There are no words to describe the sounds of ice climbing: kick, kick, step…repeat. All depends on the feet. To perform well and be precise when you rely on your feet so much, you need a pair of boots that is sturdy and sturdy. In order to make sure you stay warm and solid on your feet when climbing ice, we have compiled a list of the top ten best ice climbing boots!
There are single boots, double boots, leather boots, and plastic boots for everyone. No matter if you are just getting started in ice climbing or you are a pro on ice climbing; whether you are climbing in dry, warmer climates in the west or combating the more humid and cold climate in the east, we have a boot for you and get those ice climbing tools sharpened and get ready!
Check out this article for our top ice climbing gear recommendations!
THINGS WHICH YOU NEED TO CONSIDER WHILE BUYING A ICE CLIMBING BOOTS
COST
There is no doubt that a good ice climbing boot is not going to be cheap, but there are reasons for that. It all depends on the type of boot, whether it is plastic or leather, and whether it is single or double. So before purchasing a boot, know what you need. But when it comes to performance, and more importantly, to preventing frostbite, picking the right ice climbing boot is everything. So don’t cut corners while selecting a ice climbing boots.
WEIGHT
It is inevitable that a double boot will be heavier than a single boot, but synthetic materials have made these types of boots lighter. In general, plastic boots weigh a little more, but ensure your feet are warm and dry. You may want to consider the weight of your boots if you have a long, steep approach to your climb to avoid bulky boots that will hurt your calves, but you also need to make sure you have enough material to keep your feet warm and dry.
FIT
There are several factors that should be considered when selecting a boot that fits. However, in mountaineering context, there are several other factors to consider. Due to the bulkier socks (maybe more than one), you will need to get a larger size than your normal street size. In order to avoid sores, you do not want your feet cramped into a boot. You also want room to wiggle your toes to aid blood circulation, especially if you are standing on a belay.
CLOSURE
Ice climbing boots often have laces and zippers, but speed laces are even more popular. With them, you can get your boots on quickly and, more importantly, while wearing gloves. These days, many boots come with a single speed lace, which does not need to be tied at the end, but rather wraps around a fixed feature on the side to keep it in place. Another fast and easy option is zippers, which are commonly seen on the outer portion of boots with a built-in gaiter.
Some recommended ice climbing boots:
SCARPA PHANTOM TECH
SCARPA PHANTOM TECH
Specifications:
- CLOSURE: Quick Lace Inner and Zip-up Outer
- WEIGHT: 1 lb 15 oz
- SOLE: Vibram Zero Gravity
- WATERPROOF LINING: Outdry Membrane
- BOOT STYLE: Single
Features:
- Snow and ice are kept out of your boots by the built-in gaiter
- Boots with an inner lining that can be laced on and tightened quickly and easily
- Snap & Zip Closure Makes It Easy To Take On/Off
BEST FOR: OVERALL PERFORMANCE
In any ice condition between 6,000 meters and 8,000 meters, you can rely on the Scarpa Phantom Tech to perform well. A similar boot, the Phantom 6000, is designed for mountaineering, but it’s geared more towards going above 6,000 meters.
Scarpa Phantom Tech is only one boot, but it comes with an external boot gaiter which zips around the outer portion of the boot and can be closed by just one snap while wearing gloves. In addition, a tight-fitting gaiter will prevent snow or water from infiltrating. This feature makes this boot look like a double boot, but does not add so much weight.
Quick, single-speed lacing on the inside makes it easy to adjust the fit and prevents sliding, which can cause calf burn while climbing. Furthermore, as the soles on these boots are rigid rather than rockered, you don’t need an additional boot for hiking during the approach.
ASOLO EIGER GV
ASOLO EIGER GV
Specifications:
- CLOSURE: Zipper and Laces
- WEIGHT: 1 lb 13.8 oz
- SOLE: Vibram 1225 Mulaz
- WATERPROOF LINING: Gore-tex
- BOOT STYLE: Single
Features:
- A built-in gaiter protects your boots from snow or ice getting inside
- Added waterproof protection with tongue cover
- Tongue with padded support and comfort
BEST FOR: ICE AND MIXED CLIMBING
With the Eiger GV, Asolo has created a solid boot for ice climbing. A flexible ankle and a stiff sole make this boot suitable for approaches and dry tooling without crampons. These single boots are designed for precise toe placement on ice or in mixed conditions, since they are not bulky.
It has a built-in gaiter that closes with a simple zipper, so your laces and feet will stay dry and warm. Moreover, the boot’s tongue is waterproof as well, so you will always stay dry. This is not the warmest boot out there, but if you are in mixed conditions or dry tooling, the temperatures are mild enough that this boot excels.
LA SPORTIVA SPANTIK
LA SPORTIVA SPANTIK
Specifications:
- CLOSURE: One Speed Lace
- WEIGHT: 2 lb 7.8 oz
- SOLE: Vibram Montagna
- WATERPROOF LINING: Water Repellent External Coating
- BOOT STYLE: Double
Features:
- An ergonomic foot rocker designed to fit the natural arch of the foot for maximum comfort
- Easy on/off with single speed lace on inner and outer boot
- Velcro tabs on external speed laces for attachment to boots
BEST FOR: FRIGID ICE CLIMBING ADVENTURES
Who says double boots have to be bulky? La Sportiva Spantik is not the same. On climbs between 6000 and 7000 meters, this double boot will keep your feet warm and also enable you to move precisely. Despite being heavier than a single boot, the boot is becoming increasingly popular among women, particularly due to the added warmth. In addition, the single speed laces on the outer boot and inner liner ensure a secure fit so you will not slip or chafe on steep terrain.
Although the boot is water repellent on the outside, it is not waterproof, so be careful of puddles and water dams. But if you cover them with neoprene, they’ll keep you dry and warm even at higher elevations.
LA SPORTIVA NEPAL EVO GTX
LA SPORTIVA NEPAL EVO GTX
Specifications:
- CLOSURE: Laces
- WEIGHT: 4 lbs 19 oz
- SOLE: Vibram Rubber
- WATERPROOF LINING: Gore-tex Duratherm Synthetic
- BOOT STYLE: Single
Features:
- With a roller lacing system, locking D-rings, and lacing loops, you can put on and take off your shoes without removing your gloves
- EZ Out Pull Loops Make It Easier To Take Off Boots
- A more robust design for better edging
BEST FOR: LONG-TERM DURABILITY
With a well established reputation in the climbing community, the La Sportiva Nepal EVO GTX has proven itself every time. Among guides’ favorites, this boot is made from burly leather and waterproofed with Gore-Tex. In addition to the double lace closure, these boots feature rollers and locking D-rings that allow the laces to run smoothly, so you don’t have to tug or take your gloves off to adjust them. Additionally, when it’s time to remove the lace locks, the EZ out pull loops make it easy, eliminating the need for struggle.
The boot may not be the lightest out there, but it will last you several seasons, which is something you will appreciate after spending so much time and money breaking them in. The boot is however always going to be a bit stiff, which makes it ideal to edge across features. On frigid east coast days, it may not be the ideal choice because it is warm.
BOREAL STETIND
BOREAL STETIND
Specifications:
- CLOSURE: Laces and Zipper
- WEIGHT: 3 lbs 8.2 oz
- SOLE: Vibram Teton
- WATERPROOF LINING: Dry-line
- BOOT STYLE: Double
Features:
- Snow and water are kept out of the boots with a built-in gaiter
- They’re so easy to put on thanks to the pull and lace systems
- Inside, proprietary Thinsulation insulation adds warmth
BEST FOR: TECHNICAL ICE
The Boreal Stetind Boot is less well known, but is a lightweight boot that excels at handling extremely technical ice. Performance depends on how you stand and place your feet in these boots, since they are softer at the heels than most boots. It has a unique system of speed laces with a pull tab to make the inner boot snug and secure, while the outer boot can also be easily closed with a zipper.
With this boot, warmth is ensured. It comes equipped with a snow gaiter as well as three layers of Thinsulate insulation for warmth. Furthermore, because the boot has a heel-fitting system, your heel won’t slip out when climbing or approaching.
ARC’TERYX ACRUX AR
ARC’TERYX ACRUX AR
Specifications:
- CLOSURE: Zipper
- WEIGHT: 2 lbs 2 oz
- SOLE: Vibram AR
- WATERPROOF LINING: Gore-tex
- BOOT STYLE: Double
Features:
- Inner liners that are removable and interchangeable, sock-like
- Dry and warm feet with Gore-Tex lining
- Your boots are protected against water or ice by a built-in gaiter
BEST FOR: LIGHTWEIGHT PERFORMANCE
If Arc’teryx hadn’t designed a stellar ice climbing boot, where would we be? Ice climbing boots like the Arcux AR are among the lightest you can find. It is a double boot, too! The outer boot is reinforced with waterproof Gore-Tex to keep you dry and going fast. You can remove the inner boot for easy drying, just like a sock. The liners can also be replaced after every season because they are interchangeable.
The boot has a built-in gaiter to keep your feet dry, and it breathes extremely well, so no sweaty feet. As well as the closures, they are simple. Despite having a lace-up system, the inner boot has a tight zipper that’s easy to open with gloves on. Furthermore, the rigid design makes climbing steeper easier.
Conclusion
That is all we had stored for ice climbing boots. Hope we helped you in choosing the right boots for ice climbing. If you still have doubts kindly refer to the FAQ section. Make sure to choose your ice climbing boots wisely because shoes plays a major role in ice climbing.
