La Sportiva Makalu GTX

Jeremy Whaley
Reviewed: 14 July 2004

GOOD GRIP & WATERPROOF

A solid hard wearing boot that keeps your feet firmly planted on the hill. Brillant on windy days.

Locking eyelets work very well

Heavy.

A good strong pair of boots.

David Mycroft
Reviewed: 15 May 2004

SOLID BOOTS THAT'LL KEEP YOU DRY WHATEVER THE WEATHER

A really good boot for scrambling on grade 3s. Once you get the lacing right it stays right due to the locking clips halfway down. Effective GoreTex membrane that works better than most, especially with Bridgedale CoolMax liner socks under Bridgedale ATs.

Price, but I guess you pay for quality. Weight - they really do feel like lead weights at first

A well made boot with a good GoreTex lining that doesn't leave you hot and sweaty. Suitable for anything from summer scrambles to Scottish winters, with good crampon compatibility.

john young
Reviewed: 03 September 2003

COMFORTABLE, TOUGH, IDEAL FOR THE MUNROS

They've been fabulous for all-year round munroing, giving great protection on rocky ground and comfort on moorland tracks. They have worked well with Grivel 10 point crampons; never leaked and have breathed well in hot weather. Superfeet take them to a new level of comfort, as the insole is nothing special.

The sportiva sole is showing signs of wear after about a hundred munros in the last eighteen months. The uppers look almost new.

Absolutely great boot, slightly on the heavy side but ideal for rough terrain in all seasons. Excellent for winter hill walking, but OK for summer mountains, too. I will be re-soling mine several times, I am sure.

anthony lewis
Reviewed: 15 August 2003

SUPER COMFY

Gore Tex lining prevents water/snow entering the boot. Although they can get a bit sweaty, i think it's better to have warm, wet sweaty feet than cold wet feet from puddles.

You can lock the laces about half way down. This has two advantages. It make lacing up easier (ie you can let go halfway through) and it allows you to alter the pressure exerted at different parts of the boot.

A twin tongue system allows an exact, comfortable fit.

Can take a B2 crampon with metal clips at either end, thanks to the deep lugs. The sole is very deep and provides good overall grip.

The insole, as with every other boot on the market, was flimsy. I replaced it with a 'superfeet' insole, which also helped the fit.

No problems, and no blisters while breaking in!

If you are looking to buy a B2 mountain boot, this is worth considering. Reccomended!

I thought they were a bit pricy at 150, but compared to similar boots, this seems to be the 'going rate'.

Kieran Forsyth
Reviewed: 09 January 2003

SLIPPERS ON THE HILL

This boot can do it all, 8mm Leather upper Cambrelle 300 linings wick away sweat and dry easily. Don't need much breaking in. they can take years of abuse and are extremely waterproof.

The recomendation for a step in crampon is a bit hopeful. The boot is not quite stiff enough. a good articulated crampon is ok.

Good all round 4season boot. Kick steps in early morning sun crust, or carry a 60-pound pack for weeks on end in the hills. You will never want to part with them