La Sportiva Aequilibrium LT GTX £330

The ideal mountain boot should strike a balance between walking comfort, technical performance, lifetime durability and low weight, all while keeping feet warm, dry and well-protected. Despite the archaic spelling, the Aequilibrium is well named, as it ticks all those boxes. They’re light and streamlined yet solid and well-built, thanks to supple nubuck leather uppers with a chunky wraparound rand, rigid heel counter and burly toe cap. The flexible ankle cuff has an elasticated rear gaiter to keep out snow and grit, as does the fully gusseted tongue. A shaped 3D flex system leaves space for bony ankles.

They’re built on a fairly closefitting last for precision but are still comfortable enough for high-mileage days. This is aided by a slight rocker and a cutaway heel for a natural gait.

However, the sole unit is the most innovative element. Rather than a usual midsole layer, here the outsole has been injected with PU foam. This saves weight without sacrificing cushioning. Underfoot, the lugs are extra deep and aggressively angled. The heel brake gives exceptional downhill traction, and the softer rubber compound sticks well to rock. They’ll take a semiautomatic C2 crampon, but in terms of stiffness feel more like a B1 boot. But for mixed winter terrain they’re the most versatile and capable performers here.

IF WE’RE BEING FUSSY

The deep sole lugs and cutaway heel mean you don’t get quite as precise a fit with a crampon as with others on test.

■ WEIGHT 830g (size 47)

■ UPPER Nubuck leather and fabric, full TPU rand

■ MEMBRANE Gore-Tex

■ SOLE Vibram SpringLug Tech

■ MEN’S SIZES EU 38-48

■ WOMEN’S SIZES EU 36-42

Verdict

A versatile boot for winter mountains, offering a near-perfect blend of walking comfort, technical performance, robust build quality and low weight.

“Near-perfect for winter mountains”