Lowa Civetta

Summary

Excellent fit for me, quite warm for a non-vapor barrier boot.

I got these at a closeout sale in Montreal a few years back (my first plastic boots).  I tried several other brands, but these were the only ones that fit from the get-go.  I bought a size larger as I knew I was going to include an extra insole (a trick l've learned with boots in winter). 

They did not need any real breaking in, and feel like comfy "foot gloves".  I've read some complaints about warmth, but they kept my feet warm in temperatures below -40°.

I usually use the boots once every couple of years. I was climbing Cotopaxi last week, and at 16,000 ft. one of the boots cracked in half, so instead of going for the summit I had to end my climb and head down. By the time I got to the parking lot both boots were cracked.

When I got home I called Lowa customer service, and they said there is nothing that we can do for you. Thus, I would not purchase these boots if you are planning on serious climbing.

I had a tough choice between a nine and a half (my street shoe size usually) and a ten and a half (USA sizes)....

I found the 'rocker' on the nine and a half to be perfect but that my toes bumped the front of the boot and I had only a light sock on..... so though the boots worked fine for working out in the snow for the few hours I knew if I did a whole day backpacking my feet would swell and give me a real headache!! unfortuantely, the next size wasn't available so I stepped up to a 10 and half... now I can stay warm and cozy with two pairs of socks plus liner..(as my excellent La Sportive Makalus weren't warm below 10 degrees farenheit).. The only downside so far though is that the larger boot's rocker seems a little too far foreward and some clumsyness is a result. For steep climbing perhaps the smaller boot would be better and thus why I see some people wearing overboots even with these plastic boots... I've spent two whole days on concrete slabs and in deep snow moving lumber and carpentry and so far they are comfortable, but just a little clumsy (like a reinforced Sorel boot..) I may have to wait til next year for a more backcountry use... these are not as comfortable as my Scarpa new T3 telemark boots... (except for walking) or my aforementioned Makalus....which are only 9 and a halfs and maybe a little tight for long treks but so far have worked great a day in and day out construction and mild hiking boots... and keeping my feet without usual pain due to heal spurs (another review earlier on the Makalus I did>>>)

I got these boots 4 years ago and they were, from the get go, the most comfortable boots I have ever worn. They work well on steep ice or hiking on dirt trails. I have used them from trips to Ranier, Baker, Adams, Hood, to full conditions on Mt. Washington in New Hamshire. My feet have never been anything other than warm and dry. My foot fangs do not compress the boot in anyway and they hold true to their form. A great boot at a great price!

They are the perfect boots for someone who wants the warmth of a plastic ice boot, and the control of a leather boot.

I have used them on verticle waterfall ice and on mixed routes, and they kick butt. They are warm and tough, but not at all bulky.

They have a very low profile, and fit nice and snug. Walking in them is better then other boots I have worn.

I bought them used off ebay. Functionally great; I've used them for snowshoeing, ice climbing, and hiking. I'd give them 5 stars if they were warm. I used to throw one of those hand warmer packets into the toe of each boot, but then I bought custom fit Intuition Denali liners for $150 and now my feet are toasty even on ice. More comfortable too.