First Mountaineering/Ice Climbing Boot

Can anyone lend some advice on shopping for a first winter boot? I'm looking to start ice climbing this winter and do some technical winter ascents. I've been shopping around a little bit but still not exactly sure what I'm looking for. Needs to be crampon compatible and I am hoping to spend really no more than $350, but price won't be the deciding factor. Any help?!

A used pair of Nepal Evos will get you far!

Fit is key.

An old blog post on boots: (Hasn't been updated in a while, but most of the general information still holds true.)

larsonweb.com/boots/

My son climbs in these Asolo Eiger GV boots, and really likes them:

rockandice.com/lates-news/a…

Boots to try on besides the Asolo Eiger GV would include:

Sportiva Nepal and Cube

ukclimbing.com/gear/review.…

Scarpa Mont Blanc

scarpa.com/mont-blanc-pro-gtx

Aku Monanagnard (Sierra Trading post pretty regularly has coupons for an additional 30% off, so these could be a bargain if they fit your foot.)(Their latest coupon is 35% off, so these come to $233)

sierratradingpost.com/aku-m…

Sportiva Batura and Scarpa Phantom Guide (and similar) are also good choices, particularly if you have feet that get cold easily.

I'll second the Sportiva Nepals. I use them for ice climbing, couloirs, winter peaks, rainier, pretty much everything

The only time they are not warm enough is on very cold days when I'm standing around belaying for ice climbing, but I think it is more from my sweaty feet than the boots. but everyone's feet are different.

I find that the nepals are a great balance of stiffness for ice climbing but enough comfort to hike a peak

I also put in a vote for the Nepal Evo's, I have used them for everything from ice climbing down to 0 degrees, to mountaineering in North Cascades in the Summer (a little warm, but do able) and everything in between. Well worth the investment if they fit your foot right.

What size are you?

size: 44.5