The North Face Verto S6k Glacier GTX

Light and comfortable, but solid boots with a full shank that take any crampons if needed.

Comfort/Ease of use:

I did what you should never do — bought these a couple of hours before a climb into pretty difficult conditions. I'm really glad I did though. We climbed up into knee to hip high fresh powder snow. Breaking trail and kicking steps was not a problem.

Due to the worse than expected conditions we never made it to the peak but my feet were never a concern. I had solid footing and could manoeuvre well, and the S6K's never gave me any blisters or painful spots around the ankles or shins. For these type of boots the comfort out of the box kind of surprised me.

Fit:

I have narrow feet. The S6K's have a tight locking heel and a little bit wider toe box that I think works well for narrow to normal feet. I think if you have wide feet these will not work for you. The lace lock around the ankle works well to tie your foot area, and perhaps go a bit looser up top. The soft  gaiter like top is comfortable on the calfs and shin. 

Use:

On subsequent climbs in similar and some milder conditions my overall impression was that I'm very very glad I bought these. On one climb I had packed but left my crampons and was debating climbing up as the trail started steep and icy. The hard sole, front crampon well and relatively sharp side edge of the Verto S6K, allowed me to kick hard enough to get just that little edge I needed.

Performed very well and although it was a long hard climb, these were really comfortable till the end. Construction and material seems rock solid but after only one season I can't say much about durability. 

Overall, light and comfortable, but solid boots with a full shank that take any crampons if needed.

The most comfortable ice climbing and mountaineering boot ever made!!

Fit: Just amazing for walking and general mountaineering. Could be stiffer and tighter for ice climbing, but would still prefer the TNF boots any day because of comfort. 

Comfort: OMG—so nice!! 

Support: All you need for mountaineering, see above. 

Water resistance: Still waterproof, even on a summer glacier. Just amazing quality. 

Traction: ?? It´s a Vibram sole?? 

Temp control: Low elevation mountaineering. 

Construction and durability: Does not look it, but the most durable I have ever used. 

Conditions: Have used this boot on and off for years. Would use it more if I could buy a new pair. 

Background

Climbed hard ice for years and work(ed) as a guide on 12 hour + days.