Best Women’s Mountaineering Boots – The Hiking Adventure

How To Choose The Best Women’s Winter Boots

Most mountaineering boots go well beyond the $150 bucks benchmark. The price depends on the insulation, water protection, lacing system, boot profile, sole, and brand.

Obviously, boots for alpine climbs grant ultimate protection against cold and water. Still, not everyone needs to pay $300+ dollars for such a boot.

It is crucial to figure out how you will use the mountain gear boots. Or at least how you are most likely to use it, as it will determine which one suits your needs.

Here, we will try to guide by showing how all these features impact performance. This way, you will be able to identify what you need on a mountaineering boot. Let’s begin.

Mountaineering Boot Profile

Also known as cut, it refers to the height of the shin. There are three known cuts: High, medium, and low; Other specs are: insulation, weight, support, and rigidity increase as we move from first to last.

But, how do I know which boot has a high or low cut? If the boot shin goes well beyond the ankle, then we are talking about a high-profile boot. In contrast, if the shin is below the ankle, then we have a low-cut model.

You might think that a high-profile boot is always desirable for ice climbing. But it is not always true. A point often overlooked, high-cut boots increase support, insulation, and water protection. But not flexibility.

Nevertheless, these features are only useful if you mostly ice climb in high-altitude environments. By the same token, they also restrict movement.

Now, if you want something that you can walk and climb in, then a medium-profile boot is the best bet. These models split the difference between low and high profiles, giving you the best of both worlds.

Mountaineering Boots Shell

The boot shell is, arguably, the most relevant part of any boot. Most mountaineering boots’ stiffness comes from it. The majority of modern mountaineering boots have either a synthetic or leather shell. Let’s talk about the pros and cons of each material.

Leather upper mountaineering boots are sturdier, heavier, and typically last longer than their synthetic counterparts. However, natural leather is not waterproof right out of the box.

Therefore, they will get soaked in water without a waterproof lining or coating. The problem here is that wet leather will weigh you down. Of course, it takes ages to dry them completely.

We recommend waterproofing them before your trek and long approaches.

Synthetic fabrics are lighter, more water-resistant, and don’t stretch as much as leather. As a result, synthetic mountaineering boots are the top choice when technical footing is required. They are more comfortable as well.

Although not so common, you can also find some plastic mountaineering boots. They are cheaper and lighter than synthetic or leather versions. However, they are not as precise and take more space. Thus, they are only suitable for beginners.

Mountaineering Boots Sole

All mountaineering boots have rubber soles. Thickness, studs, and stiffness are the only thing that changes from boot to boot. Generally, the thicker the sole, the stiffer the boot gets.

Stiff boots are more suitable for technical ice climbing, whereas flexible boots are better for hiking and mild climbing.

The traction of the boot largely depends on the soles studs. Most mountaineering boots have somewhat the same sole layout.

Still, it pays to know that thick studs perform better on muddy terrain and ice. But not that well on ice. Nevertheless, you are likely to use crampons in this situation. So this won’t be a big concern.

With this purpose in mind, look for Vibram soles, as those are the best in terms of performance in snow and ice.

Mountaineering Boot Comfort

The insole, and midsole, and shell determine how comfortable the boot is. Let’s talk about the first two, for we already talked about the shell before.

Insole

Insoles are those removable pieces that come in contact with your feet. Most mountaineering boots come with EVA foam insoles. These are the most comfortable of all. However, they also take some space inside the boot.

Insoles absorb shock while also increasing cushioning. If you have low or high arches, you can replace the insoles with aftermarket models, especially if they have a foot condition.

Now, if you plan on doing this, you better bring your insole when trying boots. It is the only way to ensure that you pick the right size.

Midsole

The midsole is that part between the outsole and the upper. It absorbs shock while also enhancing support. Depending on the mountaineering boot, the midsole could be either softer or stiffer.

Alpine boots require a stiff midsole. In contrast, you want something softer that reduces the impact on your feet if you plan on hiking the most.

Lacing System

Ensuring a tight fit is crucial for ice climbing. Most mountaineering boots use regular laces for the lacing system. These are reliable, long-lasting, and cheap. However, they are cumbersome to tie with cold hands.

Boa laces are the workaround that some alpine boots use. You can easily adjust them on the go without taking your gloves off. Unfortunately, they are not as durable as regular lace. Plus, Boa laces are typically more expensive than regular ones.

Single or Double Boots

Most mountaineering boots are single boots. Hence, they lack a removable gaiter that covers the boot. Thus, offering less protection against cold and water.

On the other hand, double boots have a removable gaiter or inner thermal liner that grants an extra layer of protection against cold. That’s why they are more suitable for high-altitude climbs. However, they double mountaineering boots do make them heavier and bulkier.

Here you can learn more about the differences between both types of boots.

Crampon Compatibility

When the ice takes all trails, it is time to strap a pair of crampons. These traction devices increase grip, giving you the ability to sort out icy routes. However, not all crampons are suitable with any boot.

Crampon compatibility goes as follows:

• C1 Crampons work with any type of boots
• C2 Crampons work with B2 and B3 mountaineering boots
• C3 Crampon only work with B3 boots

Check out our article on how to buy crampons and everythingyou need to know.

Mountaineering Boot Size

Mountaineering boots are bulkier than most other footwear. Specifically, it’s because the tongue, insole, socks, and shell take their space. That’s why it is crucial to take the insoles and socks with you after making any purchase. This way, you can tell which size you should use.

However, some people can’t physically try the boot. If you are in this situation, then you should go for a half size or even a size larger. This will give you enough space to accommodate your feet, socks, and insole.

Sadly, not all brands offer women-specific mountaineering boots. Most have unisex models at best. Therefore, you have to settle with those models available in small sizes.

---

Best Mountaineering Boot: La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX

Are you still in doubt? Then we suggest La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX. Yes, it might sit on the expensive side. But the high-profile cut gives you the support you need to cope with almost any route.

Certainly, it remains flexible enough, so it doesn’t become a burden when hiking.

The built-in honeycomb cage wraps your feet tightly and protects them against hits. Moreover, the steel shards on the shell keep it from flexing, reducing the chances of producing blisters in the long run. And best of all, it is available in small sizes!

Apart from that, you get all the typical goodies: Waterproof lining, Vibram sole, regular laces, adjustable tongue, and 3D Flex system. All backed up by a reputable brand: La Sportiva.

Here are some links to our most popular articles:

TheHikingAdventure.com

Last update on 2022-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API