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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

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.

Tips & Warnings

• It can be difficult to find stores carrying a wide range of mountaineering boots. Instead of large superstores, try local stores near hiking destinations. If that doesn't work, consider ordering online with the expectation that you'll return what doesn't fit or what you don't like. Some online retailers may even send you additional boots at no cost, knowing you'll send them back. But they will keep your credit card number as a deposit on the additional pairs.
• Never settle for a lower quality shoe at a low price. You'll probably have to spend more to get good quality but it will be worth it during your hike. Your safety and health are dependent on your mountaineering boots.

Resources

• Determine what size of mountaineering boots you need.
• Read reviews of the most popular mountaineering boots.

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