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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?).

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?

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

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