La Sportiva Glacier

I've had these boots for over 4 years now and they have performed very well as an all around mountaineering boot. The Pros are... Very very durable, stick to rocks like a mountain goats hoof, work well with crampons, they keep your feet warm in freezing temperatures (with a Gobi Liner, thick Cold Weather Sock, and a Vapor Barrier Sock if its really cold) but can also be worn in warmer temps without over heating your feet, and they keep your feet dry in wet conditions. The Cons are... 10 to 20 hour break in period, heavy boot weight decreases endurance, and my biggest gripe about this boot is the poor ankle support. I'm not able to get these boots tight around my ankles and my lower leg. I'm able to fit 2 to 3 fingers in between my ankle and the boot and that has always bugged me. I'm 6'4" and 185 Ibs so I have pretty skinny legs so this little problem may not be as big as a deal for the average person. Overall, a very good all purpose mountaineering boot. Just be sure you like the fit. I'm going to try the La Sportiva Lhoste GTX for my next boot. It looks like it has a little more upper ankle support.

After one field season in the Argentine Precordillera these boots are still in great shape. Durability is what I wanted, and is exactly what was delivered with these boots. In addition, the break-in process was relatively short and pain free. I love the lacing system on these boots, very responsive and really locks in my foot when I need it. The sole is quite durable and is great for kicking steps into steep scree covered slopes. Some brief dunks into shallow mountain streams confirmed the water resistance, and the roughout leather uppers still look untarnished (considering most of the foliage is drenched in spines). My only complaint is poor ventilation, but this was not a surprise, rather a trade off for an excellent pair of durable and solid boots. Lastly, my feet were incredibly supported with a ~50lbs load in my pack walking on uneven and often steep paths (thanks Guanacos!). I have previously used inexpensive light-duty backpacking boots (Asolo, Montrail, etc.) and after using these I can't imagine going back unless my field work takes a turn for benign and equable environments (not likely).

i spend most of my free time hiking around in the southern nevada desert. the environment here is extremely hard on footwear. the rocks are jagged and razor sharp and stepping on cactus is almost unavoidable. i have been through many types and brands of boots over the years and have not been able to make a pair last more than a year or so. i bought these boots a couple of months ago and have about a hundred miles on them. the reviews are correct. buy them a half size bigger than you normally wear. they are stiff but break in readily. after getting used to the extra support it is more than welcome. ive already punished them and i can tell they are tough and resilient. they are relatively light but offer excellent foot protection. over all i think these are the best boots ive ever owned and expect to get several years of good comfortable service from them. furthermore they look frickin awesome! backcountry's service rocks too (bought the wrong size at first and the return/reorder process was pain free).

I bought this boot after reading a number of posts and rave reviews from others. I was in the market for a boot for mixed mountain routes, but something lighter than say the Makalu boot. The half shank sole on this boot provided just the right balance that I was looking for. It is stiff enough for hybrid crampon use, but flexes enough to be used for a supportive backpacking boot as well. I wore the boots a couple of days for break-in and then hit a trail just prior to a snowstorm. The boots performed well both on trail (mixed) and on return through 2 feet of snow. One suggestion is to ditch the insoles on these boots as they provide little to no support. I ran the Sole Dean Karnazes heat moldable insoles. These made a significant difference to how the boots felt and the have about the same padding as the originals so as not to take up any of the toe box's volume. Overall, I am very excited to put some miles on these boots.

For the most part I have found this boot to be good. Seems to have rugged constuction (only time will truely test that). There is really only one thing I was dissatisified with, and the problem has corrected itself. If you don't spend a few good weeks breaking these boots in, and you attemp a semi-signifigant incline, the footbeds will slide on you (espically on the downhill) causing you get get blisters if you don't correct the footbed as needed on the trail.

My feet do tend to get cold easily, but in this boot with wool socks on and a little snow creeping in the back of my boots, my feet still stay warm as long as I am moving.

I don't necessarly believe the price is entirely worth it but again only time will tell. Between the footbed issue (even though it is better now), the price, and the question of durability still to be answered, I give it 4 stars.

By far the best boot I have ever owned. I have had them about 6 years and they still have good support on side hills. The soles hold up very well. Hiking up steep terrain is a breeze and coming down is not bad either. The sole has good down hill breaking ability built into the heel piece, IMO. I wish they were water proof and I don't like the design of the lace holder (where lace threads through black/yellow nylon strap) It is wearing thin. Not sure what to do when that breaks because the rest of the boot is still in great shape. I use them mainly for deer/elk hunting. I have packed out many animals/camps in these boots and they have held up great with the extra weight I have put on them, (over 100 pounds at times)