I was hesitant on getting these boots so I read these reviews and I decided to give it a try. I got them off of Siera Trading Post for $100.00 and I got the last pair in my size and foot width. It's hard to choose between leather and plastic and I suggest that you do some extra research in comparing the two. A good pair of boots are worth more than gold and it might take buying 2 or 4 pair before you find the ones that were made for your foot. A different feature of the boot is the scree shield as mentioned in another review. I like it for the extra protection even if it looks dumb! I like the sole because it is stiff enough to hit the vertical ice with and yet soft enough that hiking isn't like walking in ski boots. The down side is the old school laces. Another pair that I own have the little ball barings that spin easy and make the fit perfect. These only have metal loops that don't let the strings slide easy. Consiquently I have to use my nut tool to get them tight. Once they are tight though it's like heaven on earth. They feel good, warm, dry, and I like them. I'm sure there are better boots out there I just don't have the cash to try them all. I also can't complaine about the price I paid. My advice is to go into the store and try on all the boots you can. Do not make your decision based on price. You'll get burnt for sure.

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I've owned Tecnica Altitude, enough 5.10's to fill a truck, Borael's, and Vasque's

I originally owned the L.L. Bean Mountain Guides but, unfortunately, after two years both soles on my boots split right under the balls of both feet. They were an excellent pair of boots though, and the best thing about them was the Vibram sole with the full-length steel shank. I like them so much that I called Bean to see if they still sold that model….they do not. I did a lot of searching on the internet for the same exact sole and “rough-out” style of leather uppers and the closest I could find were a couple models made by Vasque. I selected the H2 even though it did not have the Gore-Tex liner like the Bean Mountain Guides had. I use the boot for fast-paced daily hikes in Michigan through the cold-weather months and when it is so muddy that I have to wear a waterproof boot. These boots have the same sturdy, rigid feel that the Bean Mountain Guides had and have the best traction of any boot that I have ever used in over a decade of hiking. The only problem I am having with the H2’s is that the back of my left heel is rubbing severely against the inside of the boot—one time it rubbed the skin off right down to the muscle! I am working to remedy the problem through tightening my laces a different way and using some Gold-Bond powder in three places inside the sock, on the back of the sock and inside the boot in the contact area---so far everything has been working out pretty well. I wear smartwool socks and have gelatin inserts under my feet to prevent/delay any impact-related problems. The only drawbacks are the weight of the boots and the boot is a little uncomfortable when hiking on sections of hard-packed trail. I am willing to accept two minor discomforts in exchange for a sturdy, very stable, good gripping, and, hopefully, long lasting boot!

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L.L. Bean Mountain Guides L.L. Bean day hikers-several pair Timberland Gore-tex field boots Timberland Iditarod boots Hi-Tech boots with 6" uppers Military-Issue Jungle Boots

used 2000 season on ingraham route rainier w/neoprene vbl agreed not particularly warm but us size 11w fit my fat 38 year old foot superbly and required little break-in time. next year will continue to use asolo afs's above 10,000

Customer Service

special order from Minnesota and retailer(red wing) paid next day air ($23.00)and threw in liner sock

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Asolo afs 8000,koflach vertecal,La Sportiva karakoram(k3)

As is true of all boots, fit is the key. The H2 fit my size 13, high-arched, medium wide feet very well with minimal break in, the only modification being the addition of Saluber leather insoles to replace the stock ones. The H2 is a stiff boot. Even my 275 unloaded pounds causes very little flex in the soles. Which makes for very solid front-pointing (the hypalon toe cap is appreciated). However, the soles have enough rocker to make the approach pretty cofortable. Swapping back and forth with my brother for his La Sportiva Makalu's showed just how much more serious a boot the H2 is. Even on easy snowfields we both prefered the H2's rock solid support and precise feel. Forget about the claims for insulation, this is not a warm boot!