La Sportiva Baruntse Mountaineering Boot

We’ve read the reviews across the web for the La Sportiva Baruntse Mountaineering Boot and summarize the results below:

Universal Ranking

PeakScore: 90 (out of 100)
User Rating: 4.4 stars 
Expert Rating: 4.7 stars

Number of Ratings Reviewed: 48

Pros & Cons

Reasons to buy:

User Reviews

  • Boot is warm and durable.
  • Reasonable wear-and-tear after a few years.
  • Suitable for most non-technical peaks.
  • Very few reports of issues with break-in or blisters forming.
  • Easy to get on and off allowing for efficiency.
  • Internal liner allows you to adjust your fit depending on your foot shape.
  • No reports of the boot banging on the front of the shins.

Expert Reviews

  • Fully-insulated and rigid-soled boot that isn’t bulky or clunky.
  • Easier to lace and a bit more sensitive than plastic mountaineering boots.
  • Liner comes out for quicker drying times.
  • The synthetic fabric is polyurethane-coated, allowing for waterproofing.
  • The Cordura tongue keeps out precipitation and debris.
  • Vibram tread works well on a variety of surfaces.
  • The laces are easy to use, and easy to replace.
  • The heel and toe sections keep the shoes compatible with most crampons, allowing for versatility.
  • Fit leaves almost no room in the heel for rubbing or movement.
  • The rigid sole and mid-soles allow for easy fitting to crampons.
  • Versatile enough to use for ice climbing, snowboarding, and mountaineering efficiently.
  • Great price for the value you get.

Reasons NOT to buy:

User Reviews

  • The toe box is narrow which may not suit some foot shapes.
  • Instructions for heat molding the liner is confusing and tedious.
  • The boot is heavy since it is so burly.
  • Not the comfiest shoe for ice climbing or most suitable.

Expert Reviews

  • Might not be the best option for those with very narrow or very wide feet.
  • Might be too warm for climbs in hotter weather.
  • Can cause some arch discomfort, based on your individual foot shape and gait.
  • The sole is lower quality compared to the rest of the boot, and may need replacing.
  • Heavier than some other boot options on the market.

Summary:

The La Sportiva Baruntse Mountaineering Boot is a heavy-duty, durable, insulated, and weatherproof option that is best suited for intense mountaineers or alpine athletes who want a boot that fits like a glove. Those with wide or narrow feet should make sure the fit is correct first and some may find this boot too heavy, but for a burly and warm boot mountaineering boot, this is a top choice.

Multimedia:

Note: User and expert rankings were reviewed across the web. Some expert reviews include these: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.