La Sportiva Makalu
Average Rating: 
Reviewed by 55 Trailspace users
Description
The Makalu is a mountaineering boot made by La Sportiva. It has an average rating of 4.5 stars (out of 5), based on 55 user reviews.
Here's what other sites are saying:
From Moosejaw:
"Free Shipping. La Sportiva Men's Makalu Boot (Spring 2008) The Makalu boot by La Sportiva is a classic leather mountaineering boot.Features: Mtnflex insole and full steel shank for automatic crampon compatibility Rollerball hardware and locking D-ring for independent fit Burly roughout leather uppers for years of abuseSpecs: Weight: 2 lbs 2 oz / 952 g Upper: 3mm Idro-Perwanger Roughout Leather/Vibram rubber rand/removable EZ Flex Tongue with Dry-Best lining Construction: Board Lasted Last: Makalu Lining: Dry-Best Sole/Midsole: Skywalk MPE SBR Aircushion Insole: 8mm Mtnflex with 1.5mm Dacromet-coated full steel shank Sizes: 36 - 48 (Half Sizes)"
From Backcountry.com:
"The La Sportiva Men's Makalu Mountaineering Boots have become among the most popular alpine footwear for everyone from casual climbers to Outward Bound students and instructors. These durable leather boots hold up to years of abuse in the mountains and provide plenty of support for hiking with a heavy load. Thanks to full crampon compatibility, the La Sportiva Makalu Mountaineering Boots make a great choice for glacier travel, and their Vibram soles provide excellent traction on snow, mud, dirt, and rock."
From Backcountry Outlet:
"The La Sportiva Makalu for women is an authentic mountain boot built for real mountaineering situations. The proportionally graded Mtnflex insole with a full steel shank makes the Makalu stiff enough to handle step-in crampons and alpine ice. Kicking steps in hard, firm snow is a breeze. The MPE sole has solid block lugs in the forefoot for rock climbing performance and a special incut heel for extra control when plunge stepping or glissading on your way down the mountain. The La Sportiva Makalu is hand-made by Italian craftsmen at the foot of the Dolomite Mountain Range. They put 70 years of mountaineering and boot-making experience into the Makalu so you can climb, hike and explore without worrying that your boots aren't up to the challenge. *AVAILABLE FOR NORTH AMERICAN SHIPMENT ONLY."
From Sierra Trading Post:
"CLOSEOUTS . La Sportiva's Makalu mountaineering boots are specially designed for all-season technical hiking, backpacking and general mountaineering. Weatherproof silicone-impregnated leather upper adds durability, while special ankle cut and Dri-Lex lining significantly diminish break-in time. Mountainflex insole stiffened to handle automatic crampons for winter climbing. Easily adjusted fit via a locking D-ring lace system MPE outsole is deeply lugged Engineered to last through years of harsh trekking Board-lasted construction Height: 6” Weight: 4 lb. pr. Medium width CLOSEOUTS . Italy. Size Euro (US): 37 (6) 37.5 (6 ) 38 (7) 38.5 (7-7 ) 39 (7 -8) 39.5 (8) 40 (8 ) 40.5 (9) 41 (9-9 ) 41.5 (9 -10) 42 (10) Runs small, order size larger."
User Reviews
Men's Makalu
Reviewed by Drew M., Mar 06, 2008
"Extraordinary boot for their intended purpose, however, you must be very careful with the fit. These boots will not flex or move on the foot if fitted properly.
I suspect the problems referenced in the above reviews ie broken shanks or holes are attributable to an incorrectly sized boot (most likely too large), allowing flex in the foot to boot interface, which will workharden the shanks (it's about the only way you can break a full length steel shank)."
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Men's Makalu
Reviewed by Gary, Dec 25, 2007
"Good boot, most comfortable around under $500. Biggest design flaw is the third shoelace eyelet down from the top; it is a fabric/nylon loop (the type found on rock climbing slippers) that will probably give out and wear through or pull out around year 3 or 4."
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Men's Makalu
Reviewed by Todd, Jan 14, 2007
"I purchased the Makalu in the mid '90s and I still wear them. My Asolo boots blew out and I had to use these on a duck hunting trip last month (over 10 years later).
I've had many different brand of boots and I have not found a single brand that can stand up to the beating I throw them."
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Men's Makalu
Reviewed by John Swarbrick, Nov 30, 2006
"Reviews you read on the Makalu are either love or hate affairs. I love my Makalus. Basically La Sportiva uses lasts that fit my foot (which is long narrow and 'low volume' boot speak for flat feet I think!!). I took my time getting the right size and tried on three pairs from a 46."
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Men's Makalu
Reviewed by spicytuna, Oct 18, 2006
"The Makalu may not be the latest and greatest from Sportiva but I just had to comment on it since it's treated me very well.
My Makalus have been used for two years of hiking in Ontario along with four years of scrambling in the Canadian Rockies."
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Men's Makalu
Reviewed by Rob Means, Sep 06, 2005
"This pair is my second pair. From climbing 5. 8 rock, M3 or WI4, ferrying 70-100 pound loads to basecamp, doing 8hr days of backcountry ski trails maintenance through bogs and over and under slippery logs come rain or shine. . . it is amazing to me how tough and reliable thse boots are while keeping my feet warm and nearly always dry."
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Makalu
Reviewed by Humper, Mar 08, 2005
"These boots are awesome! Slight break-in period with help of a boot stretcher (one hot spot). I backpack with heavy loads (60-80lbs. ) OFF the trails and the Makalu supports my feet and ankles perfectly. The Makalu is a heavy boot, and if you're used to sport hikers, light loads and easy trails, these boots aren’t for you."
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Makalu
Reviewed by Jonathan Anderson, Nov 03, 2004
"I was lucky enough to buy these boots for $165; they are the newest model. I have used them for about one year and they have never let me down. I walked through a river that had ice chunks floating through it in the middle of winter and they still kept my feet warm along with my wool socks. I would recommend these boots to anyone."
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Makalu
Reviewed by an anonymous hiker, Sep 28, 2004
"These boots have gone through three years of winter camping, backpacking and over two dozen scrambles in the Canadian Rockies and they've never let me down. They stick to the rock like glue and they provide excellent support for my feet."
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Makalu
Reviewed by Brandy U, Sep 24, 2004
"There was a break-in period, but after they are the best boots I have ever had. I work for the forest service and wear them daily. I love them."
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Makalu
Reviewed by malcolmekearns@..., Mar 11, 2004
"Still in the break-in period, mainly due to the fact that my first pair had to be sent back. What looked like a shank started to come through in the front part on both boots so a replacement was sent to me. I then got my new Makalu's and found that they had sent me the new models ( I had the previous model without the rubber covered front section)."
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Makalu ( II)
Reviewed by SID KESSLER, Nov 30, 2003
"SPENT TWO WEEKS IN BC, CANADA AND HATED THESE BOOTS!! rach I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR TAKING ABOUT? THESE BOOTS ARE LIKE WEARING A PIECE OF WOOD ON YOUR FEET!"
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Makalu
Reviewed by James, Jul 16, 2003
"I am on my second pair. I walk about 130 km a month in the Drakensberg in South Africa at altitudes up to 11,500 ft, mostly off-path. First pair broke after 7 months. Nylon midsole delaminated from outer sole on both shoes.
Second pair has lasted longer and was much more comfortable with new lining."
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Makalu
Reviewed by Rach, Sep 17, 2002
"Don't know what that Timothy guy is on about -- best boots I've ever owned. If you want a boot for all occasions, this is it - just as happy up Mont Blanc or trudging through a peat bog."
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Makalu
Reviewed by TIMOTHY.S, Sep 01, 2002
"I WENT FOR A THREE MONTH HIKING EXPEDITION IN SOUTH EAST ALASKA, AND THESE BOOTS FELL APART. AFTER A SLIGHTLY PAINFUL 4 WEEK BREAK-IN PERIOD ON SOME OF THE ROUGHEST TRAILS IN ALASKA ON THE 6 WEEK BOTH OF THE 1. 5mm FULL SHANK BROKE, ON THE 7 WEEK A HUGE HOLE OPENED UP ON THE SIDE OF MY LEFT BOOT."
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Makalu
Reviewed by John, Mar 02, 2002
"Others have said that this boot takes a long time to break in, and I would disagree. I believe that you either have the foot for this boot, or you don't, plain and simple. I happen to have a very crappy foot for fitting most boots: long, narrow and low volume (low instep)."
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Makalu
Reviewed by Tom L Sorfozo, Nov 09, 2001
"I sincerely hope this product doesn't dissapear from the face of the market as other such products which are "too" good! Since 1990 I have owned eight or so pairs of heavy leather boots and put them through alot of the conditions which exist below 4000 feet and none excel in as wide a multitude of enviorments as the Makalu!"
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Makalu
Reviewed by Dave Blair, Sep 02, 2001
"I bought these boots about 2 years ago and haven't had a winter season since. These boots have to be the most terrible thing I have ever worn. I suspect it may be my weird foot shape as some people seem to love them, however I have heard others who bought a pair complain that they just couldn't get on with them."
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Makalu
Reviewed by Joel, Aug 01, 2001
"These boots continue to amaze me!! Firstoff, break-in is best accomplished with a series of short climbs with much vertical. It took my achilles a while to get used to the extremely stiff shank and my boney heels suffered a few blisters as my soft skin wasn't accustomed to being pitted against a steel shank."
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Makalu
Reviewed by Steve Peck, Feb 16, 2001
"By far the most comfortable boots I've ever owned. I used to be a big fan of Sundowners, but these are even better. I have a low profile foot, but the boots fit very well. Suprisingly required very little break-in time. Strong soles (Vibram) that can be re-soled. You cannot go wrong with these boots!"
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Makalu
Reviewed by Dave Pell, Feb 12, 2001
"These are the best boots I've ever worn. But I couldn't wear 'em for very long periods until they were broken in. I also have plantar fasciitis (heal spurs) and these boots seemed to have been the cure for that. I can wear 'em for days on end where my other boots hurt after a day or two."
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Makalu
Reviewed by Rosco, Apr 08, 2000
"My playground resides 120KM west -- the Canadian Rockies. I spent the 3 months leading up to spring break searching for a boot. I visited every store that sold outdoor gear in Calgary and came up empty handed. My last resource was Banff National Park."
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Makalu
Reviewed by JAY MOORE, Mar 06, 2000
"IT SEEMED TO TAKE FOREVER TO GET THESE LITTLE DARLINGS TO GET TO THE RIGHT FIT. NOW THAT THEY ARE THERE I HOPE THEY LAST FOREVER BECAUSE THEY ARE THE MOST COMFORTABLE REAL BOOTS I HAVE EVER HAD. THE TIME TO BREAK THEM IN IS THE ONLY REAL NEGATIVE. LUV EM NOW"
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Makalu (New)
Reviewed by Kristjan Erik, Mar 02, 2000
"I have considerably wide feet, but it did not cause any harm or hot-spots. Boot was quite comfortable, but I had to sell it because of freezing feet unfortunately boots came up to be at least half of number too small and with crampions it did get cold even at low altitudes 4000 m."
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Makalu (New)
Reviewed by David Brown, Feb 22, 2000
"I've never owned a pair of boots that fit my feet this well. My feet are low volume, medium width with a smallish heel. Out of the box I had a hot spot on the outside of my right foot, but that went away as the boots broke in. Break in went pretty quickly, but about 15,000 vertical feet were covered during the 50 miles that it took me to break the boots in."
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Makalu (New)
Reviewed by Reinhardt Zimmermann, Feb 16, 2000
"I've got funny feet - they're wide at the ball but narrow at the heel with a high arch. These boots fitted first off due to the unique fit system, being a bit stiff at first i got one small hot spot on the one heel but i was not tightening the boot onto my foot properly."
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Makalu
Reviewed by an anonymous hiker, Sep 08, 1999
"Very good boot.
Alpinism in the Alpi Marittime. No good in snow.
Makalu souffered rain."
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Makalu
Reviewed by an anonymous hiker, Aug 22, 1999
"These boots have proven great on the trail. the quality is outstanding, and i know they will last a long time. the break in period takes a long time though so be very patient with these boots.......blisters will be suffered the 1st 2 or 3 trips"
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Makalu (II)
Reviewed by George McCloskey, Jun 06, 1999
"This boot was my next step after wearing out two sets of Vasque Gore-Tex hikers. With Shasta, Hood, and Ranier on my horizon, I have relied on the Makalu II as my choice, instead of plastic boots. Easy break-in period, waterproof, and crampon-ready, this boot is a good value for the money. A hand-made Italian paw that's worth every penny."
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Makalu
Reviewed by an anonymous hiker, May 12, 1999
"Stiff but supportive, hard to break in but worth the effort (although my wife found hers comfy right out of the box, go figure). I use mine alot with snowshoes/crampons for winter hiking/climbing in the Adirondaks, Whites, and Catskills, the stiff uppers let you cinch the bindings down tight without cutting off circulation."
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Makalu
Reviewed by Mike Johnson, Feb 15, 1999
"Great boots! They did take a long time to break in and I still tape my heels on long trips but they are pretty comfortable now. Completely weather-proof if treated well (Nikwax aqueous) and will probably outlive me. I'm looking forward to doing some light mountaineering with them this season."
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Makalu (II)
Reviewed by an anonymous hiker, Dec 03, 1998
"So far it's been a very good boot. Four trips to 10,000+ in snow/rain so far this winter and the feet have stay warm & dry. Definitely waterproof these boots thoroughly before use. The breakin has been murder on my heels, big blisters, advise the use of some moleskin on the heels from the first day until broken in."
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Makalu (1997)
Reviewed by Pete Carpenter, Nov 07, 1998
"I have not had one problem with these boots. I take a size 13. 5 and I have thouroughly enjoyed them. They feel even better with a spenco arched insole. Even after a 13 hour day on Long's Peak I had no blister or even sore spots. I do keep to toe box laces loose to allow for bigger sox and less constriction, but they still perform very well and their grip in the cold on bare rock is fantastic."
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Makalu
Reviewed by Chris Colwell, Oct 03, 1998
"I have to admit that I fell in love with these boots once I put them to the test. I went on a NOLS wilderness course (30 days in the Wind River Range of Wyoming) this past summer and these boots survived to tell the tale. As far as support, I've never heard of a better boot at such a great price; they saved my ankles numerous times when traversing unstable boulder fields with a 75lb pack."
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Makalu (1996)
Reviewed by an anonymous hiker, Sep 15, 1998
"Great boots! I bought these for a backcountry trip in the Sierra Nevada, and they were excellent for the purpose. Great ankle support for scrambling, but not so stiff that trail hiking is uncomfortable. I wore these for a week before my trip, and they were pretty much broken in within a few days of starting."
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Makalu (New)
Reviewed by Steve Malphurs, Sep 13, 1998
"I bought my Makalu's last spring and have been trying to break them in ever since. I've climbed Mt Shasta twice in them. I got nasty blisters on my heals both times even after wrapping my heel in duct tape. They will be awsome after I break them in."
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Makalu
Reviewed by an anonymous hiker, Sep 02, 1998
"I purchased these boot around Christmastime and couldn't wait to use them. The worked wonderfully in the snow. I keep them water proofed with Nikwax aqueous solution. They kept my feet warm as long as I kept moving. The use of gaiters will make them even more unstoppable in the snow."
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Makalu
Reviewed by Jimi, Aug 19, 1998
"I am planning to apply for a job at NOLS or Outward bound and have been told by several different sources that these are the boots that are used by most of the instructors and are one of the boots required for students for their trips. I have been shopping for boots for 2 months and theses are the best for what they are built for."
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Makalu
Reviewed by James, Aug 06, 1998
"I had a pair of Solomons that didn't stand up to two years of climbing thru Montana talus fields. The soles held up fine but the leather uppers wore thru on the outer sides, so I decided it was time to upgrade to a boot w/thicker leather. My makalus are a well made boot but I think that they are going to break me in before the damn boots are broken in."
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Makalu
Reviewed by an anonymous hiker, Jul 29, 1998
"The Makalu is a wonderfull boot. The sole is to stiff for your general day hike, For extended trips and off trail options, the makalu performs well. I have a size 11 1/2 foot that has a skinny heel, with a low volume instep. The Makalu is the only boot in this type of backpacking that fits well."
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Makalu
Reviewed by Scott, Jun 22, 1998
"These are very good boots. I used the same pair for 5 years now. They are finally starting to be fairly trashed. Very comfortable. I have never even gotten a blister despite many miles and climbs with heavy packs.
If they fit your feet, buy them."
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Makalu
Reviewed by James Uhrich, May 22, 1998
"Having heard of these boots to be the best for off trail/ mountaineering use, I decided to try them out. I purchased a pair on sail at REI and was not dissatisfied. Quite clearly the best price for boot, durability, materials, ect. They are the best boots in my closet and my first choice for the trail."
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Makalu (1997)
Reviewed by Robb McLeod, Mar 22, 1998
"I have the 1997 model of the Makalu and it is much improved over the 1996 model. The new double-density Vibram Clusaz outsole has much deeper welts than the Calgary sole, and it holds a crampon very well. Everything is basically bigger on the new model; the leather is thicker, the midsole is made of thicker polyurethane (Hydrel) than the old nylon midsole, and the shank is thicker."
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Makalu
Reviewed by World Traveler, Dec 23, 1997
"I wish to state for the record so that there is no confusion about this - La Sportiva has the worst customer service of any outdoor company I have ever dealt with.
I purchased a pair of Makalu's because they looked great and felt good upon fitting."
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Makalu
Reviewed by Fabio Moscatelli, Dec 13, 1997
"Amazing boots if you take the time to break them in.
Off trail/rough trail performance is fantastic.
Awesome ankle support so heavy packs aren't a problem.
Also great with crampons and supergaiters deck them out for light winter use."
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Makalu
Reviewed by John Drollette, Dec 04, 1997
"Like someone said here, one boot to get you from the car to the top of a snowy mountain.
The new crampon toe groove in the '97s is great -- I can't throw even an ice crampon, no matter how much I twist and thrash.
A bit fatiguing for extended front-pointing, due to the flex, but stiff enough (I weigh 150 lbs) for a short pitch of german or thin alpine rock."
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Makalu
Reviewed by an anonymous hiker, Aug 20, 1997
"These are the best pair of boots that I have ever had.
They work well for hiking and are killer on snow and ice."
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Makalu ( 2)
Reviewed by Patrick Hachisu, Jul 08, 1997
"If it fits and your looking for a heavy duty backpaking/mountaineering boot this is the boot for you. I strongly suggest that you make sure you get a good fit before you purchase this (or any) boot because this is a serious boot that will not give much to a bad fit."
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Makalu
Reviewed by Nathan Kofahl, May 29, 1997
"i love these boots! they really do it all, no wonder the american alpine inst. gave them a guides choice.
after having all kinds of problems with my asolo globalines, i decided to replace them with a real boot, i can tell that i will have this pair for a long, long time."
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Makalu
Reviewed by S. B. Davis, May 16, 1997
"I have tried to wear these boots several times with several different sock combination, and I have ended up with blisters within a couple miles every time. There is a lot of slippage in the heel because the boots don't give at all. This is not a boot for trail work or any kind of distance."
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Makalu
Reviewed by joezamora@..., Apr 21, 1997
"Well, these boots kick butt. However I have not yet fully broken them in yet. I was lucky and bought last years model (1996) for only $176. 00 on sale. I treated the outside with Nikwax and the inside leather with saddle soap per the man.
suggestion."
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Makalu
Reviewed by tjandrsn@..., Jan 28, 1997
"I blew out a pair of Vasque Alpines, and decided to try the La Sportiva Makalu. What a great switch. These boots do it all. I've put many miles on them already and this winter. I've used them in replace of my Double boots (on warmer days) climbing vertical waterfall ice since they accept step ins."
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Makalu
Reviewed by jake@..., Oct 29, 1996
"The Makalu is the best boot I've come across in a long time, and I've been looking at many pairs since my Vasque Sundowners got shredded by the talus of the Canadian rockies.
The Vibram sole, high rand, full-grain leather uppers, and calf-skin lining suggest a boot that will outlive me."
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Makalu
Reviewed by an anonymous hiker, Oct 22, 1996
"These boots are great for rough and steep trails with a heavy pack or for off trail use. They also perform extremely well on moderate climbs. If you are in a very wet area be advised that without gore-tex, they will only keep you dry as long as you use a good treatment on them. (I use Biwell and it works ok until too many stream crossings wear it down)."
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Makalu
Reviewed by an anonymous hiker, Oct 04, 1996
"Forgive me if I sound like I work for LaSportiva but these are the best boots on the planet. I bought them mail order, wore them in the house and they felt fine.
However, they turned out to be too small once I began downhill clods with a full pack."
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Have you owned or used a La Sportiva Makalu? Share your thoughts with other hikers and backpackers.
Where to Buy
Buy Online We found the Makalu at 2 online stores:
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