5 Best Mountaineering Boots in 2023
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Why trust us
Are you feeling anxious and unsure about which pair of mountaineering boots to snag? Well, shake off that feeling and worry no more. Whether you need a boot that delivers a well-rounded performance or the best there is for the most treacherous of elevations, this selection right here will help you choose the right pair.
We have tested 70+ mountaineering boots to come up with this comprehensive top-picks list. There is a lot to sink your teeth into here—from the most versatile mountaineering kick to the pair that can be your starting point budget-wise.
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43 mountaineering boots
How we test mountaineering boots
Core to the RunRepeat experience is helping mountaineers of all skill levels find the best footgear for their next ascent. To meet that goal, we test and review boots ourselves. Here is our approach:
- To eliminate bias and promote objectivity, we buy mountaineering boots with our own money.
- Our professional testers go through mountain-climbing hoops to identify each pair’s strengths and forte.
- We reflect hundreds of expert reviews and thousands more from regular mountaineers in our reviews.
All those elements result in our very own rating system, called CoreScore. This exclusive 0-100 scoring system helps us round up the best mountaineering boots for your shopping pleasure.
Best mountaineering boots for snow
Scarpa Manta Tech GTX
96
Superb!
What makes it the best?
Climbers who wish to take on ascents in a cozy mountain workhorse had better not miss out on the Manta Tech GTX. One of Scarpa’s tough-as-nails mountaineering boots, this affordable offering propels you upwards, all while keeping your feet dry and toasty. Yes, negotiating treacherous elevations in the Manta Tech GTX is a confidence-inspiring affair, especially in cold conditions.
Pros
- Incredible ankle support
- Spacious forefoot
- Mighty pampering confines
- Quite cozy in the cold
- Long-lasting
- Waterproof
- Affordable than most
Cons
- Weighty
- Subpar ventilation
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Backcountry
Free shipping
$399
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Best high cut mountaineering boots
La Sportiva Nepal EVO GTX
91
Superb!
What makes it the best?
The La Sportiva Nepal EVO GTX has proven itself through its durability, delivery of comfort and heat-retaining abilities. It, however, fell short on satisfying outdoorsmen with its default insole and mobility-limiting upper. To conclude, for those seeking a flexible boot, the La Sportiva Nepal EVO GTX might not be the best choice.
Pros
- Warm
- Durable
- Supportive sole
Cons
- Inadequate stock insole support
- Limits ankle mobility
- Lacks ground sensitivity
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$599
Backcountry
Free shipping
$599
REI
Free shipping
$599
Outland USA
Free shipping
$599
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$599
Best b2 mountaineering boots
Mammut Taiss Light Mid GTX
91
Superb!
What makes it the best?
The Mammut Taiss Light Mid GTX gets high marks for its durable construction, superb traction, and incredible lightness. It’s a very tough and protective boot that fits varying activities on the mountain without slowing you down, as most reviews suggest. Even with a few negative comments on the fit, avid hikers and mountaineers unanimously favor this boot.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Beefy construction
- Stiff but not bulk
- Excellent grip on varied mountain terrain
Cons
- The wrap-around upper tongue can sit a bit strangely
- Narrow toe box
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$280
Backcountry
Free shipping
$280
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$425
Zappos
Best value boot
Scarpa Charmoz
89
Great!
What makes it the best?
With its excellent climbing performance and a cheaper-than-most price tag, hardcore mountaineers have a lot to love in the Scarpa Charmoz. This durable yet lightweight, Scarpa mountaineering boot is also highly esteemed for its amazing warmth, satisfying flexibility, and terrific waterproofing.
Pros
- Astonishing lightness
- Excellent climbing performance
- Waterproof
- Super flexible
- Amazingly warm
- Budget-friendly
- Tough-as-nails
Cons
- Ill-fitting heel zone
- A bit long break-in period
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Outland USA
Free shipping
$325
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$399
Backcountry
Free shipping
$399
REI
Free shipping
$399
Most popular mountaineering boots
Scarpa Fuego
79
Good!
What makes it the most popular?
Mountaineering in the Scarpa Fuego means walking over rugged terrain in an outstandingly comfortable and ankle-supportive boot. It’s an impressively durable and versatile piece of climbing gear. If mountaineers can give the boot enough time to loosen up, they would eventually discover how magnificently well-made the Scarpa Fuego really is.
Pros
- Tank-like durability
- Good versatility
- Supportive ankle shaft
- Remarkable lightness
- Worth its money
- Excellent stability
- Top-notch traction
- Removable insole
Cons
- Unyielding stiffness
- Long break-in period
- Lack of cushioning
Today's best price
Unisex
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$419
REI
Free shipping
$419
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$419
Zappos
Comparison of the 5 best mountaineering boots
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