La Sportiva Nepal Extreme

I initially bought these for a 5500m peak in Nepal, but have since used them for summer alpine use and Scottish winter. Utterly bomb proof, comfortable and warm- would never consider another brand.

There is no route I would not attempt in these alpinist's dream boots. The break in was short, very short. The fit was perfect in about ten minutes of fiddling with the system.

There is only one drawback to these boots: It is a profound mistake for a typical dirtbag climber to try these on as there is no way to resist their supple beauty and function; money will leak out of every pocket until there is none left. Try these on at your own peril...they will own you if you do!

I have asked to be buried in my Nepals when I die, if that's any indication how much I love them. Not always the most comfortable, but my feet are super-sensitve. I found the trick to be the right combination of liners and socks and tightening the laces just enough to make the boot snug, but not too tight. They are a touch narrow up front. I've worn them on long hikes (7+hours) at -20F and done alright. I don't think that's possible in any other single leather boot. The best thing is that they CLIMB. When other guys are stopping to put on crampons, I'm still cutting into hard, steep snow and able to keep moving. I'm looking for a pair of Nepal Tops now.

Superb boot -- a little on the heavy side these days but ultra well made and comfy. I use them primarily for water ice climbing and they are awesome.

These are the FINEST boots I've ever had on my feet, hands down - no comparison. None. They are extremely rigid, but flex perfectly at the ankles for French tech. So far, only worn around "town" - nothing in the hills, but would take them anywhere, anytime for nearly anything (not dancing). Walked about enough to expect blister(s), but nothing of the sort - right out of the box. Also, these were an unbelievable deal as they retail list for $420.00. The laces are a little short and LaSportiva USA has kinda been dragging they feet on replacements - "out of stock", etc. Have had several other less rigid boots on my feet (properly fitted by "certified" fitters - myself included) and nothing else even remotely comes close.

I recently bought these puppies, and let me tell you- they are spectacular boots. I had envisioned several awefull months of breaking them in, but to my suprize-they treated me like an old friend on our very first ice climbing adventure. I think that this is were the Nepal Extremes really demonstrate their prowess. In snow and on the approach, these boots keep my feet very warm, with nary a wimper. And when we hit the ice, they are eager to front point and french technique all day long. I almost feel bad about putting them away at the end of the day... If your interested in a boot that was built for serious winter use and abuse, the Nepal Extreme is you tour de force!!

I purchased these boots, before the winter started, as I live in an exposed part of the United Kingdom. When I first got them, I thought they were going to be heavy, and difficult to walk in. To my surprise, the weren't. They took 2 weeks to break in, and are extremely warm.

I would recommend these boots to anyone. A++++

Update: April 12, 2000

When I purchased these boots, I thought that they might need some breaking in. But to my shock, the fitted like a glove from day one, and they are very comfortable to walk in.

I am on my 2nd pair of Nepal Extremes and find them the perfect Alps or Scottish winter climbing boot. They fit great, take minimal bedding in, they're warm. The old style Vibram commando sole unit is the best of any boot I have ever used. On cold winter, the lack of a Gore-Tex lining is good as well, makes the boot better-breathing. Brilliant boots, buy some!