User Review: La Sportiva Makalu (New)

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

Reviewed February 22, 2000 by David Brown

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Materials: Leather
Use: mountaineering / heavy backpacking
Break-in Period: 25 - 50 miles
Weight: 4.5 lbs
Price Paid: $235

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. Less vertical mileage will probably result in a longer break-in period. Getting the boots wet will definitely speed up the break-in process. I still have to tape my heels to avoid blisters -- that's a result of my soft skin and the relatively flex-free midsole.

Those remarks out of the way, the Makalu's are about as perfect a boot as I can imagine. The uppers support the ankle so well, it's amazing. The well padded collar lets you crank the laces as tight as you like without pinching or hot spots. I read it over and over here before I bought my Makulus "if they fit your feet, buy them." I firmly believe that. Traction with these boots is amazing. Spent a weekend walking on wet rocks and never had a problem. No traction on ice, but any boot needs crampons on ice. This boot is now my first pick for heavy backpacking, mountaineering and off-trail bushwhacking. They're overkill for hiking, but what do you expect, one boot to do everything?! ;-)

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 (Spring 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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