I'm looking for a new pair of boots for the Alps and UK winter. I've eventually decided that something like the Scarpa Manta is likely to be too hot and stiff for paths and trails in an Alpine summer, but still want something for a decent, longish glacier crossing and, perhaps, the occasional easy peak en route. A B1 rated boot seems the best option. Any opinions on a B1 boot that is comfortable for long days on paths, plus scrambling, snow and easy ice? I also have slightly dodgy knees and hips (a wreck!) so boots that allow for a reasonably natural gait could be a big bonus. Talking of crampons - is there such a thing as a 12 point C1, or are they all 10 point? Any recommendations? Neal
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Get the boot that fits you best — there really isn't any other answer, cos most of the B1 boots from Scarpa, Zamberlan, Meindl, Asolo, Raichle and the like are very good.
As for the crampons, I think an answer would be to get the widely available Grivel G12 crampon (C2) and fit the flexible linking bars for the G10s (C1) which can be bought separately.
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There is a whole genre of boots such as the Scarpa Charmoz and the LaSportiva Trango S Evo that are designed for summer alpine walking, glaciers, easy climbs, via ferrata etc. They'll take crampons with a heel clip, which is nice, so would go well with say Grivel Airtechs, which are somewhat less aggressive than the G12s, or CAMP Ice Riders or Stalkers. The Stalkers have a flexible bar, like the G10s. Still overkill on paths though; mebbe some very light trail shoes, which you could use in the huts would be good too - I've even seen climbers in the Dolomites wearing flip-flops on the trails.
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| Edited: 28/02/08 14:12 |
 I use the Scarpa SL's, a top boot. They take the Grivel G10's with the heel clip rather then beign strap on which is great. Worth a try if they fit you. I use them for summer too.
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SLs do me very nicely - have done for years. I never use my heavyweight Meindl B2s now, the snow and ice conditions in Scotland so rarely justify them (just back from 9 days there - never even got my axe out, first time ever). I've used the SLs (+ crampons) in winter/spring conditions in Iceland, Norway, the Atlas in spring, Alps too - absolutely fine. I have 4 pairs on the go (or 5?), keeping the best for winter and serious trips. I've not tried the latest ones, which look less robust than older models. My crampons are probably C1s - but quite old - again, no probs at all. A great boot - yes, even used year-round, so I get full use out of the more worn ones.
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I have the Raichle All degree lites
They are a fantastic boot. The Old version has a stiffer sole, so its C2 but the newer version is rated at C1.
I been using mine all winter in Norway, and they have been outstanding.
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 I bought a new pair of Scarpa SL's the other day. I have tried a couple of other boots over the years but always seem to return to Scarpas. Once I have used by new boots for a couple of outtings I'll get my old pair resoled through Tisos. I use them summer and winter.
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A number of people have recommended the Raichle All Degree Lites, and mentioned the rather odd B1-B2 rating they now seem to have. So, what crampon to buy for them? Mine are antiques and due for replacement....
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I took my boots along to a shop and tried both C1 and C2 crampons, they both fitted well, the Raichles have a small cleet at the back which is usually found on C2 rated boots, but i went safe and bought the Grivel G10's.
Hope this helps
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 Ultimately the choice will be determined by fit! However, I've had a pair of the Mt Trail XT GTX for 3 years, and have recently acquired another pair even though the first aren't worn out yet, because I like them so much. Some years ago Raichle (as they were then) had some quality control problems, so if you search for reviews, you'll find people complaining that bits were falling or peeling off, and I had to stick a narrow piece of peeling rand back down, but that's the only problem I've had. They've subsequently changed the shape of the rand which makes the rand less likely to peel at the corners in the first place. I found these boots comfy from the box and they didn't really require breaking in, though I went on a couple of short walks before taking them on a 12 miler. I've found the comfort excellent, and they've held up extremely well to bashing around on the hills and mountains in all weather. The only times I've got wet in them have been wading through rivers or not bothering to put on waterproof trousers and rain running down the inside of my trousers. The thinner leather holding the tongue shows no sign of wearing. I had a pair of SLs for a short while - sold them on when they ate my heels: the Raichle fit's different... And I found the Raichle's a bit less stiff and clumpy than the SLs which may or may not be an advantage - it certainly was for me! Some retailers classify them as crampon-compatible, some don't, but I've used them with my Grivel G10s with no problems whatsoever.
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 just in case you didn't know neal. raichles are now sold as mammuts. but it's what is perfect for you that counts. try them on and not just for a few minutes either. also make yourself aware of any issues a particular boot may have by reading the forums. i like raichles/mammut, but anecdotally they do have occasional build quality issues. i had an eyelet break open on one pair, but the perfect fit (to my feet) makes them worth it anyway.
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| Edited: 31/10/09 17:28 |
I've got a pair of the Raichle Mountain Trail XT GTX boots for use when I expect to be using crampons for much of the day and have found them excellent for this. Very comfortable on my feet, take either G10s or Kahtoola crampons for hours with no problems and have not let in a drop of water so far -- the leather is good quality and would probably keep moisture at bay for a long time even without the Gore lining. They're heavier than I would like, but that's because I'm used to using approach shoes or mids for much of the time. I would say they're a very different fit to the Scarpa SL, which just doesn't suit the shape of my foot, so try both and see which fits you.
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Yep all about fit. I went to get a set of B1s for UK winter/scrambling and snowshoeing in alps. Was looking at the Raichle/Marmotts. Ended up with Scarpa Mantras. The raichle didn't fit well the Scarpa SL had a bit of heel lift so the fitter suggested trying the Mantra and bingo, great fit. So perhaps a slight overkill but they just worked well for my feet. Got a set of conformable innersoles and frankly I'd wear them for a walk in any weather where I wanted a stiff sole or ankle support.
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