Hola ! I'm looking to buy my first pair of mountaineering boots ! Exciting !
Trying to decide between leather vs. plastic.
What makes more sense? I see myself doing alpine, glacier, some snowy/cold conditions 5 day trips but also doing some maybe 1-2 ascents.
Any preferences?

Thanks !

Do they still even make plastic boots? Maybe Asolo...do scarpa still pump out a pair?

With so many new synthetics, insulations, and lining.....plastic is almost gone. No point in it. I went out with the right sock combo in a pair of Salewa Ravens that have no insulation. It was -9 and wind chill was -25. Was in ankle deep-calf deep snow for 5 hours and my feet didn't get remotely cold. Don't bother with the plastics. That being said, the most important info is how high are you planning on climbing and in what ranges?

Yes, they still make plastics.

Koflach
Scarpa
Lowa
Asolo

That's off the top of my head.

I think what the author was really wanting to know, was should he go with leather vs double boots.

If that is the case, the primary advantage of double boots is the ability to remove the liners and dry them in your sleeping bag overnight.

If you're in the lower 48, then for the most part, a leather boot will be sufficient for most of your trips (such as the La Sportiva Nepal EVO). But, when you start getting into winter mountaineering on multiple days, in cold temps (where its well below freezing at night), then a double boot makes sense. Not just because its warmer ( I like having 10 toes ), but because you can dry them in your bag.

TI

Thanks ! Yes, they still make plastic boots ! I did a trip up in Alaska renting with Koflach Arctis and was very impressed with them. My feet never got wet, however they did get cold (but I usually get cold feet in general).

I'm just not sure if I should invest in. Seems like maybe a leather/synthetic would suffice and get more use if I do winter and summer climbs. Gosh, all I own is boots, now I have to buy *more* boots ! ha ha ! there is a boot for EVERYTHING

Whats the best sock combo ? two layers? a thin and woolly?

muzik311 wrote:Whats the best sock combo ? two layers? a thin and woolly?

In my opinion, a single sock is best. The purpose of a liner is so that it "sticks" to your feet, and slides against your sock, so your skin does not, hence eliminating rub and preventing blisters.

That has never actually occurred for me when I've wore a liner sock. Usually it just bunches up on me, and irritates.

Plus, most liner socks are synthetic. Synthetics harbor bacteria. On multiple days out, wearing the same two pairs of socks every other day, your socks will STINK. Wearing only wool, its much less smelly.

I use liners with silver X-Static http://www.rei.com/product/642937/fox-r ... iner-socks
They are great, limit the funk and keep blisters at bay, and add a bit of warmth to single boots.
These with a medium wool or synthetic sock are a great combo.
Get Sportive Nepals. Everyone swears by them.

the_isalani wrote:

muzik311 wrote:Whats the best sock combo ? two layers? a thin and woolly?

In my opinion, a single sock is best. The purpose of a liner is so that it "sticks" to your feet, and slides against your sock, so your skin does not, hence eliminating rub and preventing blisters.

That has never actually occurred for me when I've wore a liner sock. Usually it just bunches up on me, and irritates.

Plus, most liner socks are synthetic. Synthetics harbor bacteria. On multiple days out, wearing the same two pairs of socks every other day, your socks will STINK. Wearing only wool, its much less smelly.

I love my la sportiva nepal evo's. I have 'green' superfeet in them, and they are super comfy. If you tend towards cold feet you can get a different superfeet which super insulates. I have absolutely no reservations about recommending them . Ice climbing, snow shoeing, summer mountaineering, wrecks them all!