A serious boot for serious climbing, yeah not really sure what I was thinking when I picked up these, and the price wasn’t particularly special either.
Let’s talk about the good.
Built to last, without a doubt, from the grippy base, up to the shin hugging top, this is a boot designed to protect you tootsies from the nasty ground that would strain you arch or the loose rock just waiting to turn your unsuspecting ankle.
All of the above is coupled with a fully lined layer of Gortex to keep your feet dry, but not swimming in sweat from your endeavours.
The boot takes a step in or manual crampon with substantial lips on the toe and rear, with a stiffness of C2, the slightest of crags can provide lift with minimal slippage.
Personally I found the fit a little snug sizing 1/2 a size up, with a pair of Darn Tough socks on my feet, if I were to buy them again, I’d go up a full size, I’m normally a UK size 10, additionally the toe box had quite a bit of pressure for my wide feet, those little Italians!
The boots themselves are quite hefty, for those who are counting the grams, but they designed to protect you, not for running up mountains.
Aside from the sizing issue, and given the right environment, these boots will do exactly what they are designed to do, if you expect them to give all day comfort, covering National Trust paths up our highest mountains, you’re going to find them hard going, take them where they’ll be happiest, tundra and snowlines, your feet will thank you for it.
My La Sportiva Trango Tower Extreme cost £299 from Ellis Brigham Sports.
