SINGLE MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS

Single mountaineering boots don’t separate in anyway – there is no inner or outer lining that comes apart from the boot. For most people, single boots are warm and stiff enough for all seasons. You would wear these boots to climb most peaks in Europe.

DOUBLE MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS

Double mountaineering boots have separate synthetic inner and hard plastic outer boots. They are heavier and generally used in very cold climates because they are warmer and more waterproof, thanks to the plastic outer layer, but they can cause your feet to sweat.

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This is where the inner layer comes in handy. If you are camping on your mountaineering trip, double boots are effective because you can dry them out overnight.

Double boots are often very stiff therefore good for tightly attaching crampons to without reducing blood circulation to your feet.

SUPER GAITER MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS

Super gaiter mountaineering boots are a hybrid of single and double boots. You can’t remove the inner boot but it is covered in a non-removable outer boot, often including a knee-high gaiter, which provides extra warmth and weatherproofing. They are better than single boots in colder or wetter climates and lighter than double boots.

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HOW STIFF SHOULD MY BOOTS BE?

It totally depends on the terrain you will be climbing. You won’t need super rigid boots if you are hiking along a glacier, but you wouldn’t want a soft summer hiking boot to climb Mont Blanc.

Mountaineering boots are often rated as B1, B2 or B3. B1 boots are three season boots, B2 boots are winter boots and B3 boots are fully rigid climbing boots.

The most flexible boots should be used for trekking through snow and ice on relatively flat routes. They won’t work well on technical climbs.

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Medium flex boots are good for less challenging snow and ice routes. Make sure the sole is firm and there is support above the ankle if you will be using these boots to climb rock and low angle ice.

Rigid boots are great for technical ice climbing routes. They take some getting used to but they are very useful when you entire body weight is resting on the front two points.

Make sure you try boots on with socks that you will be wearing on your expedition. They will feel snug when you first try them on, but the inner liner will pad down with time.

WHAT ABOUT CRAMPONS?

Crampons are essential for winter mountaineering. You need to make sure you test your crampons on your boots before you buy them.

Some crampons won’t fit certain boots – it just depends on shape and make – so definitely worth bringing them along when you buy your new mountaineering boots.

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Make sure they have anti-balling plates to stop snow and ice clogging them up. Avoid very lightweight ski touring crampons as they won’t last very long.

How do you work out which crampons will suit your mountaineering boots? Read our crampon compatibility diagram below from Snow + Rock.

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