User Review: La Sportiva Makalu (1997)

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

Reviewed March 22, 1998 by Robb McLeod

Rating: rated 4 of 5 stars
Materials: Full-grain Silicon-impregnated Roughout Leather
Use: Light Mountaineering
Break-in Period: Minimal (Upper only)
Weight: 2.175 kg
Price Paid: $270 Cdn

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. These changes combine to make the boot a lot stiffer than the 1996 model, further improving its crampon performance. They also replaced the calfskin lining with a Cambrelle one. The new midsole material requires no break-in period - unlike the Nylon version - only the uppers need it.

Initially I found that the roughout leather was soft, but after several moist outings and about three applications of Nikwax, they toughened up and became very water resistant.

Walking on flat ground is uncomfortable. After a while they develop a very small amount of flex, and there is some rocker built into the sole, but these are not trail boots. They are better on rough trails, and better yet off the trail when the stiffness and ankle support become more important. On snow they are absolutely delightful. They are also excellent running down scree.

The toe box is pretty small, and if I hadn't sized my boots for use with Thorlo's and liners, I'd be a little crunched. As it is, I can't replace the thin insoles with anything a little more cushy.

Another problem that my boots have is that the Vibram soles are very hard wearing, but it may be a little too hard. Small chunks of rubber have broken off a number of the lugs, and if the problem persists I will have to contact La Sportiva about it. Otherwise, I have no complaints.

Let me say again, these are not good backpacking boots. They're far too heavy, stiff, and warm for such duty. However, for light mountaineering they really come into their own. As long as the approach is not too dull, these boots excel in moderate conditions ( -15 ^C). Add supergaitors and VB socks, and you can even go beyond that.

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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