What To Look For
Look for a boot that has a sole that grips and can easily accommodate crampons, especially if you'll be doing any glacier or other ice travel. A one-piece upper with lock-down laces is ideal to help with ankle support. Insulated boots are helpful if you are traveling in any weather that isn't hot. Plastic mountaineering boots are best suited for extremely cold or wet weather but are not as flexible as leather upper boots. Moisture causes blisters, so look for breathable and water-wicking materials for the inside of your boot. Fully-gusseted boot tongues that cover the openings of the uppers are also important for repelling water. A scree collar is a helpful feature on higher boots to protect your ankle or Achilles tendon from chafing.
Common Pitfalls
Avoid purchasing mountaineering boots in the morning. Your feet will change shape and swell a bit throughout the day, so it's important to purchase your boots in the afternoon or evening. Don't forget to wear the socks that you will use for hiking when you try on the boots. Make sure your boots fit well. Your boots should be snug but should not rub or be particularly tight on any pressure point. Some brands use different measurements for their sizes, so be prepared to try other sizes if your given size doesn't fit quite right.
Where To Buy
Mountaineering boots can be purchased at specialty online backpacking stores, outdoor adventure gear stores, sporting goods stores and some department stores. Avoid purchasing mountaineering boots at discount stores if you can, as the selection is rarely large enough to suit a wide variety of mountaineering skills and needs.
Cost
Mountaineering boots can range from $150 to over $700, depending on the construction and materials. The Zamberlan 1009 Vioz Top GT RR Mountaineering Boot is an insulated backpacking boot that has enough support to enable the wearer to carry up to a 50-pound pack. It has a soft, one-piece leather upper with a Gore-Tex and Duratherm liner for warmth. Rated as one of the best mountaineering boots, it costs $309 and is offered through the Zamberlan website. The Vasque Breeze GTX XCR is a lighter-weight waterproof boot with good ankle protection and can support a wearer carrying about 30 pounds. Best for day trips, this boot retails for $160.
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