User Review: Salomon Super Mountain 9

Reviewed February 3, 1998 by Shawn Readenour

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Materials: leather/plastic
Use: Rough Terrain w/heavy pack, mountaineering
Break-in Period: 30 miles?
Weight: 4.25 lb
Price Paid: $260 US

An exceptional boot that is built to last. I am using this boot for heavy back-country excursions and have not had a chance to get up a mountain in it yet, but it is extremely comfortable right out of the box (especially after it's broken-in) and would hold a crampon very solidly. I went to the store to purchase the La Sportiva Makalu (which is more "comfy" in the store), but the La Sportiva sloshed around all over my foot and I could not get it to hold my foot to keep my heel from lifting (when the laces were cranked, it would, but this cut off all blood to my feet).

The Salomon has an awesome internal "boot" made of neoprene that holds your foot and protects it from the bent leather under the laces that all one-piece leather boots have. The insole (comes with two sets) is shaped just like the Super Feet insole with deep cups for the heels and nice arches. And don't forget the Memofit lacing system that allows you to tension the ankle and foot sections of lace differently, try it you'll love it!

The biggest difference between Salomon and all others is the Contragrip outsole. The La Sportiva has that USELESS Vibram outsole. Vibram is hard and slippery and does not grip AT ALL. But the Contragrip sole on (most) Salomons is sticky like gum so when you jump between boulders you are less prone to slide right over the top of it. If you were to wear out the sole on the Super Mountain it can be replaced, but I'm not really worried about that for a decade or so.

All in all, this is a high technology boot that is very forgiving to wear. It is not the best for park trails and it may be a little much for the summer.

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