BIG TEST Mountaineering boots
Boots made for winter mountains need to be capable of handling a mix of terrain, but also the most gnarly conditions. Use our round-up to choose the best pair for you.
If you’ve spent much time yomping about in the pointy bits of the British Isles, at some point you’ve probably wondered what all that rock under your feet is made of. And depending on where you are, you might get a vastly different answer, since the UK is one of the most geologically diverse countries in the world. Basically, all our hills and mountains are unique. And though they might all look pretty much the same when they’re plastered in snow, on a winter mountaineering adventure you’re still likely to be tackling a real mix of terrain. What this means is that a good mountaineering boot has to be a true allrounder, capable of handling mud, grass, rock, snow and ice. It’s a lot to ask from a single pair of boots. And since – unlike, say, climbing in the Alps – we don’t have handy ski lifts and cable cars to take you high into the mountains, to reach most of Britain’s classic winter scrambles and graded climbs, you’ve got to be prepared to put in some miles too. But when you’re doing as much walking as actual climbing, you really want your footwear to be reasonably comfortable and fairly forgiving underfoot. The ideal solution is a stiff B2-rated boot with sturdy uppers, but also a little flex and some cushioning to make long approaches and walk-ins a bit easier. Durability and reliable waterproofing are essential, and a bit of insulation for added warmth in the depths of winter is also handy. However, the single most important asset of a winter mountain boot is this: that it must instil absolute trust, always giving you confidence in your next step.