Hey guys, I'm just a young punk getting into the sport. And it's time for me to grow up and get some big boy boots. I've summited a fair bit in the Tetons and Wasatch, and i've done a small amount of ice climbing.

I am in between the Trango S EVO and Salewa Repace. Both are comfortable in different ways. Salewa have more flex and seem to be more walk-able. The Trangos are more clunky but light and stable.

I'm looking for a boot for 3 season work in the various-Teton like terrain, good for approach, and decent at light ice climbing. Need some advice!

Also, will the Trangos stiffness soften up a bit once broken in?

All the best,
Michael

The Rapace and the Salewa Ravens are awesome. I also own the Salewa Alp Trainers. All of them are awesome on the approach. If you want light weight, stiffness for ice, and walkability.....the Salewa Ravens are awesome. I do 20 mile day trips in them and have climbed up to 5.4 as well. Very versatile boot for the Tetons. The Ravens are not insulated.

The Rapace is an awesome boot, as are the Ravens and Trango S Evos. The Rapace is not very stiff, really more of a hiking boot that one could put crampons on if necessary. I would not want to use it for ice climbing.

The Raven and Trangos are more of a similar boot and would be better suited to ice climbing, but still not terrible for hiking. I did a couple 20 mile days in my Ravens. I don't know if the boots will become more flexible, but I perceived them as being more flexible over time-- that may be because I adapted my stride a little over time to hike in them.

The Trango S upper softens a little but the sole rigidity doesn't change over time, at least as far as I've noticed. Have you considered the Scarpa Rebels? I bought a pair of Carbons off the remainder rack at REI and they are amazing boots - as comfortable and even lighter than Trango S. They have an unusual carbon fiber sole insert that makes them stiffer than the Trangos when you are standing on your toes on a thin edge (or front pointing) but which is more flexible than the Trangos when walking. Rebel Carbons are discontinued and may be hard to find but the Rebel Pro which are insulated are still available.

Thanks i'm looking into the Raven's and Scapas now (sounds so rad). It does sound like the Trango will work for my needs, and your help and boot suggestions are invaluable. More suggestions are welcome!

You get used to the rocker built into the Ravens. They stay very rigid but the rocker is curved enough to give you a very natural gait. I wouldnt get the Ravens if you have a wide foot. My 3rd year with the Ravens and they're still going strong......I won't buy another boot other than Salewas or Sportivas.....and the Salewas are more comfy! And for the record, if anyone is looking for a all around hiker with a semi rigid sole, the Salewa Alp trainers are awesome. They are a mountaineering/backpacking/approach boot hybrid. Hike great, stiff enough for crampons on low angle slopes, and they are soled with a very sticky rubber that wraps around the toes like a climbing shoe. Gore TeX with Salewas wire fitting system. Awesome boot on low to mid 5th class.