Mountaineering Boot Reviews

Mountaineering boots have come a long way since the days of massive leather double boots--they're warmer, lighter, and more comfortable than ever before. But they also cost hundreds of dollars a pair, so it's key to make the right choice. Climbing's reviews of mountaineering and ice climbing boots, along with in-depth articles on boot fitting and care, will get you off on the right foot.
  • Lowa-Boot-660

    Stellar All-Arounder

    On steep and technical ice—or loose, sketchy ledges—precise foot placement is critical. The Lowa Weisshorn GTX ($460; lowaboots.com) made even the most unstable terrain manageable. “It fit me like a second layer of skin—never awkward or bulky,” said a Vermont tester after multi-pitch ice climbs at Lake Willoughby. The secret?

  • Scarpa-Rebel-GTX-158

    Alpine Alternative

    Right out of the box, the Scarpa Rebel GTX Carbon ($439; scarpa.com) was an excellent addition to our tester’s alpine boot quiver. At a scant 21 ounces per boot, it’s no surprise that speedster Ueli Steck had a hand in designing them. Our tester found them best suited for moderate alpine rock and snow climbing in environments where you need more support and warmth than an approach shoe, and may want to wear crampons.

  • 2012 Gear Guide: Alpine

    2012 Gear Guide: Alpine

    Dig out your crampons and sharpen your ice axes: Here's the best alpine climbing gear of 2012.

  • 2011 Gear Guide: Boots

    2011 Gear Guide: Boots

    Versatility. That' what all the summer mountaineering boots and approach shoes in this review have in common. To find this season's best treads, numerous testers for Climbing and Backpacker magazines hammered more than 25 pairs of kicks for six months, from Vermont to Colorado to the Himalayas.

  • 2011 Gear Guide : Editors' Choice

    2011 Gear Guide : Editors’ Choice

    After months of testing on hundreds of routes, Climbing magazine's editors offer up their picks for the most innovative, useful, and just damn good gear of the year. The Singing Rock Crux, Mammut Smart Alpine, Black Diamond Gridlock Screwgate, Petzl Grigri 2, Five Ten Arrowhead, Arc'Teryx Squamish Hoody, Beal Joker 9.1, North Face Verto, and Salewa Rapace GTX all won high praises and took home the Editors' Choice Award.

  • 2010 Gear Guide: Kayland Hyper Traction

    The Kayland Hyper Traction is a technical mountaineering boot with a fixed inner boot, and it shines in cold weather.

  • 2009 Gear Guide: Boreal G1 Lite

    2009 Gear Guide: Boreal G1 Lite

    Boreal’s new G1 Lite is a welcome featherweight (4lbs, 12oz/pair) entry in the mountaineering double-boot category. The G1 Lite is exceptionally warm and durable — so, perfect for expeditions and alpine climbing in extreme cold — thanks to several techy features.

  • 2003 Climbing Boot Review

    Double boots for mountaineering are invaluable for frigid days or long ski approaches, and they can’t be beat if your feet are naturally cold. When you’re hunting for double boots, it’s easy to get too concerned with a boot’s technical specs and flashy image.