What to Look for in a Mountaineering Boot?

Before you begin trying on your boot, you need to know which kind to get. There are three kinds: plastic, synthetic and leather. Plastic boots have a hard outer shell and a removable synthetic inner boot. These are great for alpine climbs, expeditions and multi-day pursuits because the inner boot can be removed and dried overnight. They’re also the warmest footwear you can purchase.

Synthetic boots are lighter and more comfortable than plastic boots and break in and dry faster than leather boots. However, synthetic materials can be less supportive on steep ice and less durable. Leather boots, on the other hand, have stood up to the test of time, from Everest to Denali. They’re tough, stiff and solid enough to withstand harsh conditions.

Note: No matter which you buy, you must test your crampons on your boots before you buy them. There’s nothing worse than buying a boot that isn’t compatible.

Next spend some time walking around in the boots. Stroll through the store. Walk up (and down) the stairs. Use an inclined surface to see how your feet slide around in the boot.

Talk with your footwear specialist about any fit issues you have. If you’re feeling bumps or seams, pinching or your toes hit the top of the boot on an incline, the boot is the wrong one for you. However, before you kick them to the curb, know that the boots should be laced firmly.

While we recommend shopping in a store, to make sure you have the right fit, if that’s not possible for you, consider brands you’ve worn before if you’re shopping online. Most boot companies use the same foot model over time, so the fit of your boot will likely be similar. Find a wide range of Decathlon-approved footwear below to guarantee comfort, durability and stability for the long haul. 

The work isn’t done once you buy your shoes. Next up is breaking them in and retrofitting, if necessary.

We suggest you consider aftermarket insoles. The can be created for comfort, support or fit (or all three). To make sure the fit is right, stand on the insole out of the shoe. Balance on one foot (and then the other) to see how stable you feel, what pressure you feel and how your heel is cupped. You should feel great!

Next try the insole in the shoe (removing the stock insole first). Figure out if the fit, feel and support is right for you. Also make sure the insole takes up the right volume, not too little or too much.

Finally, remember that mountaineering boots are very stiff so will feel very different to other boots you have used before. Use them on the correct terrain otherwise they won't be doing what you need them to do.