Mountaineering boots suggestions

Hey all,

I am looking into getting into more winter mountaineering and I am looking for a solid pair of mountaineering boots that will be durable, since it is quite the investment, and fit well for a wider foot since I have hobbit feet. I am out in Colorado, so those Rockies would be where I would be going out too most of the time though I would like to get into higher elevation. So far I have been looking at La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX and the Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX.

Thanks.

For general winter mountaineering those boots are both pretty good, though I’ve heard SCARPAs run wider. If you’re planning on doing more ice climbing or want a winter boot that is both lighter and warmer (but more expensive), check out the SCARPA Phantom Tech boot.

Those boots are both pretty good although for hobbit feet the Scarpas will probably be better. I have very slightly wider than average feet and can just fit in the Nepals comfortably. 

The best advice anyone will ever give you is to go to a shop and just try a bunch of different model from different brands. The quality difference between the a-list brands is negligible and the fit is way more important. 

As others have said, Scarpas fit wide feet better than Sportivas do.  

I stay warmer than most folks, and don't easily get cold feet.  Even so, I have found that for winter alpine, a boot like the Phantom Tech is warmer and more comfortable at cold temperatures.  Temps in the Colorado mountains in winter can get pretty cold, and you may find that the Mont Blanc Pro Gtx boot is not quite warm enough for you in full on winter conditions.  

If you are looking to use the boot for prolonged periods in single digit temperatures or colder, you may want to look at the Phantom Tech or the Mammut Nordwand 6000.  

I’m selling boots if you’re looking.

https://www.mountainproject.com/forum/topic/121773553/mountaineering-boots-mammut-gore-tex-suit-puffy-jacket-pack-rock-shoes-crampons-#ForumMessage-121773742

I would try Scarpas before committing. I find the last curves too much for my feet. I have relatively wide fore-feet and Nepals work for me. You should also look for Mammut boots. Their models are also very wide and I've had good luck finding deals on them as they aren't as popular.

Thanks for all of the recommendations and advice.

Definitely try some on. Wide feet doesn't mean you will like Scarpa. Scarpa width is fine for me but the shape of the arch causes me pain after a short distance. I ended up with Mammut 2.1 (now called Norwand) after trying both Scarpa and La Sportiva boots.

If no stores are close to you, you can order several pairs from REI or Backcountry and try them on then return the ones (or all) that you don't want.

I have a wide forefoot and small heel. Nepal Cubes work great, as well as G5’s. Scarpas felt great in the forefoot, way too sloppy in the heel. Mammut also felt great. Like others said, be prepared to spend time with these, buying a couple pairs, wearing around the house, etc and then send back what doesn’t work. Don’t settle on a boot that isn’t quite right for your foot. And don’t believe the adage that if you have wide feet, Scarpas are automatically better, although I doubt a LS Trango would be good for someone with wide feet. 

Are you planning on multi day objectives? If so a double boot might be a better option as you can dry the liner out at night. They would be overkill for anything but winter in CO, but would be good on higher peaks.

I try to avoid single boots on multi-day trips as they freeze solid at night. 

Victor Machtelwrote:

The best advice anyone will ever give you is to go to a shop and just try a bunch of different model from different brands. The quality difference between the a-list brands is negligible and the fit is way more important. 

This. Enjoy

You didn't mention your size, but I have a pair of good quality Plastic Double Boots I'll let go for $50 if they fit you. I'm in Broomfield for the time being. They would be a good starting point for Winter Mountaineering. PM me.

Koflach Plastic Boots, US 9 1/2 , EU 9