Mountaineering Shoes

There are lots of factors when it comes to choosing the right mountain boots. The main points to consider are: When and where do plan to use them? How stiff do you need the sole to be? And do you want a full boot, mid-cut or low-cut shoe?

For spring, summer and autumn use, mountaineers wear three-season boots with either a leather or synthetic upper. Weather protection is important, for this reason they often have a waterproof, breathable membrane. Three-season boots come with either rigid or more flexible soles, and offer varying degrees of ankle support. For colder conditions and winter mountaineering, mountaineers wear full, insulated mountain boots.

For demanding alpine glaciers and summit tours, look for high-cut, sturdy boots with very stiff soles that are fully crampon-compatible. For general alpine and rock use and high-alpine trekking, look for higher boots with stiffer soles that can take crampons. For easier climbing, vie ferrate and alpine trails, look for more flexible boots and consider also mid-cut or low-cut technical approach shoes.

Take the time to find the correct size to have well-fitting mountain boots. We recommend that you buy your mountaineering boots slightly bigger. Make sure you have a finger’s width of wiggle room at the front for your toes. Mountaineering boots should not be too large or sloppy, so that you can still climb in them precisely. However, they should be roomy enough so you can wear them with thick mountain socks. When you try them on, your heel should be able to lift slightly away from the footbed without rubbing against the back of the boot. Many Salewa models come with customisable footbeds that allow you to fine-tune the fit of your boots.

Climbing shoes should be tight. But this doesn’t apply to mountaineering boots. When you try boots on, make sure your toes are not hitting the front of the shoe when you go downhill. You don’t want pressure points or blisters.

Hiking boots have more flexible soles and uppers. If you’re planning to use your mountaineering boots for general hiking too, then lightweight, non-insulated mountain boots can be slightly more flexible. Remember, though, that mountaineering boots are designed specifically for alpine rock and snow use. This means that stiffer, crampon-compatible soles are often less comfortable for hiking longer distances in.

Modern mountaineering boots are generally quick to break in. However, it definitely makes sense to wear your boots as much as possible before your first tour. As a rule of thumb: the stiffer the boot, the more time you’ll need to break it in.