The Makalu is a great snow and crampon boot but too stiff and heavy for trail use. The heel and toe grooves make putting crampons on and off an easy task with gloves and frozen fingers. The rand sole construction keeps the moisture out the speed lacing system makes tightening the boot easy.

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Raichle Rotunda

The break in period for these boots took almost a year. They have between 80 to 100+ miles on them, and they are just now starting to become comfortable to wear. Black Diamond Sabertooth crampons work flawlessly with these boots. This past winter on a snow trip, my teammates were constantly adjusting their "strap" crampons every
so often, and I never once had to adjust or re-attach my crampons. They are an excellent "all around" boot.

Customer Service

My experience with La Sportiva during the pre-purchase process was great. I was able to get my questions answered in a timely manner using email.

The Makalu is a great boot for summits that are muddy on the approach, but icy on top. Crampons work well and the Cluzak rubber sole is super durable. However the break in time is long and arduous and I still lose patches of skin occasionally.

Best buy out there. Stiff out of the box with 3mil leather. But, great all around the mountain boot. Would not recommend for day hikes or walking. Crampon compatibility is nice. Down side: Distributor sent wrong size. No problems!

i have used my makalus for about two months now they are great! the break in time is a bit long but they fit so well i have no blisters as of yet the boots are a little too flexable for front pointing but great for heavy backpacking and snow shoeing a bit spendy also

These are the best damn boots I've ever owned. The next best pair are the K3's (insulated). Once they are broken in, may take a while, the are very comfortable. They keep your feet dry and relaxed. I can actually climb faster with these boots than any others I've owned. ascents and descents are easier and faster because if the rigidity of the sole. The will not collapse even with 65 lbs of gear on your back. And the K3s are just exactly the same except they are toasty warm even down to -20f. They lace up easily and stay tight on your feet. I haven't re-water proofed either one of them in the past 3 years. If you are serious about climbing mountains, long treks with alot of weight on your back or just a day hike and you want great footing, comfort, reliability these boots are the best! Oh ya did I mention they need to be broken in first.... These boots will last the average person a life time of smiles.

Customer Service

Never had to deal with the manufactuers.... thats a good thing.

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Vasque, Merrel, Soloman

Love 'em! Best all 'round boots I've ever had. Bought them for winter romps, camping and a bit of east coast climbing, but after a month of VT spring use (snow, deep mud, lots of moving water) I use them anytime I'll be off a well worn trail and want good support . Break in was not as bad as some describe, but still a haul for a few days and about 60 miles. Now they fit perfectly. Replaced the footbeds immediately. Spent many days in off and on downpour where my feet alone stayed dry. Love these boots.

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Salomon
Scarpa

These are my first boots and I was a little apprehensive about getting them after reading some of the negative reviews on this website. I just got back (5/13) from the Robinson Lake/University Peak area in the Sierras. Tons of snow and it DUMPED the second day. These boots are awesome. Very comfortable and warm. Great for kicking steps and fantastic purchase when scrambling over granite. I'm a rookie but these boots exceeded my expectations. My break in period was one week wearing them at night around the house. My only trouble was a little sore spot on the outside of my left foot. My opinion is that it was because my left foot is size 46.5 and my right is a 47. I bought 47s. A little moleskin solved the problem. FN - The price was a discount offered by American Express. The boots weren't on sale.

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None

I have had these boots for five years and wore them every day in the summers and often in the fall and spring in all conditions. Snow, Rain, Rock it doesn't matter these boots are unbelievable. They waterproof very well (finding that snowseal and nikwax combo works best), and are indestructible.
I have outlasted many of friends with these boots and would gladly buy another pair....mine are the old ones with the leather liners however and it would be hard to give them up.....
I work with the Vancouver Island Marmot Recovery Foundation on Vancouver Island British Columbia, and these boots have provided a stable foundation in the alpine more than once for me. Highly recommended!!

Customer Service

I worked at an outdoors store and the need for warrenty wasn't there with these boots.

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None

This is an outstanding boot for both hard corps mountaineering as well as back country aproach. I have heard of the 100+ mile break in time and I can agree but to a certain extent. The key is how you lace the boot and how well you fit it. The lace lockdown system is great, it enable to to keep your heel down and the boot tight around you ankle for more support while still allowing you breathing room in you feet and vise versa for apraoch or trail movement you can loosen the upper to allow ankle movement wthout sacrificing foot movement.I did about 15-20 miles on them brand new will little problems. I did get hot spots but no blisters. If you use this boot in a winter mountain enviroment you will need some sort of thermal socklayer or over boot. If you expect to dabble in alot of colder/winter mountaineering, I suggest the K3 due to the thinsulate liner.

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