Gear Guide - Footwear

Boots are the single most important piece of equipment for the mountaineer. An uncomfortable pair of boots can ruin your mountaineering experience. You will only use one kind of boot on your mountain trip. It is not necessary to bring trekking boots in addition to mountaineering boots.

Supplying Your Own Boots

If supplying boots, we ask that these are your own boots (not borrowed), unless the fit has been determined and they are well worn in before your trip. If you buy new boots for your trip try to get out for a few (serious) walks in them.

Buying a new pair of mountaineering boots can be a considerable investment. Purchase your boots from a reputable gear shop, where staff can give realistic, and first-hand advice. If in doubt, rent a pair of our boots - this will give you a good idea of what to look for after your trip.

  • Your Boots should be rigid, well-waterproofed, and crampon compatible.

    Buying Boots?

    If you are buying a pair, some brands to consider are; La Sportiva, Scarpa, Asolo, Zamberlan, Mammut, Salewa, Garmont, Lowa, and Millet.

    We are happy to offer advice on your boot purchase. Suitability for the purpose and the best fit is the most important points to consider before purchasing. We do not recommend buying boots online as you will not have the opportunity to get the right fit.

    Rental Boots

    Most of our rental mountaineering boots are La Sportiva Nepal Evos. These are incredibly rugged technical leather boots, perfect for NZ mountaineering conditions at most times of the year.

    We also have a number of old-school plastic double boots. These still have their place, especially in winter, offering support for front-pointing, and for technical snow/ice ascents.

  • For the Mountain Skills Couse and Mountain Experience Couse, flexible-soled leather hiking/trekking boots are NOT suitable. The alpine environment demands more robust footwear. If in doubt, save yourself several hundred dollars and rent a pair of boots from us. It is a great way to find out what works before buying.

    Boot Requirements

    • Full or 3/4-shanked. They need to be rigid enough to help keep your crampons securely fixed.

    • Single-layer leather

    • Well insulated

    • Well waterproofed

    Boots with a crampon attachment welt at the heel are ideal, but not required if using strap-on crampons. Choose a boot with a generous rubber rand to reduce wear by rock abrasion.

    Boot Models To Consider

    Any alpine boot similar to those listed below will work well.

    Scarpa: Scarpa Manta Pro, Scarpa Rebel, Scarpa Charmoz, or similar

    La Sportiva: La Sportiva Makalu, La Sportiva Karakorum, La Sportiva Trango S, or similar

    Asolo: Asolo Aconcagua, Asolo Sherpa, Asolo Ascender, or similar

  • Bring a pair of lightweight footwear for use while in the hut. They will keep your feet warm and will help your boot inners to dry out. Choose either:

    • Crocs or similar

    • Hut booties

    • Running shoes (light-weight)

    • Sandals

    • Jandals (or "thongs")

    Whatever your choice, hut footwear needs to be as lightweight as possible.