SummitPost.org

I have always been an avid backcountry skier out west so plenty of above treeline experience, but now that I live in New England I find myself more drawn to just hiking. I have never been much of a winter hiker outside of skiing so I am a newb in terms of equipment, and I tend to get cold toes as well.

I am going to try to climb all the 4kers in New England this winter and have no idea what boots I will really need. Probably don't need full on crampon compatibility, I think I will be OK with microspikes for the routes I have in mind. Any recs on a good set of winter hiking boots that will get me to the top of all the 4kers through the winter in New England without frozen toes?

Thanls

Sorels have always worked great for me....as long as you aren't going to try to front point up a waterfall....

The biggest winter challenge in the east is the variability in the weather. One week you can have beastly cold and windy conditions above treeline. The next week you can have a thaw with dangerously high stream crossings. Just have to be patient and adjust expectations and plans to the current conditions. Welcome to the East!

You will *likely* be fine with microspikes but I'd carry real crampons anyway, at least until you have more experience predicting the trail conditions based on weather, route, and recent traffic. Strap-on crampons will work (better than microspikes, anyway) on almost any boot that can hold microspikes.

As for boots, that's quite individual. I've used un-insulated leather workboots for years, but my feet sweat real easily. I find that if I regulate my core temperature, my fingers and toes take care of themselves (as long as they're not exposed to the wind).

I'd been reading and heard of Gore-Tex fabric. Supposed to be waterproof and breathable. They can also be insulated. As for brands, I know nothing.

Don't get me started on a gore-tex rant again. Just do a forum search here. Overrated, and particularly useless for boots, especially insulated boots. Not that it's harmful, which is good because it's everywhere these days, but not something you should be seeking out.