User Review: La Sportiva Makalu

La Sportiva Makalu
Above: The current Makalu, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed August 19, 1998 by Jimi

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Materials: Heavy duty mountaineering
Use: Rough trail/snow w/heavy pack
Break-in Period: 50-75miles
Weight: 74 oz /pr.
Price Paid: $235 w/ 10% rebate at REI

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.

For some, they have a quirkie fit because they are a higher volume boot. From what I have read, heard and experienced they should fit: (With a thick sock and sock liner) Laced tight there should be room in the toes. They should not hit the front of the boot on a down hill slope. They should not slip more than a 1/4 of an inch in the heel. But, they are going to slip, until they get broken in. The reason is that your foot is going to flex therefore your heel is going to move some. The boots are like boards until they break in and they are going to flex very little if any at first. If you have to chose between a size go for the 1/2 size larger. You can also put "superfeet" insoles to take up volume and/or "5-6 irons" to do the same.

These are really good boots so don't give up hope if they don't fit perfect the first five minutes in the store. Lastly, these are not the only boots out there. If they just don't work for your foot get something else. I would suggest trying other brands at the same time anyway to compare fit. Good luck.

Where to Buy

Buy Online We found the Makalu at 2 online stores:

StoreProduct DescriptionPrice

Moosejaw
2 purchase options:		Women's Makalu Boot (Spring 2008)$255.00Buy Now
Men's Makalu Boot (Fall 2008)$270.00Buy Now

Backcountry.com
2 purchase options:		Makalu Mountaineering Boot - Men's$269.95Buy Now
Makalu Mountaineering Boot - Women's$269.95Buy Now

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