MOUNTAINEERING SHOES

Even for the mountaineer or hiker who climbs at high altitude, choosing the shoe is never so trivial. The most technical mountain footwear is designed to offer 360° support, comfort and protection, playing a fundamental role in terms of safety and performance. Lightweight, thermal insulation, waterproofness and grip are essential features, without forgetting support and protection of the ankle. For clarity and simplicity we can make a first distinction according to the different mountaineering activities.

Mid-level mountaineering

The ideal shoe for this type of activity is the classic boot that we all know, updated with the new technologies available. Structured and rigid at the right point, it offers support to the foot and protection to move safely on stony ground, passages on rocks and crossing of snowfields, without giving up the necessary comfort to tackle multi-day treks. From great glacier crossings to 4000m alpine ridges, it is ideal for those who are starting to climb at high altitude and want to approach the world of mountaineering with a multi-purpose boot for tackling mixed terrains. It is usually equipped with a rear notch to ensure compatibility with semi-automatic crampons.

High altitude mountaineering

It requires particularly technical, robust and reliable models, specifically designed to tackle high mountains and Himalayan expeditions. Their peculiarity is to guarantee excellent thermal insulation and a constant internal temperature. Often they are equipped with a removable inner shoe and gaiters with heat-sealed zippers as additional barriers against water and snow. They also offer compatibility with automatic crampons thanks to the front notch to house the metal cage and the rear one for the heel lever. They are a concentrate of high-performance technologies and materials, dedicated to an elite of experts.

Approaching and via ferrata

These shoes have been created to meet the needs of those who practice rock mountaineering and via ferratas: light and agile in walking and climbing, often low on the ankle, generally equipped with a fit that enhances sensitivity on the smallest supports, a lacing extended to the tip and a climbing zone to ensure adherence to rock. To all this we must add the comfort factor, which is fundamental in the approach and return phases from a route. Conceived for technical and expert users, they are increasingly appreciated by a wider audience for less technical uses.

Conclusions

Once you have decided the use you want to make of it, you can move onto the evaluation of the different technical features. Each model has its own fit, and even if suitable for your needs, it may not be suitable for your foot. Walk and evaluate well the feelings of the foot which must be sufficiently comfortable in the toe without feeling constrained. Try changing the lacing adjustment a few times. Evaluate the rigidity, or flexibility of the sole, which depending on the type of use must allow or not the foot to flex inside the shoe. Don’t be afraid to ask for explanations or advices in the shop and from those who work on the mountain: they will help you finding the right boot, guaranteeing safety and fun at high altitude.

HAYATSUKI GTX

Designed for various uses in alpine environments. Made with high quality materials to offer an excellent level of comfort and performance. The large joint on the instep and heel allows an optimal wrapping and hold of the foot and freedom of movement. The sole with IMS3 system allows optimal cushioning on all types of terrain, while the Exoskeleton construction provides stability and protection. It is designed for the use of both traditional and automatic crampons. The Vibram Curcuma rubber sole gives grip and safety.

Lining Gore-Tex Insulated Comfort + PrimaLoft inserts Upper Perwanger 3.0mm + elastic textile + air8000 Midsole Double density PU Exoskeleton Sole Vibram Curcuma G 745 € 379,90

TENGU GTX

Semi cramponable boot ideal for all mountaineering activities. Lightweight and performing thanks to the use of innovative materials and technical details that make this model perfect in dynamic situations on mixed terrain. The nylon and suede upper offers comfort and safety thanks to the Liba Smart PU protection. The new Vibram Curcuma sole, combined with the exclusive Aku Exoskeleton midsole in dual density PU, offers a high degree of stability and precision both in climbing and in approach trekking.

Lining Gore-Tex Performance Comfort Upper Nylon + suede Midsole Double density PU Exoskeleton Sole Vibram Curcuma G 725 € 99,90

ROCK DFS MID GTX

Heir of the Rock model, from which it derives the typical construction of the forefoot with the protective band that wraps and protects the midsole in the inner area, it is a technical approach and light climbing boot. The new Dual Fit System double lacing system allows you to adjust the comfort and precision of the fit in the different phases of use: a traditional lace for maximum comfort while walking and a fast lacing to increase sensitivity when climbing. The Vibram Approcciosa sole with Megagrip compound provides maximum grip.

Lining Gore-Tex Extended Comfort Upper Suede 1.6mm + microfiber + air8000 Midsole Double density EVA + PU Sole Vibram Approcciosa Megagrip G 400 € 189,90

LINING

Gore-Tex Extended Comfort

AKU ROCK DFS GTX

A revolutionary shoe, heir to the historic Rock model.

Technical approach and light climbing shoe born from the combined work between Aku and the Alpine Guide Peter Moser. Our attention is drawn to the new Dual Fit System which allows you to modulate the precision of the fit according to the specific use. It mixes a traditional lacing, ideal for maximum comfort during the approach, with a Fast Lacing concentrated on the forefoot to increase sensitivity during rock climbing or on via ferratas. The two systems, highlighted by the chromatic contrast, are interspersed on the upper part of the upper. A simple gesture allows us to switch to the Precise Climbing mode, allowing to compress the foot evenly and firmly. The heel shell offers a solid and enveloping feeling. The rubber layer wraps around the front of the upper and provides excellent protection from bumps and abrasions. The Elica system offers balanced and diversified cushioning between the forefoot and heel, giving excellent load distribution and great stability even on fast trails. The Vibram Approcciosa sole is well sculpted, soft and rightly mellow, and has proved to be reliable and precise even on small supports. With Rock DFS GTX we had the feeling of a shoe sewn and designed around our foot. Suitable for mountain professionals, it can also be appreciated by simple enthusiasts.

WE LIKE The specific functionality enhanced by the new lacing system.

G 400 € 189,90

PERFORMANCE

COMFORT

STABILITY

GRIP

BREATHABILITY

WATERPROOFNESS

TERRAIN

MUD

ROCK

WET

GRASS

UPPER

1.6mm air 8000

FOOTBED

Ortholite Hybrid

MIDSOLE

Double density EVA + PU

SOLE

Vibram Approcciosa Megagrip

G-RADIKAL GTX

Model that ensures high performance and lightweight. The erGo-last shape combined with the Double Damper technology ergonomically wraps the foot and ensures cushioning. Customizable fit for every activity and type of terrain. G-Wrap technology wraps and secures the foot.

Lining Gore-Tex Performance Comfort Upper Lenzi Putek Midsole PU with crampon insert Sole Vibram Apex G 745 € 359,90

TOWER 2.0 GTX

Boot for demanding mountaineering and trekking, the Brunner Liba waistband ensures impact protection on rock with a good weight/abrasion protection ratio. Gore-Tex Performance Comfort gives comfort and protection from bad weather all year round.

Lining Gore-Tex Performance Comfort Upper Nylon + microfiber Midsole Dual density PU with crampon insert Sole Vibram Apex G 535 € 299,90

PINNACLE GTX

Designed for experienced hikers even with a heavy backpack. Versatile for demanding backpacking and mixed routes. The upper is a single piece of suede leather with a 360° protective rubber band. The Vibram sole with semi-full heel and toe increases grip on hard surfaces.

Lining Gore-Tex Performance Comfort Upper 2.8mm suede Midsole Dual density PU with crampon insert Sole Vibram Titus G 858 € 269,90

TOWER 2.0 GTX

Agile and ultralight boot. Whether it is mountaineering, via ferratas or trekking on rough terrain, it is perfectly suited to the needs of the experienced climber and the modern hiker looking for a performance boot with a minimum weight.

Lining Gore-Tex Performance Comfort Upper Nylon + microfiber Midsole Dual density PU with crampon insert Sole Vibram Apex G 650 € 299,90

ASCENT GTX

Suitable for the fast mountaineer who prefers a light and stable construction. Designed for light mountaineering, medium climbing and via ferrata. The flex insert, the tongue and the collar are in stretch materials for greater comfort and anatomical fit.

Lining Gore-Tex Performance Comfort Upper 1.8mm suede Midsole Dual density microporous rubber with crampon insert Sole Vibram Nepal G 650 € 199,90

ASCENT GTX

Women model with a light and stable construction. The rubber inserts on the toe and heel protect the upper. The Vibram Nepal sole with semi-full heel and toe and adherent compound offers greater climbing performance.

Lining Gore-Tex Performance Comfort Upper 1.8mm suede Midsole Dual density microporous rubber with crampon insert Sole Vibram Nepal G 550 € 199,90

4001 GTX

Ultra-technical alpine expedition boot. Lightweight and compact, it insulates perfectly thanks to the watertight zip, the aluminum layer in the insole and the Gore-Tex membrane on the gaiter. Compatible with the use of automatic crampons.

Boot for mountaineering and demanding trekking in the four seasons. Versatile and reliable, it is the perfect companion for the Mountain Guide and mountain professionals in general. Ideal for tackling the roughness of any route. Waterproof mountaineering boot suitable for high altitudes, designed and developed for technical expeditions, ice climbing, very demanding routes that include the crossing of glaciers and with cold weather.

Crossover model ideal for mountain activities. Perfect for tackling mixed routes with rock, snow and ice. Upper in suede and ultra-technical anti-abrasion fabric. 360° rubber band for greater protection of the foot. The first CE certified mountaineering shoe also for professional use. Emblem of traditional mountaineering, it is ideal for classic climbing, for ice walls and mixed terrain at high altitudes thanks to the waterproof Gore-Tex membrane.

Specific footwear for dry tooling. Lightweight and reliable, it is designed to provide excellent performance on rock and artificial walls, with optimal foot wrapping for constant grip and instant force transfer. Crampons included.

Lining Gore-Tex Insulated Comfort Upper Mesh Midsole 2-density Smart PU + TPU Sole Vibram Teton G 860 € 479,95

6001 GTX

Lining Gore-Tex Insulated Comfort Upper Mesh Midsole 2-density Smart PU + TPU Sole Vibram Teton G 1200 € 599,95

SUPER ICE EVO GTX

Lining Gore-Tex Upper Suede Midsole 2-density Smart PU + TPU Sole Vibram Teton G 980 € 399,95

SUPER ROCK GTX

Lining Gore-Tex Upper Suede Midsole 2-density Smart PU + TPU Sole Vibram Mulaz Evo G 910 € 299,95

CROSS MOUNTAIN GTX DRY DRAGON

Lining Gore-Tex Upper Suede Midsole Microporous + TPU Sole Vibram Mulaz Evo G 650 € 219,95 Lining Mesh Upper Microfiber Sole Vibram Tool G 328 € 454,95

AEQUILIBRIUM TOP GTX

Ideal for fast mountaineering on mixed terrain and uses at medium altitude. Each element is designed to minimize volumes and make the product light. The external gaiter is water repellent while the Ergonomic shape is enveloping and precise with integrated TPU shells in the toe and heel. The outsole/midsole package with external Rubber Guard shell construction and foam material gives cushioning and lightness. Gore-Tex Performance Comfort lining, differentiated lacing for perfect volume adjustment and Vibram SpringLug Tech sole.

Lining Gore-Tex Performance Comfort Upper Nylon Sole Vibram SpringLug Tech + PU G 650 € 439,00

AEQUILIBRIUM ST GTX

Lightweight boot ideal for via ferrata, trekking, glacier crossings and on mixed terrain. The construction of the Double Heel heel with a very pronounced double rear block geometry increases the braking effect on descents and allows for a smoother roll. The new sole/midsole package with external Rubber Guard shell construction and internal foam material offers accentuated cushioning and great lightness derived from less use of rubber layers. Vibram SpringLug Tech tread sole for greater adaptability to any surfaces.

Lining Gore-Tex Performance Comfort Upper Nylon 6.6 + Honey Comb Guard Sole Vibram SpringLug Tech + PU G 630 € 328,90

AEQUILIBRIUM LT GTX

Technical hiking boot, ideal for backpacking and multi-day walks at high altitude. The walkability is guaranteed by the innovative Double Heel construction in which the very pronounced double rear block geometry increases the braking effect on descents and allows for a smoother roll. Sole and midsole with Rubber Guard shell construction that guarantee maximum durability and lightweight. Finally, the Vibram SpringLug Tech tread sole ensures adaptability to hard rock surfaces.

Lining Gore-Tex Performance Comfort Upper Nubuck + abrasion resistant fabric inserts Sole Vibram SpringLug Tech + PU G 640 € 361,90

LINING

Gore-Tex Performance Comfort

LA SPORTIVA AEQUILIBRIUM ST GTX

Aequilibrium, the new concept of modern mountaineering.

The perfect balance between comfort and technicality, lightweight and durability. Aequilibrium ST, an absolute 2021 news by La Sportiva, is a technical hiking boot ideal for via ferratas, trekking, ice and mixed crossings. The ergonomic upper, enveloping and precise, integrates anti-abrasion shells in TPU on the toe and heel to reinforce the HoneyComb Guard fabric. The 3D Flex directional joint with shaped and protected malleolus allows better control of the support and perfect mobility of the ankle. The lacing is fast and meticulous, the wearing comfort is accentuated by the integrated bellows tongue and the soft snow guard on the collar. Durability and lightweight coexist in harmony thanks to the new sole/midsole package with diversified shock-absorbing elements (external Rubber Guard shell and internal foam material). But it is in the heel that we found a unique news: the innovative Double Heel geometry with double gusset (very pronounced and raised) which increases the braking effect on the descent, softening the support and allowing a smoother rolling while reducing muscle fatigue. The sole is completed by the innovative Vibram SpringLug Tech tread with PU with a wide and spacious design that prevents the accumulation of snow and debris. Aequilibrium ST GTX is a perfect mix of materials that will help you to move fast in the mountains. Lightweight and performing, it is perfect for 3000m hikes.

WE LIKE The exceptional walkability of the Double Heel system.

G 630 € 328,90

PERFORMANCE

COMFORT

STABILITY

GRIP

BREATHABILITY

WATERPROOFNESS

TERRAIN

MUD

ROCK

WET

GRASS

UPPER

Nylon 6.6 Honey Comb Guard

FOOTBED

Nylon

SOLE

Vibram SpringLug Tech PU

RIBELLE TECH 2.0 HD

Lightweight model for technical mountaineering. It features an engineered elastic gaiter made in knit technology and a knit upper with Microtech support and protection to ensure excellent foot wrapping. The insulating lining is divided into two parts: the front is in PrimaLoft Silver Yarn while the back is in PrimaLoft Gold Insulation 200g/m2 to better preserve the heat on the forefoot. Precision Tech Roll sole with Vibram Mont compound that ensures stability and durability for a precise, fast, light and comfortable fit.

Lining Gore-Tex Performance Comfort Upper Knit + Microtech support Midsole Primaloft Silver Yarn + PrimaLoft Gold Insulation 200g/m2 Sole Precision Tech Roll + Vibram Mont G 640 € 439,00

PHANTOM TECH HD

Technical boot for high altitude mountaineering, ice hiking and waterfall climbing. Extreme lightness, contained volumes, comfortable fit and maximum agility guaranteed by the SockFit XT construction system in elastic and resistant material, and by the advanced lacing at the toe with a system divided into two parts. The lower part with eyelets allows a fast sliding of the lace and the adjustment of the fit volumes. The upper part wraps around the ankle leaving the foot free to move. Precision AC Tech Roll sole with low volumes.

Lining Micropile Upper Water repellent microtech + microfiber + PrimaLoft Gold Insulation 100 g/m2 Sole Precision AC Tech Roll + Vibram Mont G 730 € 549,00

RIBELLE LITE HD

Ultra-light boot ideal for technical mountaineering and via ferrata excursions and challenging backpacking even with heavy loads. The advanced lacing at the toe is differentiated into two parts. The upper is in technical fabric and water-repellent microfiber inserts with elastic fabric collar for greater comfort. Sock-Fit XT construction system that wraps the foot like a sock. The Precision Tech Roll sole, developed in collaboration with Vibram, has low volumes, a precise, fast, light and comfortable fit. Compatible with semi-automatic crampons.

Lining HDry and 37.5 fabric technology Upper Microfiber with technical water-resistant fabric Midsole Polypropylene + anatomical and structural fibreglass Sole Precision Tech Roll + Vibram Mont G 660 € 289,00

ORTLES COULOIR

Revolutionary design with carbon exoskeleton and warm and comfortable innerboot, protected by a stretch nylon fabric with a waterproof and breathable membrane. Only 725 grams, for mountaineering and ice climbing. From September 2021.

The innovative Switchfit system compresses the toes like in a shoe, transforming a comfortable hiking shoe into a precise climbing shoe. Pomoca Speed MTN sole in butyl compound and rigid toe support for better edging. Semi-cramponable rigid mountaineering boot. 3D lacing system with differentiated zones and MFF+ insole to customize the fit. Flex Collar on the cuff for ample joint freedom at the ankle when descending. Ergonomic Bilight 3D midsole.

The innovative Switchfit system compresses the toes like in a shoe, transforming a comfortable hiking shoe into a precise climbing shoe. Pomoca Speed MTN sole in butyl compound and rigid toe support for better edging. Lightweight semi-cramponable boot for fast mountaineering. 3D lacing system with differentiated zones and MFF+ insole to customize the fit. Flex Collar on the cuff for ample joint freedom at the ankle when descending. Ergonomic Bilight 3D midsole.

The innovative Switchfit system compresses the toes like in a shoe, transforming a comfortable hiking shoe into a precise climbing shoe. Pomoca Speed MTN sole in butyl compound and rigid toe support for better edging.

Lining Waterproof & breathable Upper Stretch nylon + DWR treatment Midsole Double density PU Sole Vibram Litebase G 725 € 800,00

VULTURE EVO GTX

Lining Gore-Tex Performance Comfort Upper Perwanger Midsole Bilight Sole Vibram WTC G 940 € 330,00

WILDFIRE EDGE MID GTX WILDFIRE EDGE GTX

Lining Gore-Tex Extended Comfort Upper Suede Midsole EVA + climbing zone Sole Pomoca Speed MTN Pro G 505 € 200,00 Lining Gore-Tex Extended Comfort Upper Suede Midsole EVA + climbing zone Sole Pomoca Speed MTN Pro G 437 € 180,00

RAVEN 3 GTX

Lining Gore-Tex Performance Comfort Upper High tenacity fabric Midsole Bilight Sole Vibram WTC G 829 € 300,00

WILDFIRE EDGE

Upper Suede Midsole EVA + climbing zone Sole Pomoca Speed MTN Pro G 422 € 160,00

LINING

Breathable mesh

SALEWA DROPLINE MID

Stability and support on speed hiking tours on alpine terrain.

Salewa expands the Dropline range with a mid version that adds safety and protection to the ankle through a thermoformed anatomical support (called APS) that integrates with the proven 3F system. At the base of the shoe, the features of the standard model are unchanged, such as the soft shock absorbing midsole in EVA and the Pomoca sole with an accentuated rocker that provides a fast and fluid transition from heel to toe. The sole of the foot is tapered and enveloping. The original air mesh upper features a 3D injected Exa Shell Over cage, TPU overlays, and a comfortable stretch gaiter that wraps around the ankle helping to keep debris out. The shell that anatomically supports the heel proved to be effective in preventing oscillations, locking the foot in position and ensuring torsional stability. The Tech Approach lacing with integrated clamp maintains the correct lacing tension in two different areas, while the customizable footbed allows you to precisely adjust volume and fit. Dropline is a new generation speed hiking shoe for moving quickly and comfortably. Increasing the weight by only 30 grams compared to the low version, it combines the agility of a trail running shoe with the comfort and protection of a hiking boot, allowing quick and dynamic movements. A shoe that is a luxury to wear, that makes you forget you are wearing it.

WE LIKE The excellent relationship between the level of protection and dynamism.

G 370 € 220,00

PERFORMANCE

COMFORT

STABILITY

GRIP

BREATHABILITY

WATERPROOFNESS

TERRAIN

MUD

ROCK

WET

GRASS

UPPER

Stretchable Air Mesh TPU

FOOTBED

MFF+

MIDSOLE

Performance EVA

SOLE

Pomoca Dropline