Crampon-compatible mountaineering boots
Made for mountains
All the boots tested and reviewed here are ideal for Scottish winter hillwalking and
mountaineering and are crampon compatible (B2 in all cases). Mountaineering
boots have a rigid sole and feature stiff, supportive uppers with a high
ankle cuff, providing greater protection, support and warmth. All four boots
tested have leather uppers, which give a more precise fit and offer greater
sensitivity and feel than plastic shells. Achieving a precise and accurate
fit is vital when choosing your new boots as poor fitting footwear
will result in discomfort, rubbing leading to blisters and misery. Seek
expert advice and assistance from a reputable outdoor shop, spend plenty of
time trying boots on and don't forget to take along the walking socks you'd
expect to subsequently use with your new purchase.
Raichle 60 Degree MS |
|
Of the four boots on test, the Raichle 60 Degree
MS was the most comfortable to wear straight from the box - there was no
need for any uncomfortable breaking in period. The Vibram Icetrek rubber sole
with PU shock absorbing wedge
offers superb grip and protection and is B2 crampon compatible. The outer is
made from 3mm Roughout leather and there's an anti-bacterial lining to stop
your feet ponging too badly after a hard day on the hills. What I liked
most about this boot, however, was the superb comfort it offered with
generous padding on the tongue and neck and around the ankle area which felt
soft but provided sufficient support. These are boots you would not be in a
hurry to take off. The 60 Degree also has a good, modern look to it and
comes at a very good price. Highly recommended. |
|
| Weight 1959gm |
|
| Colour graphite |
|
| Sizes 3-8.5 (ladies) and 6-12 and 13 (mens) |
|
| Price £125.00 |
For more info, log on to www.raichle.com |
Salomon Super Mountain Lite |
|
Featuring the latest Salomon Advanced Chassis
technology, the new Super Mountain Lite is a great four season mountain
walking boot with superb modern styling. The Advanced Chassis offers the wearer
great feel and shock damping whilst enabling compatibility with
semi-automatic crampons and, for those looking for the fastest way off a
hill, ski blades. The mountain leather upper, PU sling-shot rand and
speed lacing system provide great comfort, stability and foot protection and
there's plenty of padding on the tongue, around the neck and around the
ankle area. The low weight (this was the lightest of our boots on test)
makes this boot a joy to walk in and the price offers excellent value for
money. Recommended. |
|
| Weight 1800gm |
|
| Colour grey with yellow trim |
|
| Sizes 7-12.5 |
|
| Price £129.99 |
For more info, log on to www.salomonsports.co.uk |
Scarpa Manta M4 Tech |
|
Based upon the original Manta, the new model has
been substantially modernised with the addition of Scarpa's 'Comfort
Technology' and has won high acclaim from both users and the outdoor press. Shaped around the RS mountaineering
last and made from rugged 3mm reversed Crosta leather with HS water-resist
treatment, the new Manta is an excellent mountain walking boot and has B2
crampon compatibility. The Vibram
M4 Tech sole with an 'Ultralight' insert is lighter and provides better
underfoot cushioning than its forerunner. Fitted with Scarpa's Minispeed
lace system, the Manta also incorporates the new E.last lace hooks which
making lacing up easy and exact. The new Manta provides the very
latest in mountain walking boot technology. The boots were very comfortable
to wear and provided a very good level of ankle support. Highly recommended. |
|
| Weight 1904gm |
|
| Colour navy |
|
| Sizes 40-48 |
|
| Price £150.00 |
For more info, log on to www.scarpa.co.uk |
Zamberlan 3100 Biafo RR Plus |
 |
The Biafo RR
Plus is an all round mountaineering and heavy backpacking boot with B2
crampon compatibility. Superb comfort is offered thanks to the foot wrapping
lacing system in combination with the special hardware and exact fit is
provided by the sculptured padding. The stiff midsole in combination with
the new Vibram Vertige sole and the protective thermoplastic toe and heel
give good grip, durability and foot protection and makes the boot compatible
with a range of crampons. The lining is Cambrelle and the padding close cell
foam and the Biafo offers a good, comfortable fit with plenty of support. The boot upper is Hydrobloc Nabuk leather
(durable and water resistant) with additional protection
provided by the RRS rubber reinforcement system which skirts round the lower
portion of the foot. A women's version is
available and the boot, which is distributed by Wynnster, comes with a handy
care guide. A great boot from a company with an excellent pedigree. |
|
| Weight 1950gm |
|
| Colour plumb |
|
| Sizes 38-42 (ladies) and 42-46 (mens) |
|
| Price £150.00 |
For more info, log on to www.zamberlan.com or www.wynnster.co.uk |
Footwear sizes chart
| English |
Continental |
|
English |
Continental |
|
| 2 |
34 |
|
7 |
41 |
|
| 2.5 |
35 |
|
7.5 |
41 |
|
| 3 |
35 |
|
8 |
42 |
|
| 3.5 |
36 |
|
8.5 |
43 |
|
| 4 |
37 |
|
9 |
43 |
|
| 4.5 |
37 |
|
9.5 |
44 |
|
| 5 |
38 |
|
10 |
45 |
|
| 5.5 |
39 |
|
10.5 |
45 |
|
| 6 |
39 |
|
11 |
46 |
|
| 6.5 |
40 |
|
11.5 |
47 |
|
Note: Actual weight of
boots will depend on size selected.
