Boots
That's not the first strong endorsement I have heard about the Merrell Winterras. Everyone I have met that uses them likes them, and rarely (if ever) complains about cold feet.
Three boots come to mind with regards to being good hikers, insulated, and capable of accepting step-in crampons. Admittedly, I haven't hiked in any of them, but they look promising.
Fiamma Karbo GTX. Lightest of the three.
Mountain Lite Karbo GTX. The only full leather boot of the three. Probably the warmest, but also the heaviest and most expensive of the three.
Raichle All-Degree Pro GTX. Unfortunately, the link for these boots has recently been removed from the Raichle website. I hope that doesn't mean they are discontinuing these boots. Although, that could be a good thing if they end up on Sierra Trading Post. These boots were by far the most affordable ($215 retail) and quite light as well.
All three of these boots used a Goretex Duratherm lining, like that in the LaSportiva Lhotse, which would also be another good choice in this category, although heavier, and more expensive I believe. Good luck finding a retail location where any of these boots are sold. If you do, please let me know. I suspect it will be mail order only.
Although all of these boots have both front and rear welts, some manufacturers may suggest not using a front bail on some lighter weight boots, but the rear bail would not be a problem. The issue is that the lighter weight boots may flex slightly, allowing the complete step-in crampon (front and rear bail) to pop off, perhaps at the worst possible time. See the
Grivel New-Matic binding for an example of a strap on the front and a bail on the rear. It is worth contacting the manufacturer to see what they advise.
These boots all have complete rubber rands, as well, and hence will take an insulated supergaiter; a nice option for those brutally cold winter days. Based on price, weight, and the ability to add a supergaiter, the Raichle All-Degree Pro GTX would probably be my first choice (assuming they fit well). The boots would work nicely for mid to late fall and early to mid spring hiking as well, when there is no snow cover at lower elevations, but snow and ice at higher elevations.
The
Cabela's Winter Gear Boot also looks promising, but will not take step-in crampons and may not be as well suited to hiking on trails once the snow cover is gone at lower elevations.
John
