La Sportiva K2

Review Date
December 13, 1999

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.50 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: Sparky(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Seattle, WA

Summary:
I have had two pairs of these boots. The first pair, while climbing Mt. Shuksun, had the right-hand bottom outside eyelet pull out and I had to stuff some duct tape in the hole to keep the snow out. Kind of a drag before the final summit morning. I took them back and got another pair. This second pair caused blisters on my heels and my feet to hurt. Sure enough, the same eyelet on the second pair of K2s started twisting and pulling out. I also ended up taking this pair back. The boots are stiff and somewhat heavy and not good for day hikes or backpacking. The only thing these boots have going for them is the Vibram sole.

Unfortunately, I would not recommend these boots to anyone unless their feet are made of steel or covered in calluses. Thinking of how much your feet are killing you at 2:00AM at 10,000+ feet is not a enjoyable experience.

Customer Service:
None

Similar Products Used:
Bought a pair of Koflach Vertical plastic boots for glacier climbing and a pair of Merrell M2 Grand Traverse boots for the other stuff.

Review Date
September 13, 1999

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Reviewed by: Danny Nathan(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Clayton, MO, USA

Summary:
This is a superb boot, provided that you need this much boot. I would not reccomend this boot at all for simple backpacking. In fact, the only time I use mine are in mountaineering situations. They are great. They are perfect for those warmer weather jaunts and hold a pair of crampons very well. When plastic boots arent necessary, the K2's fill in very nicely. They don't feel clunky either which is a big plus!

Customer Service:

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
September 12, 1999

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Jon(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from MO

Summary:
Previous reviews say it all! made for the big guys

Customer Service:

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
August 23, 1999

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: SLG(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Canada

Summary:
Amazing boot. Hi-top, fully gussetted full grain leather to keep the feet dry. Definately a heavier boot suitable for larger guys. With a 60 pound pack and gear I weigh 325 pounds and the boots can take it in stride :) over the most technical hiking terrain. For wider feet they're great with lots of wriggle room in the toe box. Great sole and good lace pattern.

Customer Service:
I called the company when I was looking for boots and they phoned several local retailers to confirm stock - then they called me back and told me which stores had what I was looking for. Unbelievable!

Similar Products Used:
Other La Sportivas and many other boots (Meindle, Reichle, Merrell, etc.)
I owned a wonderful pair of Meindle's for 28 years - three soles but otherwise indestructible. I felt their current quality was not up to my needs this time.

Review Date
July 7, 1999

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Michele Gilbert(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Seattle, WA USA

Summary:
Even though these are ""men's boots"" I really like them a lot. The original K2's (they have been updated since my pair) did leak around the welt which I have to periodically reseal. The boots do smear and edge pretty well for alpine climbing despite the long shank. Overall a very good boot, though keep an eye on the welt if you climb in them.

Customer Service:

Similar Products Used:
None