Gear Review
La Sportiva Baruntse Mountaineering Boot - Men's
Was excited about it, but ultimately too narrow
By the outdoors are fun and stuff
Ranked #27 - Men's Mountaineering Boots
October 28, 2009
Was excited about this boot, US size 14 (48) seems hard to find (not sure why, in mountaineering boots you're supposed to go one size bigger, and size 13 seems fairly common). Unfortunately it dug into the outsides of both my feet BAD just walking around the office for a while. I tried removing insoles, lacing loosely, everything, still rubbed. I was so disappointed because otherwise it was comfortable to walk in, felt lightweight, looked pretty damn cool, and represented a warm, flexible alternative for me vs. leather boots as I get too cold in them. Also I wanted something I could take to Denali or do any sort of Winter climbs. Even for spring/summer, I previously tried the Lowa GTX boots and my toes got way too cold even in good weather from 12,500 up on Rainier.For a Mt. Adams climb I did a last minute REI switch from Baruntse to the Invernos due to burn issues on the Baruntse. The Invernos are a bit loose to I'm on the fence due to ankle protection, but I'm going try tightening the inner boot more and maybe putting on some neoprene ankle wraps to fill out volume/provide more ankle support. Invernos are sort of a last resort as they just don't feel like a great fitting boot and are heavier, it's like a completely inflexible big plastic shell, then and inner boot. But what can I do? Open to other boot suggestions. Want something that can do winter + June Denali, in addition to Rainier spring/summer (I’d rather be too warm on the feet). Plus I need the boot in a US 14.If you have narrower feet, this boot may be awesome for you. Also if you have this boot, write a review because I literally could not find one review on this anywhere and I hate buying un-reviewed items. I will say that I don't consider myself to have wide feet necessarily, I guess maybe just slightly wide? I fit most other shoes/boots aside from a lot of Salomon trail runners which run super narrow. Anyway 3 stars but if you don't have the rub problem maybe these could be 5 star boots for you.NOTE: backcountry doesn't carry anything beyond a size 47 in this boot, bought the 48 from a local shop near Mt. Rainier.
View Details: La Sportiva Baruntse Mountaineering Boot - Men's
Helpful Votes: 3 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Shell Material:
- [shell] Cordura, PU Tech anti-abrasion film, expanded PE insulating netting; [liner], thermo-moldable EVA, Cordura; [lining], lining
- Sole:
- Vibram Montagna
- Crampon Compatibility:
- yes
- Removable Liner:
- yes
- Lacing:
- standard
- Weight:
- [pair] 83 oz
- Recommended Use:
- high-altitude mountaineering, alpine climbing
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- 1 year
Change me.
5 Comments Last Reply: April 11, 2011 By: the outdoors are fun and stuff
@Fernando - Pretty sure you have to custom order 49-50 from Sportiva. Sounds like a pain in the a$$ to go through to then have a boot that's way too long and "maybe" has corrected for the narrowness.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
@Cory - Tried the Civettas and they didn't fit me at all. Still stuck with Invernos, may get a custom buckle on them to help with the extra ankle space they leave. On steep terrain I can feel my heel rise quite a bit. Would love to try and Spantik's but Sportiva only makes them up to a 47. Sportiva - why make the Evos and Baruntses in a 48, but draw the line on the Spantik's and your highest-end boot at 47?
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
So I seem to be having the identical problem as you (I wear a size 13.5-14 shoe). The only double boots I have found that fit are the Lowa Civetta Extremes. They fit pretty well but didn't seem that warm to me (AK in may). Have you found any other warm double boots that fit you in the past year? I really am not sure what to do.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
These boots come in sizes 49 and 50! You should give them a try! I wear a 12 6E and I compensated by wearing a 47 in a La Sportiva Glasier EVO. I do have a little heel play but I remedied that by cutting the feet off an old pair of rag-wool socks and just wore the ankle part of the rag-wool sock under my main sock to help anchor the heel. Problem solved!
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
Yah tried the scapra invernos and yor right there is no way possible to kepe the laces from coming loose! I did find them very warm . Try to use foot wamrers in the leather boots it will keep your feet nice and warm , you have to with leather.
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes