La Sportiva Spantik

I just got these boots in the mail and there are a couple things about them people might want to know. First, they weigh 5lbs and 8oz per pair (size 43) which is more than stated on all the websites. Their weight is actually identical to the old pair of red koflach degree boots that I own. Second, their half sizes aren't real half sizes (much like Koflach used to do). I ordered a size 43 and a size 43-½. Both boots are marked with their sizes AND both boots are IDENTICAL. I spent a good hour measuring, weighing, and comparing both inner and outer boots and couldn't figure out any real difference between the two sizes. Yet, even with the above issues, these are some seriously cool boots. They really look, feel, and seem to be on a whole new plane of boot above and beyond the koflach boots. The outer shell is primarily solid rubber and plastic rand along with a thick plastic/rubber material mixed with leather on the upper parts of the boot. Only a small portion of the outer boot actually is covered in leather. Most of the inside of the outer boot is also lined with a layer of 'hard' insulation (about 1/8 inch thick), which differs from the old plastic boots which have no outer boot insulation. The inner boot reminds me a bit of the Asolo inner boots, if you've ever seen those, and come with a thin removable liner. The boot as a whole already has an ergonomic fit, the outer boot sole is shaped to fit a foot and has built in arch support etcetera. Because of this superfeet-like insoles aren't needed (and won't fit well). The boot leaves decent room to wiggle your toes. The boot also walks amazingly well, with much better ankle flex than the old plastics, the outer shell bends a bit like a leather boot. I've never ice climbed in anything but a plastic, so we'll see how that flexibility does on vertical ice, but I've only heard great things so I'm not too worried. Personally boots tend to dig into my Achilles heel when torqued from front pointing. From what I can tell these boots do an amazing job of protecting your ankles and spreading the strain around your whole foot. When I stand on tiptoe I can't even figure out how the boot is grabbing my foot? I take that as a sign of a very well designed boot. Hope the above info is useful. Lastly, they no longer come with extra laces. Plus, the size of this boot is very consistent with most of the industry. I wear a size 8.5-9 street shoe, 9.5 backpacking boot and size 10 double boot and the size 43 Spantik seems just right for me (or size 43.5, since they are actually the same size)

Today, I spent more than one hour trying the 43 and 43 1/2 size (La Sportiva recommended me 43), up, down a steep slope, walking around, again and again. I wear normally La Sportiva 43 (Nepal Extreme, Trango S, and Cirque Pro) or ski shoes 275mm (Salomon, Dynafit).
Dear Anonymous, Indeed, the shell outer size might be the same between 43 and 43 1/2 (thanks to your review, I checked and you might be right), but the inner life is slightly larger in the 43 1/2 than the 43:
- the inner sole bed is slightly longer in the 43 1/2 than the 43 (remember: half French size is only 3.3mm, 0.13in):
- down the slope, I touched the tip of the inner boot with the 43, and slightly felt the tip of the inner boot with the 43 1/2;
- I felt a tad too much "compressed" in the 43, not the case in the 43 1/2;
- I can add up a second thinner pair of socks in the 43 1/2.
I went for the 43 1/2, not a big difference (3.3mm in length) but felt better and enough room if my feet swell (one side effect of altitude besides AMS).
Take the time with the Spantik as they are quite snug fit (I have rather a narrow foot) and the difference between two half sizes makes the difference, indeed (44 was definitvely too large), do not hesitate to walk down a slope (toe contact?) and go up (heel lift?) to feel comfortable in the shoe.
They are way better than plastic double boots (my Scarpa Vega aka Inverno inner boot failed and totally gave out, I was just floating in the shoe), much more comfortable ( I started a few years ago with the Vasque ICE 9000, great shoes but too roomy for my heel and front pointing became a torture), and precise (yes one can climb with those newest generation double boots).
So now I have the field test to complete, but with the experience of the the ICE 9000, I have no doubts. La Sportiva simply rocks and celebrate 80 years of success.

If you're thinking about these and can spare the $$, get them.
One negative - when I first got them and tried them on in the living room, one of the eyelet/grommets popped off of the INNER boot as I was lacing it (and without excessively pulling on the lace). I sent them back and got a new pair. However, the lacing system is really nice and holds very well. Makes it much easier to deal with when you're cold, tired, and hypoxic.
These boots are warm and extremely comfy, even on the approach - especially compared with plastics. I have a wide-ish forefoot and usually go through numerous makes and models to find a decent fitting boot. Sportivas have always been too narrow, but I was told to try these as they had wider fit. I usually wear 9 -9.5 US, and have worn 10's with some plastics just to get the width right. Size 43.5 Spantiks fit great. I doubt there is a more comfortable and agile double boot available.

So with 43 1/2 I went for a try, and by the end of the day I had to admit that the size would fit our Alp conditions, even in Winter (one pair socks on), but with two pairs and some room for a little toe twiggle for higher goals, the size is a tad too tight, so I change to 44 1/2 which enable two pair of socks and a liner if necessary.
Moreover, I tried the shoe in the morning in the store and in the late afternoon for going wild, foot just swell over day (a little bit, but enough). So go in the late afternoon to try shoes.
The Sanptik has a ca. 100mm last, but the shell is quite narrow at the tip (my Trango S have the same narrow tip) and press in the inner shoe, so again take the time for choosing, the price is high for a too tight shoe in heights. Larger feet should go for another last/type of shoe.
Emmanuel.

This product is amazing! I live in Alaska and use them for winter ice climbing. They are not even technically ice climbing boots--more of a cold-weather technical mountaineering boot that favors real steep to vertical terrain. But they are stupid light! I used to use Koflach Degre's for winter climbing (but they hurt my feet--too narrow). These boots are infinitely lighter, and because of that, they are incredibly precise! I don't feel like I'm trying to aim heavy weights when I swing my foot to plant a front point. These boots are so light they are lighter than my single layer old leather La Sportivas. I'm not a huge fan of the lacing system, but it hasn't failed me yet. I have a medium-wide foot with a high arch. I usually wear men's size 8, but I have the Spantiks in 42.