Top 9 Mountaineering Boots 2023

“Scarpa” is Italian for footwear excellence. The Phantom Tech excels in every category. They’re warm and about as waterproof as it gets. They incorporate a zippered gaiter over the laces which locks in heat and keeps out moisture, a big plus for long distance missions. At 875 g, they’re a winner in terms of weight, too. This makes them a wildly popular boot.

As far as technical performance is concerned, the Phantom Tech are very stiff boots, a plus for snow and mixed ascents. They also feature heel and toe welts, making them compatible with automatic and semi-automatic crampons.  The only real setback here is the cost.

If you’re just getting into mountaineering and want a lot of value for your dollar, go La Sportiva. Tower Extreme performs well on rocky and mixed conditions. It’s a good entry point for new mountaineers looking to push into harsh, steep terrain and conditions.

They’re warm, light, and feature toe and heel welts for crampon compatibility. For all your basic objectives, this boot will more than get the job done.

However, the Trango Tower Extreme isn’t what you should pick for multi-day ascents. The synthetic material reduces durability and lack of a gaiter will limit how long you can be out in them.

A runner-up for best all-around boot, the Arc’teryx Acrux AR is sleek and functional. It features a full gaiter, like the Phantom, as well as a removable lining. This earns it some extra points for climbing in cold weather conditions. They’re incredibly waterproof, which is a must if you’re on snow or ice for a long time. This is a popular boot among fans of mixed ascents.

There are two drawbacks to this boot. Despite being compatible with automatic crampons, the Acrux AR is a little too flexible for really strong climbing performance. In addition, the cost can be prohibitive for many new mountaineers. Given all the positive features, these are minor issues.

For womens’ mountaineering boots, the Mammut Kento High GTX is a clear winner. It’s comfortable, lightweight, and built with a Gore-tex membrane for waterproofing. Vibram soles perform well on rock and dirt, and the heel welt allows for semi-automatic crampon use. It’s a good all-rounder that won’t break the bank.

The downsides are the lack of technical features. The Kento High GTX won’t work with automatic crampons, and it lacks a gaiter. This makes it less of a good choice for ice climbs and winter ascents. But if you’re looking for a strong three-season boot, the Kento High GTX can handle just about anything.

Perfectly balancing lightweight construction with superior durability, the Asolo Alta Via is a rock solid durable boot. They’re designed with high rubber rands that withstand abrasion and crampon spikes. The soles are stiff enough to perform well on rock and mixed conditions, without slowing you down on the approach. Best of all, they’ll last you a while.

On the flipside, they’re not especially warm. This can be counteracted by spending a little more on socks, but it’s something to take into account if you live in the Rockies or have dreams of climbing in Alaska or the Himalayas.

The Asolo Freney Mid GV mountaineering boots are as suited to hiking as they are to technical ascents on rock and snow. The soles aren’t too stiff to hike on dirt, which will help on high mileage days. The fit and ankle support are both great. Overall, they get the gold for Most Comfortable Boots. They’re also made with Gore-tex for waterproofing.

However, hiking comfort comes at the cost of some features. The Freney Mid GV features only a heel welt, meaning you’ll have to use semi-automatic crampons. These aren’t the boots you’ll want to take for technical ice and mixed climbing.

The Scarpa Ribelle Tech HD was made to defy classification. It’s a hybrid between a heavy duty trail runner and a technical mountaineering boot. This mountaineering boot is ultralight, with a built-in gaiter and lace covering for extra waterproofing. That’s a must if you’re doing long days on melty snow. For snow, rock, and trail performance, this boot is king.

The downside is that it’s a mountaineering boot specialized for one job. It won’t perform quite as well on ice, and probably isn’t sufficient for winter ascents. You can’t always win them all.

You don’t need to break the bank on a pair of mountaineering boots if you’re only getting out during the warm months. You need durability and good scrambling performance, but insulation and full automatic crampon support aren’t required. If you can also get lightweight, that’s a bonus.

Enter the Scarpa Zodiac. It performs like a heavy duty approach shoe, with a leather upper for superior durability. In addition, the heel welt provides semi-automatic crampon compatibility for snow ascents. It’s also the lightest boot on this list.

However, it’s a little stiff for long trail hikes. Adding an insole might be smart if you’ve got lots of mileage to cover.

When you’re on vertical ice, you’re counting on balancing your whole weight over the points of your crampons. You need a super supportive boot with toe and heel welts. And in case you accidentally kick yourself, durable leather is the preferred material. The La Sportiva Nepal Cube fits this description perfectly. They also resist water and trap heat well, which is a must for long ice climbs.

But there is one drawback here, namely weight. The Nepal Cube is one of the heaviest pairs of mountaineering boots on the market. But if ice performance is a must, it’s hard to avoid adding some extra weight.