Just a brief intro I`m a man with small but wide feet size 5.5 (euro 39). So have only the option of Lady`s boots. Ive been trying on new hiking boots for nearly a year now (my old lady hillmasters have less than a 1mm lug depth left). Ive have found a pair of boots that are a perfect fit.... (as per thread title). I know they are temp rated to +25 -7.5 but does anyone know if they are suitable for year round use... ta Dave.
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Yes they are fine for all year round, use a G12 crampon and yeti gaiters on mine in winter.
J
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They'll do for year round use, but will be heavy, clumpy and hot, like any B2 (pretty stiff) boot of that sort. You might find them very uncomfortable on longer walks if you're used to Brasher boots.
What boot brands have you tried? There are a few around known for producing wider models, like Meindl.
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Those Cristallo`s look nice but I am after a full leather boot. I`ve tried the meindl Borneo`s and am not convinced they are wide enough.. though they may give a little with use.. Scarpa sl`s were ok.. (wife has these but hers are a size 41) I wear approach shoes for most of my walking.. (no mountains here in Portsmouth). Just wanted something for the mountains with crampon compatability. And limited to what Cotswold Outdoors have.. (being a scout leader means I get a good discount). Im going to Snowdonia in August and will try some Altbergs...when there. There are no stockists near here.. Dave.
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 Hgalofs Solid light boot some spec says done by OMAGIC an interesting concept and first impressions are that it could be an ideal compromise for those who want a high-topped, more protective upper but without a clumpy experience underfoot. Fit feels great for British feet. There's plenty of forefoot room, but with a narrower heel than you get with, say, a Scarpa last. And the locking lacing system makes optimising the fit easier. Soft ankle cuff keeps things comfy up there, but the boot's not over-padded so feels more traditional than some of the latest soft foam offerings out there. I have the nubuck ones and they are a great very nice boot that will take a g10 crampon.Wifey has the ladies size 6.. Tho i use Scarpa Chamoz for winter walking with a G12 or two  Can be had @ Theoutdoorgearstore ask for black leather.
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 No way would I wear Mantas except in a snowy/icy winter. They are brutally heavy, unforgivingly inflexible and very hot. I think they could ruin your whole day. That being said, I think they are great winter boots and am on my 3rd pair. [Consecutive, not all at once. That would be silly].
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 Ditto what Slioch said. I couldn't imagine wearing a pair of Mantas on a long summer hill-walk. I think i would end up crippled. Again. In fact, i couldn't imagine myself wearing any boots unless it was a technical winter route.
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More food for thought..hmm
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 Dave Was in a similar situation to you. Bought the Mantas. Felt great on the flat but their stiffness on hills made me realise they didn't fit as well as I thought. Sold them on eBay and then went to Barkers in Ringwood. Can't praise them highly enough: great range and absolutely meticulous in ensuring you get a boot that's fit for purpose and that fits you. I have no vested interest: just can't see me going anywhere else to buy boots. About an hour from Portsmouth? Has to be worth it
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 Ditto what Slioch said. I couldn't imagine wearing a pair of Mantas on a long summer hill-walk. I think i would end up crippled. Been there, done that quite often in the past (in fact it was in a pair of Fitzies, which were a grade stiffer than Mantas in their time). And I obviously survived and enjoyed myself enough to go back for more... but on the other hand I wouldn't do it again if I had my current choices for footwear (which are lighter and bendier, although the Fitzies are still in the cupboard for winter crampon work). I've found over the years of walk-outs in ski or rigid plastic climbing boots (or indeed that pair of Fitzies again) that as long as you keep them very loose (I actually unclip or unlace outers completely) they're okay for walking quite a way. But if you're buying boots for a specific job where you would't do them up properly it seems like an own-goal is being scored somewhere... Pete.
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I have Mantas, SLs in wide, and wide feet. Amazed at the comfort of the new Manta - light, too. SLs might be worth looking at - fine with crampons - I''ve ued them for years. Mantas are a little warmer are more capable of steeper stuff. Current model is quite wide, too.
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Thanks for the info Guys... Mantas for winter use then and maybe something for the rest of the year.... will just keep looking for a while.. Dave.
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