Scarpa Summit GTX Mountaineering Boot - Women's - 2009 BCS

On climbing trips in which you're hiking in at least 45 minutes with ropes and packs, you need something that wont' kill your feet before you get to the climb. These are the ticket. True to size, a bit more room around the heel than I'd prefer but I bought a shim from a ski shop that fills that space. Great to climb in, great to hike in. Love 'em.

I wanted a mountaineering boot that was versatile enough to ice climb in but still comfortable enough to not suffer on long, challenging approaches or climbing 14-ers in summer OR winter. So, you're going to have to sacrifice some stiffness for comfort and dexterity in the ankle of this boot (ankle is NOT super-stiff but still supportive) My first ice climb in these boots involved a 1.5 hour hour approach up a snowy boulder field, followed by a 3-pitch climb that lasted several hours (3 of us climbing on a single rope), followed by a strenous downclimb after topping out and walking off at the top of the ice falls. My feet, which are always ALWAYS cold, stayed warm and comfortable. No hotspots or pressure points. I normally wear a women's size 8-8.5, and ended up with a size 40 in these boots because I wanted room for my orthotics. Very happy with the boots--I have a pair of Scarpa AT ski boots too, so I'm a huge fan of their products. Those Italians know how to make footwear.