Top 10 Best Mountaineering Boots in 2021 Reviews
Mountaineering is an adventurous activity that can put a smile on the face of every outdoorsman. However, mountaineering poses some challenges that every mountain climber must be prepared for. Well, one way to prepare for a mountaineering adventure is to have a pair of mountaineering boots. Unlike ordinary boots, mountaineering boots are specially designed for such outdoor pursuits as hiking, backpacking, camping, and, of course, mountaineering. This means they have what it takes to protect you from the unfortunates.
Some of the features that mountaineering boots have are polyurethane/rubber soles that offer great traction to help maintain stability even on uneven terrains. In addition, mountaineering boots are made with comfort in mind. That said, they are equipped with gusseted tongues and cushioned insoles to give you maximum comfort. By so doing, mountaineering boots help mountain climbers climb mountains in them for a pretty long time. Here are the top 10 best mountaineering boots reviews. So, go ahead and choose one once you are done with the reading.
Table Best Mountaineering Boots
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Contents Table
- 1. Salomon Men’s Quest Hiking Boots
- 2. SCARPA Fuego Mountaineering Boot
- 3. La Sportiva Men’s Mountaineering Boot (Makalu)
- 4. Asolo Men’s Fugitive Hiking Boots (0M3440_508) – Wool/Black
- 5. SCARPA Men’s Zodiac Plus Hiking Boot
- 6. Asolo Men’s Fugitive Hiking Boots (0M3440_508) – Grigio/Gunmetal
- 7. TFO Men’s Hiking Shoes
- 8. La Sportiva Men’s Hiking Shoe (Karakorum)
- 9. La Sportiva Men’s Spantik Boot
- 10. Salomon Men’s X Alp Hiking Boot
1. Salomon Men’s Quest Hiking Boots
Salomon sees outdoor as a place to enjoy and share with others. That’s why they have produced these men’s quest hiking boots. They are made with rugged lacing hardware and protective rubber toe cap to keep you safe while you are traversing the outdoor environment. These boots also have an ergonomic tongue to help improve comfort, so you can walk in them for a pretty long time. Their shaft measures around 6 inches from the arch, and this is just fine. Since these boots are designed for mountaineering, they are equipped with GORE-TEX waterproof protection. They will, therefore, keep you dry. These boots also have 4D chassis to give you the stability you need let alone protecting your feet.
What we liked:
- Available in many different colors
- Extremely comfortable and great for hiking
- The lacing system works great
- Easier on feet and fit great
- The ankle support is firm
What we didn’t liked:
- The build quality could be better
2. SCARPA Fuego Mountaineering Boot
Investing in this mountaineering boot is a great idea. This is because it is the type of boot that is willing to take you anywhere. It is built for climbing, hiking, trail-running, mountaineering, and skiing. You can also use it for other outdoor activities. The mountaineering boot is made of leather, and this means it can stand up to anything the outdoor environment throws at it. It also boasts a Vibram sole, which has what it takes to conquer uneven terrains. Another feature that makes this boot a must-have for outdoorsmen is the gusseted tongue, which ensures complete protection. Plus there are durable rough out uppers, which add extra protection. Apart from outdoorsmen, this boot can be used by wildland firefighters and foresters. This is because it is high enough to properly protect your cuff.
What we liked:
- Great for ankle support
- Tough yet incredibly comfortable
- Looks durable enough to last a long while
- Much cheaper than other brands with similar features
- Great for wildland firefighting
What we didn’t liked:
- May take a little longer to break in
3. La Sportiva Men’s Mountaineering Boot (Makalu)
This is the type of boot that does not shy away from the hostile conditions of an outdoor environment. Its leather upper is not just durable but also it is extremely water repellent. This means your feet will be kept dry throughout your outdoor adventures. The leather upper is also breathable to keep your feet cool and comfortable. You will, therefore, be able to walk in this boot for a quite long time. Tensioning of the boot’s laces is precise and effortless because of the locking D-rings and steel roller ball eyelets. Since the leather upper may not give you enough comfort, this boot is equipped with a lining that transports moisture away from the skin to ensure that your feet are not just completely comfortable but also dry and cool.
What we liked:
- Very strong and looks durable
- A great gift for a lineman or a tree climber
- The price is worth the value
- Does not take long to get used to
- Delivers unrivaled comfort
What we didn’t liked:
- A little narrower than expected
4. Asolo Men’s Fugitive Hiking Boots (0M3440_508) – Wool/Black
Asolo brands have a lot of admirers. And this is owed to the fact that they are good quality. Well, talking of good quality, these men’s fugitive hiking boots have what it takes to be your companion in any outdoor endeavors. Their major strengths are fit and performance. This means they fit true to size to eliminate any inconvenience that may arise as a result of being too small or too large. They also perform optimally, considering that they have great features. For example, these boots will absorb shock even on the toughest terrains. And by so doing, they will give you the comfort you need when you want to enjoy your hiking experience to the maximum. These boots are also waterproof to make sure that wet weather does not become bothersome.
What we liked:
- Hold up well to everyday wear
- Have a toe cap for maximum protection
- Look fantastic when worn
- Provide nice ankle support
- Lightweight; hence, easy to walk in
What we didn’t liked:
- Quality is not the best
5. SCARPA Men’s Zodiac Plus Hiking Boot
Like other top performing mountaineering boots, the SCARPA Men’s Zodiac Plus Hiking Boot has a shaft that measures around 6 inches from the arch. This means it will perfectly fit your feet. The boot boasts a combination of PU and three densities of EVA in its midsole, so it can deliver the best performance ever. Talking of performance, the boot has a rubber rand, which also provides protection. Its Sock-Fit DV construction creates a snug fit and at the same time reduces bulk. In addition, this boot has the GORE-TEX Performance Comfort, which keeps feet dry. Its sole is made of rubber; thus, it will stay longer even under heavy use. The asymmetric lace system of this boot offers a precise fit, much to your delight.
What we liked:
- Comfortable and feel good on feet
- Provides good traction on dry rock
- Does not need any break in period
- Wide enough in the toes
- Provides a lot of support on rough terrains
What we didn’t liked:
- Not great for walking on sharp rocks
6. Asolo Men’s Fugitive Hiking Boots (0M3440_508) – Grigio/Gunmetal
This is another pair of boots that we feel you should have. They are made of leather, and, therefore, they promise to hold up well to heavy use. Besides, these boots are waterproof to keep your feet totally dry. Well, this is essential, considering that you are likely to come across pools of water during hiking. Their sole is made of rubber; hence, it is durable enough to serve for a pretty long time. Although these boots have everything it takes to get the better of any outdoor environment, they are affordably priced. For this reason, you will not have to dig deep into your pocket to take these boots home. They absorb shock to make you comfortable even when you are walking on a rugged terrain.
What we liked:
- Hold up well to heavy use
- Great and look fantastic
- Break in quickly
- Very comfortable and fit perfectly
- Have good toe rubber, which offers great protection
What we didn’t liked:
- Comfort is not the best
7. TFO Men’s Hiking Shoes
If you love such activities as climbing, mountaineering, backpacking, and hunting, the TFO Men’s Hiking Shoes are for you. These hiking shoes are equipped with FIRST-TEX waterproof membranes that help keep feet dry. They also have FIRST-GRIP rubber outsoles that enhance their stability by providing great traction. What’s more, these shoes are equipped with FIRST-COMFORT air circulation shoe pads to provide you with the much-needed comfort while you are hiking. They are made by a dedicated manufacturer whose goal is to offer better comfort and quality equipment for outdoorsmen. Their heel measures around 1 inch, and they have a breathable mesh lining that further improves comfort. Their foam tongue is closed-cell, so it can keep debris and moisture out.
What we liked:
- The price is unbeatable
- Fit perfectly to avoid inconveniences
- Very comfortable for all-day wear
- Look nice when worn
- Shoes have a soft heel
- Their heel has an extra thick layer of insoles
What we didn’t liked:
- Run a half size larger
8. La Sportiva Men’s Hiking Shoe (Karakorum)
Any hiking or mountaineering adventure requires that you have the best pair of boots. And this is where the La Sportiva Men’s Hiking Shoe (Karakorum) comes into play. Capable of standing up to chunks of ice, desert rocks, and everything in between, this hiking shoe is no doubt the real deal for any outdoorsman. Its leather uppers are water-resistant; hence, they will protect your feet from wetness. The same leather uppers are durable, and, therefore, they will not disappoint you when you need them most. Should you stumble on rugged and steep terrain with this shoe on, be sure to quickly recover your balance. Well, this is because the shoe has a multi-directional 3-dimensional flex hinge. This shoe also has a polyurethane Aircushion midsole that works with an anti-torsion plate to support and cushion your feet.
What we liked:
- Makes a great gift for a tree climber
- High quality and well made
- Feels great and fits perfectly
- Versatile and works great
- Seems to provide good cushioning
What we didn’t liked:
- The sizing is a bit off
9. La Sportiva Men’s Spantik Boot
The high cold mountaineering conditions should not discourage you from enjoying mountaineering adventures. This is because the La Sportiva Men’s Spantik Boot is now within easy reach. It is also great for 6000- to 7000-meter peaks. The boot has a carbon fiber sole, which promises to stand up to incredibly hostile outdoor conditions. Its insole is made of a 5mm thermal structure carbon fiber as well as aluminum insulation. Ideally, the midsole of this boot is made of TPU/Dual-density micropore EVA, so it can provide the necessary comfort. Despite having several features, this boot weighs only 1261 grams (44.48 ounces). It will, therefore, not weigh you down while you are traversing the challenging conditions. The boot is made of leather, which lasts longer than expected.
What we liked:
- Holds up well to frequent use
- Warm and extremely comfortable
- Great for mountaineering
- Does not have any hot spots
- Great for mountain climbers that are prone to cold feet
What we didn’t liked:
- A little expensive
10. Salomon Men’s X Alp Hiking Boot
The tenth and final product on our list is the Salomon Men’s X Alp Hiking Boot. Made with Gore-Tex Performance Comfort membrane, this boot promises to keep your feet dry throughout the mountaineering experience. The membrane is also breathable, and this means you will not feel any discomfort while you are hiking or mountaineering. The non-marking sole of this boot is Contragrip, so it can give you the stability you need even when the terrain is not that even. To improve comfort, this boot is equipped with a gusseted tongue as well as heel strap and foam padding. What’s more, it features EVA footbed and midsole to give extra comfort. Well, it is these amazing features that make this hiking boot one of the best.
What we liked:
- Great for moving fast over technical terrain
- Provides great ankle support
- Has a cushioned heel
- Very comfortable for long hours of wear
- Has an amazing grip
What we didn’t liked:
- Comfort is not the best
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Mountaineering Boot
To help you make the correct decision when it comes to buying the best mountaineering boot, we have compiled the following factors to consider when purchasing a mountaineering boot. We hope that you will find them handy.
- Comfort Levels
Comfort is paramount when it comes to choosing a pair of mountaineering boots. This is because a boot that is built with comfort in mind will let you have them on for long periods. And when you have your boots on, you will be fully protected and all of your focus will be on mountaineering.
- The Fit
To avoid inconveniences, it is advisable that you buy a mountaineering boot that fits you perfectly. This means the boot should not be too snug to the extent that it is causing all kinds of pain. It should also not be too large to cause the unneeded inconveniences.
- The Durability of the Boot
Since you will be exposed to the harsh elements of the outdoor environment, it is recommended that you settle for durable mountaineering boots. And to achieve this, check whether the material used to make the boot is durable. Also, make sure the sole is sturdy and stitching is well done.
- The Weight of the Boot
You obviously do not want a pair of mountaineering boot that will literally pull you down. After all, mountaineering is not a walk in the path. With that said, ensure that the boot you are set to buy is relatively lightweight. However, it should not be too lightweight to the extent that its quality is in question.
- The Warmth
The higher you go, the cooler it becomes. With this information at your disposal, make sure that the mountaineering boot you plan to buy provides warmth. And to determine this, check whether it has lining and consistent layering. What’s more, check whether it is waterproof.
- The Traction
A mountaineering experience can be so full of uneven terrains and slippery rocks that if your boots do not have enough traction, then you will be exposing yourself to injuries. So, make sure that whatever footwear you choose is equipped with heavy traction that provides excellent grip.
This is a dream platform for any outdoorsman and not just mountain climbers. We are saying this because the boots we have listed here are not just built for mountaineering but also they can be useful for hiking, backpacking, wildland firefighting, and tree climbing, among other outdoor pursuits. They are produced by popular manufacturers; hence, they will not disappoint you no matter what.