How to Buy Mountaineering Boots

Mountaineering boots are a highly specialized piece of hiking equipment. There are so many on the market and each has a different feature to offer. They can also be difficult to find and many are expensive. Follow this guide to help you buy the right pair of mountaineering boots.

Instructions

    • 1

      Decide where you'll be using your mountaineering boots and what temperatures they'll have to endure. Plastic mountaineering boots with a soft liner are best for ice hiking. For longer hikes, a better choice might be a leather and fabric boot since they're more comfortable.

    • 2

      Assess your skill level. If you're a beginner you need mountaineering boots with good support while your body adjusts to the work-levels of hiking. Advanced hikers can opt for lighter-weight boots.

    • 3

      Buy mountaineering boots with attachments for crampons. If you're planning on hiking over ice you'll need these specially designed spikes so find a pair of boots that accommodates them. Even if you don't need them yet you could go ice climbing on a future trip so it's a good purchase to make now.

    • 4

      Try on the mountaineering boots. This is essential because some boots follow international size charts and even if they don't, every company is different. The only way to ensure a proper fit is to try the boots on and walk around. The boots should be comfortable and not rub your feet or ankles anywhere.

    • 5

      Keep your receipt. You're going to be spending a hefty sum of money for your mountaineering boots so save that receipt just in case anything goes wrong.