishing camp I was astounded to find NO blisters!!!