La Sportiva Aequilibrium Speed GTX

These are the proper footwear for three-season mountaineering in the Pacific Northwest. You are free to disagree, and I respect your right to be incorrect.

Do you like heavy boots? Is your idea of a good time breaking in six-pound leather monstrosities over a five-year period to the point that they conform to the curvature of your arches perfectly? Do you consider boots a once in a lifetime expenditure that will last you a lifetime and still have enough life in them so that, if they have exactly the same size flippers as you, the boots can be handed down for three generations? Do you climb mountains in double plastic boots because you like stiff, heavy boots? Does the phrase, "light is right," make you throw-up a little? Do you chant, "pack light, freeze at night," as you plan your trips?

If so, everything about these boots will anger you. Proceed at your own risk. 

The La Sportiva Aequilibrium Speed GTX mountaineering boot was designed for three-season mountaineering where speed and light weight are the order of the day. As a matter of fact, even referring to these footwear as "boots" risks summoning the ghost of Peter Limmer Sr. 

The idea of these boots is that, the less time you are on the mountain, the less chances there are of it killing you with a rock or icefall. Speed, is a form of safety. As the famous Mr. Miyagi said, "best defense, no be there."

My Experience: Over the years I have climbed all of the Washington State volcanoes, plus Mt. Hood (which we claim as ours) wearing everything from old Raichle mountaineering boots, Mammut Mamook boots, Mammut Mamook GTX Reviews - Trailspace and I've been through two pairs of Salomon S-Lab X Alp Carbon GTX boots Salomon S-Lab X Alp Carbon GTX Reviews - Trailspace.

I am firmly in the lightweight boot camp.

Description: The Aequilibrium is really a heavy-duty sneaker with a zip-up gaiter that goes over it.  much like my old Salomons but heavier duty and more waterproof. They only weigh 1# 2.7oz and close via a quick slide drawcord.  The zip-up outer gaiter has padding to protect your ankles and provides a waterproof boundary.  

Sizing: La Sportiva is known to run a little narrow and these are no exception.  I usually wear a 9.5 and opted for the size 43 instead of 42 as I normally would.  

From the Manufacturer: From alpine hikes to summiting snowy peaks, the La Sportiva Aequilibrium Speed GTX Mountaineering Boot is a versatile and lightweight mountaineering boot designed for moving fast in technical terrain. The Aequilibrium Speed GTX Mountaineering Boot is a single boot that incorporates a super gaiter for enhanced waterproof protection. A Gore-Tex Performance Comfort liner blocks out moisture for additional weather protection, and a synthetic PU rand seals up the boot and guards against abrasion. Vibram Dura Step tread provides maximum grip on icy and snowy terrain, and an impact brake system combined with Double Heel makes for tons of grip, traction, and stability on descents. The quick-lace system combined with the zip-up gaiter makes putting on these boots super easy, and the rear of the boot features a heel welt for use with semi-automatic crampons.

My use experience: I've worn the Aequilibrium shoes on Mt Rainier (14,000+ ft) three times this summer on climbs and day trips to Camp Muir (10,000 ft). 

My favorite features:  I truly love the light weight and waterproof gaiter, which keeps me from needing clunky knee-high gaiters to keep the snow out of my boots but what I appreciate even more is the tread. These boots have a super knobby, two-prong heel that bites onto hard snow and provides cat-like grip on rocks.    

The boots feature a heel lip that makes them compatible with semi-auto crampons. Full-auto crampons would be a waste of effort to use with these boots because, unlike many conventional mountaineering boots, the Aequilibrium has a semi-flexible sole, rendering them useless for front-pointing with crampons.

Cons: These boots are the same height as trailrunner sneakers and offer absolutely no ankle support. If you already hike in trailrunners you probably already have strong enough ankles to rock these. Those with weak ankles from years in tall boots beware.  Also, like all mountaineering boots, these have a hard plastic midsole plate that makes your feet MISERABLE on packed trails so get a good pair of arch supporting insoles before wearing the Aequilibrium boots. Unless you LIKE not feeling your middle two toes.   

Style points:  YES, this ABSOLUTELY matters, though, as always, I respect your right to be incorrect. There was a frozen body on Mt. Everest that was a landmark on the trail from 1996 to 2014 who was known simply as "Green Boots," because of...well, his boots. Your boots could be the only thing people remember about you for decades...make an impression! That said, the Aequilibrium boots looked fast to me, even while they were sitting on the clearance rack at REI where I found them. Nothing screams, "look at me!" quite like bright boots that are the color of the biggest toy company in the world...McDonald's. 

Durability: The Aequilibrium look soft but the lower portion is covered in a hard rubber that resists abrasion and protects your anklebone. The tread, so far, show zero wear. 

Summary: To be honest, my badass years of being fast and light are in my rearview mirror. If ever I had any. I'm pushing 50 and any advantage I can get to make sure my old ass can still make it up the mountain is something I'll take. These boots do the job, keep you warm, and might contribute to you being faster, and therefore safer in the mountains.  

Background

I've worn many styles of mountaineering boots and now that I'm older I stick to lightweight styles.