Mountaineering Boots

Expedition, alpine and ice-climbing boots designed primarily for climbing and, though most climbing involves a considerable element of walking, these are not boots to consider if you solely want a walking boot.

Usage: We are often asked "Is this boot suitable for Rum Doodle", or somewhere of that ilk. Beyond the obvious ie that a thin 3 season leather boot is not going to keep your toes warm on Everest, it is hard to be precise on this issue. Some manufacturers are cautious and so may undersell the capabilities of their boots, while others may do the opposite. The way the boot is fitted makes a big difference too. A relaxed fit, with room inside for a medium thick sock, plus a thick mountain sock, and room to wiggle your toes will make a boot a lot warmer than fitting half a size lower and just having room for the mountain sock. Use of an overgaiter increases the warmth. Finally people feel the cold differently.

With all those factors in mind we have given an approximate idea of what each boot is capable of - but it is only a guide. Standard plastic boots have been used on many successful Everest attempts and modern leather boots have been seen on top of Aconcagua - so often you can get away with things that the boots weren't really designed for. At the same time, you might meet with considerably colder temperatures than normal - so don't blame us if all your toes fall off! Ultimately there is no 100% correct foolproof answer.

Fit: Buyers beware, sizing on boots varies a great deal. This is true, not only between different companies but also between different models from the same manufacturers. As most boots are still hand-made, even the same sizes in the same model can vary! When you take all these factors into account, buying boots unseen over the internet is not recommended. Therefore this service is intended for those who have already worked out what size and model they require but for one reason or another cannot get to a shop to make their purchase.

Scarpa also have good advice on fitting boots here. Please note that sizes given are UK or Continental - not USA. Please note that sizes given are UK or Continental - not USA. Please click for a Boot Size Comparison Chart.

Returns: Please note that we cannot under any circumstances at all accept returns of any boots that have been "used" - not even a little bit! This includes a "just a few minutes outside to see what they feel like". Please try your boots on in your own home when you receive them. If you are unhappy with the fit we will refund or replace them provided that they are returned with their packaging and in (in our opinion) "as new" condition. Please see our section on Returns.

Climbing at 8000m: Double Boots suitable for the highest mountains in the world. Some of them, like the Vega, will be equally good for Scottish Winter and the Alps.

Sportiva - Olympus Mons Evo

Special Offer £549.99 !!

A technical boot for Himalayan mountaineering and the extreme demands of cold environments. Very contained external volume and with a weight 15% less than the previous version - the lightest boot of its category. It features a movable collar that allows easy fitting and precision closure. It has a new highly insulating sole, with anti-abrasion rubber reinforcements, suitable for step-in crampons.

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Scarpa - Vega HA

Special Offer £259.99 !!

A new version the classic plastic boot that has stood on the summit of many of the world's biggest peaks. This now has a much improved inner that is capable of coping with the world's highest and coldest places and is quite up to tackling 8000m peaks.

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Scarpa - Replacement High Altitude Inner for Vega

£139.99

Replacement high altitude inners for Scarpa Vegas. Can be fitted into older model outer shells.

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Climbing at 7000m: Double Boots suitable for use up to around 7000m and Alpine Winter climbing.

Boreal - G1 Lite

£424.95

Lightweight double boot consisting of an outer boot and a removable inner boot. A number one choice for peaks like Aconcagua and other classic 7000m mountains.

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Sportiva - Spantik

Special Offer £429.99 !!

Highly innovative insulated boot with removable inner bootie. An excellent alternative to the old fashioned double plastic boot. Ideal for climbing north faces, winter alpinism and for long periods at high altitudes.

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Climbing at 6000m: Boots suitable for use up to around 6000m. Obviously, they will be equally good for Scottish Winter, Continental Icefalls and Summer Alpine. Use by some for Winter Alpine, but if you want to be sure of your toes, use double boots.

Scarpa - Phantom Guide

Special Offer £379.99 !!

Updated version of the superb Phantom Lite, the Phantom Guide is a very light boot with a precise fit and new uppers designed for use in cold conditions.

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Scottish Winter & Summer Alpine Climbing: Boots suitable for use up to around 5000m. Obviously, they will be equally good for Scottish Winter and Summer Alpine.

Sportiva - Nepal Extreme

From £325.00

Once upon a time the ultimate desirable insulated high mountain and winter climbing leather boot and ideal for technical use on high altitude terrain and glaciers, also for Scottish winter climbing. Though it should really have been superseded by more modern and lighter weight designs, Sportiva got it so right with this one that it still sells by the oodle-load, mainly because it seems to fit the majority of customers really well. Half continental sizing ensures a good fit. Available up to size 50.

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Sportiva - Nepal Extreme Women's

£325.00

As for the men's but with a narrower heel and goes down to even smaller sizes. Once upon a time the ultimate desirable insulated high mountain and winter climbing leather boot and ideal for technical use on high altitude terrain and glaciers, also for Scottish winter climbing. Though it should really have been superseded by more modern and lighter weight designs, Sportiva got it so right with this one that it still sells by the oodle-load, mainly because it seems to fit the majority of customers really well. Half continental sizing ensures a good fit.

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Sportiva - Trango Extreme EVO Light (Gore-tex) Men's

£299.99

Designed for the modern alpinist: waterproof, lightweight, insulated and high performance. The ideal balance for people who want a light boot suitable for technical crampons.

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