La Sportiva Tibet GTX

Review Date
December 6, 2001

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: cowtrekker(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Hong Kong

Price Paid:  $150.00 at Hong Kong

Summary:
This is my first pair of Lasportiva and I got a high expectation. This pair of boots is good looking, great in support and comfort, even when I got a heavy load on my back. I didn't get blisters at all during my one month trekking trip in Nepal and didn't twist my ankles. (I twist my ankles easily in other boots or trail shoes.) However, the gluing between the toe box and the rand is really poor. Gaps between the rand and the toe box region appeared after the first time I wore them, just for an easy hike. I brought them back to the mountaineering shop where I bought them and the salesman there said that it is normal and I can glue them with some quick glue. I did it accordingly but the next time I wore them for another easy hike, it happened again. It came worse, that those gaps just extended over the whole rand, when I was trekking in Nepal. I glued them almost every week in the trip since I was afraid that the whole outsole would come apart finally. Another problem is that the waterproofing ability of the boots. They are Goretex lined but they are not working up to as stated, "Guaranteed to keep you dry". I found that my toes and balls were covered by wet socks after hikes under heavy rain or treks on snow-covered trail. Obviously, the water penetrated the toe box. I don't think I will buy another Lasportiva next time I need a pair of serious boots.

Customer Service:
Poor customer service since they don''t encourage you to send them back to the factory of the manufacturer.

Similar Products Used:
Boreal

Review Date
May 9, 2001

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Chris Dixon(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Brisbane, Australia

Price Paid:  $150.00 at K2 basecamp in Brisbane

Summary:
Felt great out of the box, and unlike other reviewers I had no real break in time. My complaint is that after 4 months of constant wear the leather has streched too much, therefore offering reduced support, and it looks like my boots are too big for my feet. I've partially fixed the problem with a thick insole.
Other than this, they've been great, hard wearing, fantastic while trekking in Nepal.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
January 17, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: W. Dudek(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Columbus, Ohio

Price Paid:  $195.00 at Benchmark Outfitters

Summary:
Getting new boots one month before a big trip was a big concern. However, these boots felt great out of the box and ~300 miles later they have exceeded all my expectations. The grip has been excelent and the stability of the sole was perfect for climbing without giving up anything for the long flat treks. I did 13 days in the jungles of South America and althought it was hot and sticky I did not notice any overheating problems with the boots. Basically, when these wear out I will buy a second pair without question.

Customer Service:
No problems to report

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
November 22, 2000

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Kurt Caligari(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Malta

Price Paid:  $155.00

Summary:
I've had these boots for two years now. I've been on five long expeditions and i think that they still haven't broken in very well.

They are extremely hot (I hike in a 10-25 degrees celcius climate). Quite heavy too.

I have blister-prone feet and these boots haven't helped my alleviate my pains for now. However never suffered any blisters on my heels, as other reviewers.

However, great supportive boots. No complaints about any water leakage or build quality.

I think it's too much boot for 50 mile treks. Definitley a boot for rough terrain, long hauls and heavy loads.

But i'll stick with them with the hope that they'll break in some time or another.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
July 19, 2000

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Ralf Schultz(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Ølsted, Denmark

Summary:
This is an okay boot, but it was not as durable as I had hoped. I have had mine for 2 years now, and they are totaly worn out, some seems have loosened and the Gore-Tex is penetrated manny places. The first hole apered after about 1.5 years of hard use.
I have never been really good friends with theese boots, it went serval months before i stopped getting blisters, and now and then I have had some other problems with my feets, because of the not so perfect fit.
The mileage of thees boots are well over 2000 km, so I really dont think that I have anything really negative to say about them.

Similar Products Used:
None