Mountaineering Boots

Recent Mountaineering Boot Reviews

Koflach Arctis Expe

Used these boots in 2010 for 4 years and they were superb and particularly warm and dry. By 2016 after being in an airconditioned closet for 4 years, the plastic shells had cracked so badly they had to be replaced. Replaced shells, used once in 2017 and by 2022 had cracked and torn so badly that they were useless and need to be replaced again. For a couple of years I would consider these are the best boots available but they degrade very quickly to terrible when the shells disintegrate when the… Full review

Salewa Rapace GTX

The 3F System for heel support causes excruciating pain to the Achilles tendon. The 3F System for heel support is truly terrible. The pain in my Achilles tendon has yet to go away, fully 48 hours after only a moderate hike. I can't imagine wearing these all day, or multi-day; I think I'd be crippled. I've been climbing since I was 12 (now in my 50s) and am anything but a newbie. I have never experienced pain like this at the base of my Achilles tendon. These are among the very worst things I've… Full review

Meindl Island GTX Alpin

Excellent ankle support with a stiff footbed for climbing. Meindl quality with unmatched construction and execution for a purpose-built boot. I wanted a boot for rougher terrain and steeper grades. I don't do any mountaineering with rappelling ropes and climbing gear, but these boots meet my needs for my purposes. The ankle support afforded by the MFS system Meindl uses on this model of C rated boot secures your heel and ankle securely in the boot with no movement at all. Laces can be adjusted with… Full review

The North Face Verto S6k Glacier GTX

The most comfortable ice climbing and mountaineering boot ever made!! Fit: Just amazing for walking and general mountaineering. Could be stiffer and tighter for ice climbing, but would still prefer the TNF boots any day because of comfort.  Comfort: OMG—so nice!!  Support: All you need for mountaineering, see above.  Water resistance: Still waterproof, even on a summer glacier. Just amazing quality.  Traction: ?? It´s a Vibram sole??  Temp control: Low elevation mountaineering.  Construction… Full review

La Sportiva Nepal EVO GTX

Bomb proof boots. The Nepal Sportiva mountaineering boots are intended for full alpinism activities. They are warm under the coldest of temperatures and, yet, do feel light. Their overall quality is undeniable. The boots perform beautifully with full step-in crampons and the sole's rigidity works wonders protecting your feet from the crampon's duress. Ankle length is convenient and doesn't restrict feet's freedom of movement.   The outer material is soft and durable, fully waterproof, and does… Full review

Alico New Guide

I purchased the Alico New Guides several years ago and put them away. Now that we have moved to the mountains I have started wearing them for hikes and walks on the dirt roads in our neighborhood. I don’t understand the concerns over break in. I left the top a little loose and they have been comfortable from day one. Great boots! Just started wearing the Guides, so limited experience with them, but so far no issues and I love them. Full review

Salewa Rapace GTX

High end boots that are truly next level. Worth the price premium. Had these for five years now. They are my favorite boots. Quality is top notch. Super comfortable. Very stylish design. Love the way they lace up. You can lace them tight and the heel will be locked in, without being uncomfortable.  Sizing is just right. I don't do any actually mountaineering in them but they are great for hiking.  The insole is good, but I replaced it with ones better suited to high arches. The ankle support is… Full review

Salewa Rapace GTX

I recently retired my 2011. Mainly worn in the Sierras on multi-day hikes and locally on the Sant Cruz mountains. Lasted 10 years! Loved those boots. I am female 5ft 6, about 128 lbs and my then-boyfriend bought these. I tried them on and they fit like a glove. I am European so maybe it's the European last Salewa uses that fit my feet so well. I have never worn women's Salewas. Most manufacturers of women's shoes think we have feet like Barbie, so that's why I now only buy men's shoes. The laces… Full review

Kayland Super Rock GTX

Excellent boots for those moments where a hiking shoe does not provide us with the necessary stiffness or insulation. Also, for those days where we will be for long days on snow or ice.   These boots are the most comfortable I have had the opportunity to use. They are excellent for times where we feel that a trekking boot will not be enough, either due to stiffness or insulation. I always try to use them in my high mountain outings until the moment where I have to start using double boots, since… Full review