This B3 Mountaineering boot was bought with future expeditions in mind. Initially I got them for use in the Scottish Highlands in winter but with one eye on the Alps and hopefully further afield.
Being completely green in this area I was not sure what I was looking for in a good boot. I went to the old reliable 53 Degrees North in Carrickmines, tried on a few pairs, walked up and down the stairs etc... Luckily the salesman on the day knows his stuff and actually advised me to go to Snow and Rock in Dundrum where they sell the Nepal Extremes. I had been doing a little research beforehand and came across these boots, reviews of which were quite positive. Only the price tag put me off at around €370....
Nevertheless having tried them on I knew they were the boots I wanted and so I parted with the hard earned,not easily spared cash and got the boots. I was so excited to have finally gotten myself a pair of technical mountaineering boots that I actually wore them around the apartment for the following few days (sorry neighbors below us), I actually convinced myself I was breaking them in....
Unfortunately due to a prolonged knee injury I didn't have much opportunity pre Scotland to break in the boots properly, this was a big concern to me before heading off for a whole week of pretty intense climbing but armed with plenty of blister kits off I went anyway.
The other members on the trip were envious of my shining new boots on our first day out on the mountains but I was eager to get them dirty early and remove the new boot feel / look to them.
From the first time I wore them on the actual snow and ice I knew I would have no problems with blisters. They are supremely comfortable to wear and even the additional weight to what I am used to was not so much of a problem. The only issue I had was getting the right fit on the adjustable tongue but once sorted during a rest stop ceased to be a concern.
We spent 4 good days on the Mountains, 2 of which were 9 hour days and at no point in time did my feet feel any discomfort. They are extremely tough boots and feel like they will last for decades with some care and attention after the long trips abroad. The sole itself is Vibram which is synonymous with quality.
I would recommend getting these boots a size larger than your regular foot size to allow for wearing a thick mountaineering sock underneath. I have read online on other reviews that some people have experienced that these boots are not the warmest available but I cannot say I had this problem.
We used standard G12 Grivel Crampons but the boots are designed to take the cramp-o-matic design should you choose those instead, I have no preference either way. There are additional features to these boots that are above my head but are I am sure no less clever / useful.
I was told when I bought the boots that they should be tied very tight with no play or movement in the ankle. However I found this to be uncomfortable and did not allow for a natural foot movement or ankle roll when on the approach walk or traversing / contouring. I would advise allowing a little give if not on a technical section and if on a technical climb to then tie the laces up tight where a tight fit is needed for use with the crampon. That however is just a personal thing, fiddle around with them until you get the 'setting' that works best for you.
If anything these boots are a little above and beyond the requirement for a trip to the Scottish Highlands but don't let this be a reason to not get them. If you are at all considering a trip further afield than Scotland then these are an excellent boot choice. I really have no complaints about these boots...except for maybe the price but if nothing else will make you more regimented in the care and cleaning routine!!!
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