La Sportiva Makula

Review Date
May 5, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Joe Biondolillo(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Alexandria Va

Price Paid:  $168.00 at bentgate

Summary:
These boots are great, extremely waterproof. The lacing system prevents my toes from smashing into the front and keeps them snug against the back. Have a bit of a problem with the left boot pressing against the top of my toes when they bend. I'm still breaking them in and hopefully it will go away.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
February 24, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: EJ(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Taunton,ma,usa

Price Paid:  $250.00 at eastern mountain sports

Summary:
these boots are hard on ur feet but will last many years the first day got them i tryed to drive home from the store with them on and had two very sore feet but once u break them in they fit like a glove crampons work good on these boots

Review Date
February 13, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: George Little(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Euless, TX

Price Paid:  $190.00 at Mountain Hideout

Summary:
The Makula is a tough boot kind of scary at first (I had only a short break period before my trip). I didn't blister and it offered superior support over rocky tough terrain. Now that they are broke in the fit like a glove. I wear them even when I'm not packing or climbing.

Similar Products Used:
Montrail Moraines

Review Date
November 29, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Josh Brittain(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Stillwater, OK

Price Paid:  $220.00 at local outfitter

Summary:
For the M-Hikes. A very sturdy, supportive boot. I haven't had any problems breaking them in like some of the other reviewers. No blisters, no problems of any kind. The rough uppers resist scrapes and scratches and are quite waterproof. the vibram biffida sole is stiff enough for any trail you can find but has just enough flex to make it comfortable. I really like the lace locks at the ankles, they make it easy to get the perfect fit. I have really flat feet and like the fit of these boots- no huge arch support to get in way like many others. Also, they have a pretty wide toe. I plan on wearing these boots for a long time. They are a little pricey, but they are worth it.

Customer Service:
I talked to them about getting the makalu vs. the M-Hike. They were prompt in returning my e-mail and really know their product.

Similar Products Used:
just at the store- the M-Hikes were far better fit for me.

Review Date
July 30, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Michael A. Lindsey(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Shasta Lake, CA, USA

Summary:
The LaSportiva Makalu is specifically desinged for the environment of the mountain, not the approach to the mountain. If you break this rule with these boots, you will pay the price with the worst blisters that you can picture on your heels. They are made stiff because that helps with crampon placement. If you use these for what they are intended for, they will perform perfectly. If your looking for a boot that is rugged and well made this is one to consider. I warn you, however that if you have a long approach to the mountain, dont start out with these boots, use one of LaSportiva's approach shoes (like the boulder) they are light and flexible enuff for two week approaches to the climb. Remember, no one boot is universal, meaning you need a specific boot for what you are doing, moreover, the Makalu is your choice for the mountain environment only. As you read the other entries, notice they all talk aboit breaking the boot in, look, these boots are made to be stiff and stay stiff, if you walk with them and try to break them in, that will make them flexible, but they will then not function well with crampons!!! ( assuming you are in serious terrain ).

Customer Service:
LaSportiva is a very patient company, they will give you advice and guide you with making decisions, I had no problem dealing with them. Thye are aware of the quality of their product.

Similar Products Used:
I like to use my LaSportive Boulder approach shoes and carry my Maks on my pack, when I arrive at the climb, I am blister free. The boulders are light and flexible. Also I like LaSportiva's Tibet GTX for backpacking, however with heavy loads I use the Makalu Hiker type or my Danner Ranier Welt boots. I never , never ,never us one boot for everything, and my feet thank me for it.