I'm in the market to buy my first pair of mountaineering boots. I have a wide forefoot for a woman, and have always purchased mens climbing shoes since 'women specific' shoes often seems to just mean 'narrower'. Does the same hold true for mountaineering boots, or are there other differences I'm not aware of? I'm unfortunatly in an area where I can't pop down to the local store to try on different styles. Looking to use them for 3-season alpine climbs low in technical grade, possibly including an early summer bid on Rainier. I'm assuming I should be looking for a small pair of mens boots. Input?

Thanks,
B

Scarpas tend to fit feet with a wide forefoot better than the narrower lasted La Sportivas. I would try a women's version of the Scarpa Mont Blanc. If that is not wide enough then try a men's. I also wouldn't try to get away with anything much lighter than the Scarpa Mont Blanc/La Sportiva Nepal Top EVO for Rainier. One thing to try is to order a number of different makes/models/sizes/men's/women's from Zappos. They have free shipping both ways so once your credit card is reimbursed, it costs no more to order one pair and return a half dozen others.

Great, thanks for that. I might post this in the general section too to see if I can get a few ladies to kick in their experiences....