This might be a dumb question but does anyone know of a way to purchase EU models of LaSportiva boots from the US? Is it possible for US dealers to import EU models? Anyone know?

Not to be a jackass, but could the EU version of the boots have a similar but different name boot sold in NA? I remember looking for a pair of Scrapa Cumbres sold in EU in the States and came up with nothing. Someone on SP pointed out the Scarpa Summit (duh!) although a different color and name were the same as the Scapa Cumbre. (Spanish for summit?).

1. Which model do you want
2. Euro is really expensive at the moment
3. I made a list of UK-climbing gear dealers on summitpost (look at my profile). They will probably deliver in the uk and some sell la sportiva. Be carefull though because the size difference is big. For one shoe of la sportiva you might need a UK 9 while for another shoe for the same person a UK 10 or 8 is appropiate ...
4. Also if you fit them. La sportiva delivers 2 different sizes for the same pair. I have a EU 46.5 left and 47 right for the spantiks. Really nice you only have to pay one pair for the perfect fit!

I recently visited both the La Sportiva NA and La Sportiva Italy websites and noticed that there's a much wider range of boots listed on the Italy site than in the US. E.g., the US site lists only the Nepal Evo, whereas the Italy site lists the Nepal Evo, Nepal Extreme, Nepal Top, and Nepal Trek. These aren't just different names for the same boot, they're different boots. Unfortunately I don't know how to buy boots other than the Evo here in North America, though you could certainly try ordering them from Euro retailers like Tiso (which I notice has Nepal Extremes on sale now), which may or may not be willing to ship them to North America. Or you could scoop up a pair on your next trip to the Alps.

I'm actually curious - who are all these different models targetted at? Are the Nepal Extreme or Top better suited for certain purposes than the Evo? Is the fit significantly different?

nepal extreme: alps, ice climbing, warm comfy boots for vertical and near vertical ice

nepal top: alps, glacier traveling, colder than the extreme, less extreme things to do with them

I love my extremes!

Fit is different for every model but some retailers (i thinks cotswold might do this) will accept return because more people have problems with the la sportiva size ...

If it is really THAT difficult to get a pair in the uk it might be interesting to search ukclimbing for second hand stuff of the la sportiva shoes! Just post a "wanted" note in the appropiate section and you'll probably get a reply!

I'm trying to find something similar to the old LS Eigers and thinking the Nepal Tops or Treks would be the ticket.

What are the things you want to climb with them? Might be able to help you ...

I have used Telemark-Pyrenees for a lot of gear. They are reliable and have good prices, as you don't pay the VAT if you live outside the EU. They have english-speaking staff who can answer any emails. If they don't have your size in a current model, they can usually get it ordered. Even with expensive shipping, boots bought there are half the price they are here in Australia.

http://www.telemark-pyrenees.com/en/las ... ngboots/f/

They ship to the USA: http://www.telemark-pyrenees.com/en/inf ... aandcanada