6 Best Women Mountaineering Boots Of 2021
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In This Article
Mountaineering boots are used for ice climbing, mixed rock and ice climbing, and crevasse and traverse rescue. Mountaineering mandates that you wear a pair of boots that can keep your feet warm, dry, and stable. Unlike ski boots, mountaineering boots allow for some flexibility.
Finding an ideal pair of mountaineering boots to suit your needs and accompany you on your next climb can be difficult. If you are looking for mountaineering boots for women, we have got you covered.
In this post, we bring you six of the best mountaineering boots for women to help you make the right selection.
Top Picks
6 Best Women Mountaineering Boots
1. Salomon Women’s Speedcross 4 CS W Trail Runner
The fourth-editionSpeedcross 4 CS W Trail Runner is designed for muddy and soft terrain and technical trails. The shoe offers cushioning, breathability, and protection while running on technical trails.
Pros
- Minimalistic and strong lace for one-pull tightening
- Easy to wear and remove
- Proprietary ClimaSalomonwaterproof membrane makes the shoe 100% waterproof
- Features an EVA midsole for comfort, a TPU chassis for stability, and the proprietary Contagrip outsole for protection and grip
Cons
- Could be high on your budget
- Has a narrow built
2. Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot
This is a comfortable boot that has been inspired in design by classic mountaineering boots. It is waterproof and engineered using a combination of full-grain leather and suede. The boot features a scratch rubber heel and a mesh tongue and is designed for transport over rocks, grass, gravel, and roots.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Doesn’t require much time for breaking in
- Proprietary TECHLITEmidsole offers long-lasting comfort and high energy return
- Lace-up closure provides a snug fit
- Omni-GRIP rubber outsole offers superior grip in almost any terrain
- Provides good ankle support
Cons
- Design of the toebox could have been better
- Can get hot in sunlight
3. Salewa Women’s Mountain Trainer Mid Leather Alpine Trekking Boot
This pair of mid-cut boots combines features associated with mountaineering boots and running shoes. It is supportive and protective like a mountaineering boot and light like a running shoe. In addition, it features a suede leather upper, which makes the boot durable and flexible.
The Gore-Tex liner on these boots ensures that no moisture reaches your feet even if your mountaineering expedition involves ice, snow, or rainfall. It also provides heat insulation.
Pros
- Solid lacing system
- 360-degree rubber that protects against all forms of abrasion
- Breathable boot is enhanced with Cleansport NXT, which prevents the build-up of odor-causing bacteria
- Comfortable due to the Bilight midsole and the nylon insole
- Vibram Maton outsoles ensure the feet remain firm on rocky terrains
- Can accommodate feet of different sizes and shapes as its midsole unit features the exclusive MultiFit Footbed plus
Cons
- Not much cushioning for the toes
4. Scarpa Women’s Mont Blanc Pro GTX Boot
This is a versatile and durable mountain boot that combines modern features with reliability. The sturdy boot features a tough leather upper with an integrated cuff gaiter that is designed to protect and perform over snow, ice, and mixed alpine terrain.
Pros
- Compatible with automatic and semi-automatic crampons
- Ribs technology distributes lace tensions evenly
- Vibram total traction sole offers maximum support
- Waterproof and lightweight boot
- Easy to wear due to the loops on its tongue and ankle area
- Suitable for those with broad feet
Cons
- Requires break-in time for the ankle area
- Non-removable tongue
5. XPETI Women’s Thermator – Mid High-Top Waterproof Boot
This women’s boot is designed for trips in snow or hikes in cold weather conditions.
Pros
- Waterproof mesh upper and hydroshield membrane ensure the feet are dry and warm
- Comfortable for long winter hikes
- Aggressive rubber sole grabs rocks and gives good traction
- Rubber toe offers cap protection
- Mesh lining wicks moisture
Cons
- Sizes may run smaller than expected
6. Scarpa Wrangell GTX Mountaineering boot
The Scarpa Wrangell GTX is a strong and sturdy mountaineering boot that performs well under strenuous loads and on rough and irregular terrains. It is a proven boot that offers protection and lasts long.
Pros
- Double Tongue and Pro-Felex XT insole provides cushioning
- Features an extra tall cuff that supports the ankles
- GORE-TEX waterproof lining protects the feet from wet conditions.
Cons
- Features a narrow toe area
How To Choose Mountaineering Boots?
Keep the following points in mind when choosing a mountaineering boot.
- Factor in the surface you will be covering—snow, ice, rock, or mixed ground. Choose boots that would be best suited to that terrain and its activities.
- Choose a boot that offers you the best fit. Do not forget to factor in room for your toes and heel lift.
- Try on boots in the afternoon. Our feet swell as we stand on them, so it is best to try on boots after you have been walking around for a few hours.
Safety Tips
- While selecting a mountaineering boot, keep in mind the nature of the slope. Flexible boots are more comfortable for light hikes and gentle slopes. However, they should be avoided for steeper slopes as they do not offer the same level of control.
- Make sure your mountaineering boots offer ankle support, stability, and grip.
- Always try on and wear your mountaineering boots before a trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are double boots?
Double boots are basically two-piece boots. They come with an inner thermal liner that fits inside an outer shell. They are typically warmer and heavier than single boots and suit trips that require long-term protection from cold weather. The inner liner can be removed and dried overnight in a sleeping bag.
2. Do you need mountaineering boots for crampons?
Yes, crampons do require mountaineering boots. They do not work with hiking boots. Crampons need a boot that is stiff, without which they won’t stay stuck to your boot safely. Crampons are traction devices that are attached to footwear to improve mobility during snow and ice climbing.
Mountaineering often involves long days of carrying heavy packs and using your feet in dynamic ways. Choosing the right mountaineering boot for your feet can make the difference between scaling a summit and having to call off the quest. We hope these boots tick all the right boxes for you.
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