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General Climbing Discussion

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Mountaineering Boots 15-Jun-2004 At 1:13:28 PM gemmaw

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I agree that you can't get a boot that does everything, but for Australia and NZ, insulated leathers are definately the go (and you can always wear supergaiters if your feet are particularly susceptible to the cold). They are better on rock, on approach marches, etc, when you need more flexability than plastics. However make sure you get a Gore-tex lined leather boot - I have noticed when buying for myself that some don't have this (eg. some Boreals I've seen), but Gore-tex lining is essential for wet snow. They also breath better because you don't need to wax them (although some water proofing is good so the outside doesn't get wet and cold and freeze), and of course way more breathable than plastics.

The La Sportivas are great, and are a good fit for narrow feet (like mine), but a friend also has La Sportivas and her feet are not particularly narrow and they fit well too. I think the brand is going to depend on fit - you want plenty of room for your toes and thick socks, but you don't want the heal to slip or for you foot to rotate much sideways.

My plastics don't get any use since getting leathers, but I would use them again in high altitude.