Mountain climbing boots are one of the most important items that you have to have in mind for a safe adventure.
If you are getting ready for your first (or next) mountain climbing adventure, you will have to ensure that your mountaineering boots are the adequate ones as they will prevent you from falling and freezing.
Background
You need to take time to choose boots that will not only ensure your comfort and safety but also, will be long lasting.
Mountaineering is a strenuous exercise that requires professional gear to scale various terrains. The criteria for choosing mountaineering boots is determined by your level of experience and the terrain you wish to conquer.
You may also have to consider the climbing season to determine if you should get summer or winter mountaineering boots.
Advanced mountaineers that have honed the skills to scale challenging mountains have to use technical mountaineering boots that are designed for such terrain.
Other important criteria in choosing the specific pair of mountaineering boots include the material they are made of, the profile shape, stiffness (specially the out sole), and weight.
In general, mountain climbing boots can be classified as B0, B1, B2 and B3. For now, we are going to discuss the last 3 categories.
What are B1 Mountaineering Boots?
B1 mountaineering boots are designed for all 4 seasons and are ideal for going on long mountainous distances.
The midsole is semi stiffed for great support and stability and the exterior is often made of leather or fabric.
B1 boots combine with C1 crampons to increase stability and safety especially when climbing on precarious terrain.
What are B2 Mountaineering Boots?
B2 mountaineering boots are suited for winter and wet conditions. They have stiffer mid and upper soles to provide great support and their exterior is also thicker and warmer.
Insulated mountaineering boots are B2 boots because they are meant to provide extreme protection in cold and wet conditions.
B2 boots are designed with a heel ledge that enables them fit onto C2 crampons.
What are B3 Mountaineering Boots?
B3 boots are for advanced mountaineering on a wide range of terrain. Ice climbing and technical mountaineering boots fall in this category.
To withstand the tough terrain, B3 mountaineering boots have extremely stiff soles and exteriors. In addition, they are designed with heel and toe ledges to fit onto C3 crampons.
Always take your time to choose the right mountain climbing boots because it will make a huge difference whether you have a great experience climbing or a really bad one.
Six Facts that you need to Consider to take the Right Choice about Mountain Climbing Boots.
Now, lets discuss these six (6) fact that you, at least, have to keep in mind to buy the boots that are going to keep you comfortable, safe and warm.
1. Gathering Information About the Summit
The phrase “Mountain Climbing” cloud seem a little bit general and is applied to all types of trekking and climbs for mountainous regions.
In order to have the best experience while trekking or climbing a mountain, it is important to choose the appropriate footwear for the type of mountain destination. For example, if you choose to wear your day-to-day hiking boots for mountain climbing during the winter season, it is not probable that your boots will give you the stability and balance when dealing with slippery slopes.
2. Water-resistant Boots
Can you remember a day when you went out and all of the sudden, a big rain caught you out unguarded and your socks got wet? Well, imaging that sensation multiplied 10 times because you are climbing a very cold mountain.
Your mountaineering boots MUST always be waterproof . Keep in mind that your feet, somehow, are interconnected with all you body and having wet soggy sock and wet shoes cold can also affect the overall temperature of your body.
3. Heavy or Light Boots
It is important that you find boots so lightweight that you feel like you are wearing your flip-flops while climbing on tough grounds. Less weight on the foot will help you to climb more easily and at a steady speed.
4. Finding the Right Size
Always choose the right boots that fit you best. Finding the right size, usually takes time and could be tedious, especially, if you have an odd-sized foot. Nevertheless, whatever time you expend on this task, rest assure that it is very well spent.
A wrong size can easily cause discomfort during the trekking and lead to painful complications.
5. Using the Right Socks
Keep in mind that, your socks will play an important roll when choosing the mountain climbing boots size. If the plan is to wear thick socks (because you are planning to climb a mountain where temperatures are very low), then this will make your feet look bigger.
On the other hand, if the plan is to wear thin shocks (because the mountain is located in a tropical region), then you boots will feel a bit loose. This fact, could be much easier to handle, as you will have always the option of adding another set of socks.
6. Test your Mountain Climbing Boots
Once you have found the boots that you are comfortable with, make sure you give them a good test before the real deal. Walk around and do the sort of movements that you will be doing while trekking (e.g, sudden and hard stops put some pressure on your foot fingers). You can even do one or two of your fitness workouts in them.
Go for a downhill path then traverse this as well. If you still feel comfortable, then you have chosen the proper mountaineering boots.
There are many brands that design the various categories of mountaineering boots. It is of great importance to ensure that you get the right fit.
Some people require mountaineering boots for wide feet to ensure comfort and prevent developing blisters and toe bang.
Final Thoughts
You might find that some brands may not have wide widths and it is best to fit into your boot and ensure comfort before you buy it. For wide feet, look for brands that specifically design boots with this consideration.
Experienced mountaineers advise that you break into your mountaineering boots before going to the actual mountain climbing.
Breaking into your mountain climbing boots ensures that you get used to walking in them and even realize any adjustments you might need to make such as getting insoles for extra feet support.
