If you want to have a fine mountaineering trip you need happy feet. Boots that don’t fit correctly can not only cause blisters and painful feet but can be crippling which can lead to serious harm for you and your climbing team. Don’t make the mistake of many novice climbers. Follow the tips below on how to buy mountain climbing boots.
Before Going to the Store:
The first thing you will need before shopping for mountain climbing boots are high quality socks with padding. Use the same socks you will wear with your boots. Then make sure your feet are well with no blisters or fatigue. When you test mountain climbing boots be prepared to spend 20-30 minutes with the pair you buy. Because mountaineering is a dangerous sport, you need to take time to get the right boots. It can make the difference in a safe return home. Plan on spending from $200 to $550 on the right pair of mountain climbing boots.
Start by reviewing what the reputable brands have to offer. Some of my favorite brands are La Sportiva, Asolo and Raichle. Choose a lightweight mountaineering boot which will give you more comfort and cut fatigue. If every time you lift your foot, you lift an extra pound or two (like many of the lead-like mountaineering boots available) you will tire faster than if you had on lighter weight boots. Some women’s boots today are only about 30 ounces. A general mountaineering boot needs to give enough support for vertical climbing but still be flexible for walking. Buy boots that are well-insulated and tough with rigid soles and narrow welts to support footing on all types of rugged terrain.
Testing Mountaineer Boots:
1. Put on your socks (some people wear two pair) and adjust the socks so there are no wrinkles or seams over stress points. Undo the laces of the boots completely and push your foot as far forward as possible and then step your heel down. Start lacing the boot from the toe to top making sure each point is snug without over tightening which will cut-off circulation. If the blood circulation in your feet is restricted your feet may go numb and they will be more likely to freeze. It is crucial that you get a snug fit while still maintaining blood flow. Your feet often swell slightly so plan for this in the fit and stand for some time in the boot to correctly check the fit.
2. Stand in the boot. How does it feel? You need ‘fresh’ feet to try on boots because if your feet already hurt it is difficult to trial mountaineering boots for a proper fit. In a proper fitting boot you will feel no pressure on the outer edge of your big toe, the inside edge of the ball of your foot or the bone on the outside edge on or below your pinky toe.
3. Find an inclined surface to stand on and check to see if your toes hit the inside of the shoe. Kicking a hard surface to see if your toes hit the inside of the boot is an alternate check. You don’t want your toes to hit the boot.
4. Now its time to see how comfortable the boots feel. You want a mountain climbing boot that will stabilize and support your foot without creating any rubbing or pressure on your feet. Walk in the boots, go up and down stairs, lean forward and back, stand on your toes and rock on your heels.
5. Evaluate how much the ankle support there is. The boot should tighten adequately to support your ankles but not be so high that it hits your calves as you walk. Stand on the side of the boot to see how much support it gives your ankles.
6. What is the return policy for the store? If you are spending hundreds of dollars for mountain climbing boots you will want to be able to return them if they don’t fit well.
Mountain Climbing Boots at Home:
Most stores will refund boots that have no wear on them. So when you get home spend a few hours on carpet to make sure the boots still feel good. If not, take them back for a new size or model.
After you have decided they are keepers, start breaking them in on short walks. Don’t take them out overnight until they have some miles on them. On the first over night trip consider bringing along another pair to switch into if the new boots start to feel uncomfortable. It takes some time to break in a new pair of mountain climbing boots so take the time to do it before taking them on your next expedition.
Looking to find the best deal on mountain climbing boots, then visit www.mountain-footwear.com to find great articles on mountaineering and advice on boots.
