"Impressively nimble" - Review of Lowa Ice Comp GTX Ice Climbing Boot - Men's

I tested these boots during the Ouray Ice Festival and was incredibly impressed. Despite their light weight (or maybe because of it) they climbed ice very well. I found myself placing my crampons much more than actually swinging them. There is no comparison with regular boots when it comes to mixed climbing. The Ice Comps clearly win the battle. The built-in gaiters did a good job of keeping the snow out, and the Gore-Tex lining kept my foot dry when I stepped through the ice and into the river. These boots were a little snug on my very wide, high-volume feet, but they still did the job OK. They also run about a half size tighter than the regular Lowa ice climbing boots. My suggestion is to remove the heel spur unless you climb M10 or harder. It can be done with an allen wrench in about a minute. You have to approach in a different pair of boots, which is a pain, meaning these would be a very poor choice for the mountains. Ice and mixed cragging only.
View Details: Lowa Ice Comp GTX Ice Climbing Boot - Men's >