La Sportiva Lhotse GTX

I bought the La Sportiva Lhotse GTX as a serious backpack/mountaineering boot. crampon capable.

I researched boots for several months before coming to this decision. Break in was fine with no blisters. I wear Smartwool socks with liners. The boot is a little heavy for normal packing but I needed something of this caliber to protect my ankles and feet.

Put them to the test on a 10 day backpack hunt in the northern Yukon territory with water crossings multiple times daily, 40 degree incline scree fields, loose shale, boulders, etc. best all around boot for tundra to rocks. worn with gaiters it makes a great combo. Quality is superb and the toe cap helps protect your feet after you get tired and occasionally kick the permanent rocks embedded in the trail. great sole/tread.

I'm sure I'll have these for many more years to come. Purchased in 2006.

I wore these right out of the box...the ultimate no-no in hiking/mountaineering, I know. I had absolutely NO problems, issues, hot spots, etc. It's hard to provide a review on footwear, just because what works great for one might be disastrous for another, but I will continue to endorse La Sportiva, even though they're still not paying me to do so!!

My feet are narrow, low-volume, so bear that in mind if you're considering these boots.

These are great boots. Mine also did not require a painful break-in period. Comfortable from the beginning. Very warm. Insulated / Gore-tex. Too warm for spring snow climbing, when I go back to my old Galibier Super Guides. I spoke with La Sportiva customer service before purchase, and they said this was just as warm as the Nepal Extreme. What a great deal!

No break-in needed. I am 57 and do extreme cold endurance hikes (Mt Wash is favorite). I will grudgingly don crampons. Buy Italian.