User Review: La Sportiva Makalu

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

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Materials: silicone-impregnated full grain leather
Use: rough/extended backpacking/lightweight mountaineering
Break-in Period: 1-2 months of constant use
Weight: 4lbs+
Price Paid: $295 (Canadian)

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. The break-in period may be long, but it will seem like no time at all when you've worn them for ten years, which would be the minimum life span I would predict. I have heard nothing but rave reviews from the few people I have talked to who own them already. La Sportiva says they're step-in crampon compatible, but considering the sole flex, I would not recommend this except when they are brand new.

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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