Scarpa Thermo Matterhorn

This heavy leather mountaineering boot is great for cold weather climbing on ice cliffs, alpine rock and glaciers. It is a very nicely constructed boot with a one-piece leather upper, full sticky rubber rands, and a thinsulate lining. The thinsulate lining means that the boot is warm enough to be used in full winter conditions - although probably not warm enough for the himalaya or alaska. It also means that it will probably be a bit too warm for typical summer mountaineering conditions in the Alps, Colorado or the Cascades. It has a nice high cut that supports well for long sessions of front pointing on ice walls; yet, still allows for enough flexibility for alpine rock and for 'french' technique on glaciers or low-angle ice. The sole has a bit of rocker to it, which adds to its comfort whilst walking. This rocker means that they work extremely well with the latest generation of the technical step-in crampons like the grivel rambocomp (for steep ice/mixed). It also works fine with semi-rigid crampons like the BD sabretooth (for alpine). They did not fit very well with the old 'flat' rigid crampons like footfangs.

The last is a bit wider and more forgiving than La Sportiva Nepal Extremes or my old Salomon Super Mountain Guide 9's. Quite comfortable right out of the box for the hike in and the first day's climbing. After a long day of ice cragging, I did have some pain during the 3 mile hike back out to the car. However, with each successive climbing day, they've gotten better and better. I highly recommend these boots for all phases of winter mountaineering unless you are heading to the coldest places on earth.