SummitPost.org

So right now, out on the east coast, I'm hiking in New Balance running shoes.

I'm strongly considering taking a temporary position in Utah for the months of October and November and I'm looking to climb some mountains during this time. Tall peaks like Mount Timpanogos would be high on my list of peaks to bag while I'm out there.

The shoe I'm wearing right now is a 15 wide. The options for me at this point seem very limited. Right now it seems the best fitting options would be:

Vasque Sundowner GTX
Hi-Tec Altitude IV
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid

The only mountaineering boot that seems to be available in these sizes is the Lowa Civetta (in regular or EXTREME!!!!).

If I try to go climbing something like Timpanogos will I be asking for disaster with those three boots above or should I go for the Civettas? I don't really want to invest in the Civettas because their use will be severely limited back east but I also want to keep all of my toes.

How well are all these going to function with crampons? Does anyone know of any other boots that I have missed that are in large sizes?[/url]

If you end up looking seriously at Lowa leather, I'd give the Tibet pro a try. Not a true mountaineering boot, but I'd take 'em over the renegade.

I wear a size 14(US) boot and have to tough time finidng boots, too. If you're going to buy boots from Zappos, make sure they actually have size 15 shoes. I know Hi Tec doesn't make size 15 Altitude IV's.

Not sure about the Utah winter environment, but here's some input:

The Vasque Sundowner is a spring/summer/fall shoe, with fabric outside that's not going to work for multiday snow trips.

The Hi-Tec Altitude IV is a good mild winter boot - I wear them here in SouthernCalifornia and the Southern Sierra Nevada. They're too soft for crampons (even strap-ons), but they will work with snowshoes.

Never seen the Lowa, but it looks promising since its all leather. I believe Lowa shoes run narrow.

A few years ago someone posted they use Columbia Bugabootoos, and I know they come in size 15. I tried on a pair but they were a little low for my tall feet, and the ankle portion is exceptionally high. Seemed more of a winter outdoor work shoe, but might work.

Also try looking at hunting stores. They carry a lot of boots for hunters who typically walk slowly or stand around waiting for game to appear in cold weather. Might find something there, especially if the store is in an area with a cold hunting season.

Ok, it looks like Hi-Tec lists the Altitude IV on their website here (up to size 17!). If they're too soft for crampons then they probably won't work for me. I guess this would be a good time to ask, would a climb up Whitney in December require crampons?

That Lowa Renegade comes in extra wide EE so that seems like it might fit.

The Columbia Bugaboot looks like it might well and be warm but I don't have any way to find out about the crampon compatibility. When you tried them on, did they have a stiff sole phydeux?

The Tibet Pro also looks like a good contender.

I bought a pair of used Lowa Extreme Civettas size 14 on ebay in very good condition and really like them. No complaints so far.

The Renegade's come in multiple widths but they are too soft for mountaineering. I would suggest those (if they fit) for general hiking/backpacking and if you really want to do snow stuff then go for the Civettas. They are nice boots as long as you aren't trail hiking in them.

Gafoto wrote:I guess this would be a good time to ask, would a climb up Whitney in December require crampons?

It depends on how much it's snowed, and what happened after the storms. Snowshoes are a more likely necessity. Best to check nearer your climb date.

Join the club; I wear 15 wide. I've found Cabela's sells a leather hiking boot which fits and is OK for Sierra scrambling and even casual snow hiking. They are resoleable and will take old style hinged crampons (not step ins). For winter snow I have a pair of Koflach plastic doubles, at least 10 years old; don't know if they are still available..

I wear a 14US (48) and have limited choices although La Sportiva makes boots in my size. I am having a big problem finding options in 31.0 (mondopoint) for AT ski boots.

nhluhr wrote:I wear a 14US (48) and have limited choices although La Sportiva makes boots in my size. I am having a big problem finding options in 31.0 (mondopoint) for AT ski boots.

+1 I wear the Nepal EVO GTX boot in a 47.5 and could not be more happy about it

I just wanted to follow up on this post. I ended up buying the Hi-Tec Altitude IVs. I hiked Mount Whitney on the weekend of October 11 with temperatures down into the teens (but no snow). With a pair of nice thick socks the boots performed beautifully. My toes got a little chilly right around trail crest but I think that was more due to the dehydration caused by altitude nausea that affected me.

Since there wasn't any snow and the weather was gorgeous other than the chilly temperatures I had no need for crampons. I guess I'll wait until another big mountain to cross that bridge.

Thanks for all the advice though!